Is the Electric Macan Still a Porsche?

On paper, with over 600 horsepower and an immediately recognizable look, the Macan has everything to appeal. But does it have a Porsche soul?

Wearing a Porsche badge isn’t enough to captivate a demanding clientele, raised on the sound of Flat 6 engines. As an SUV and electric vehicle, can it renew the miracle of the Taycan, whose legitimacy within the lineup is no longer in doubt?

As Porsche’s best-selling model worldwide, the compact SUV had no choice but to go electric. It could have certainly delayed this a bit longer, but the constraints on heavy thermal engines condemned it in any case in the very short term. In France, fewer than 100 units were sold in 2023 due to an insane tax penalty that doubled its price upon leaving the dealership.

So, how to make electric driving more palatable? Simply by compensating for the lack of sound with unparalleled sportiness, while offering absolute daily comfort.

The compact electric SUV is equipped with the latest generation of permanent magnet synchronous motors. The Macan 4 delivers a very respectable 408 hp, but if that’s not enough, the Macan Turbo offers 639 horsepower with a staggering 1,130 Nm of torque. That allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds.

Relatively compact at 4,784 mm long, 1,938 mm wide, and 1,622 mm high, the Macan benefits from an extended wheelbase of 86 mm compared to the previous generation, ensuring improved sporty handling with reduced overhangs. The very low center of gravity thanks to the battery architecture is complemented by an ideal balance point. On paper, it should be formidable, but it all depends on the chassis being up to the task.

The Macan 4 and Macan Turbo are offered with all-wheel drive thanks to two electric motors controlled almost in real-time by an ultra-fast electronic transmission management system. It responds to slipping in less than 10 ms. Additionally, the distribution of power to all four wheels is determined by the selected driving mode. This guarantees optimal traction and lateral dynamic stability, but if that’s not enough, you can opt for the optional rear-wheel steering. With a maximum steering angle of 5°, they enhance low-speed maneuvering as well as quick cornering placement.

Finally, the Macan features Porsche Driver Experience, which includes a head-up display with augmented reality functions. Visually, the image appears to the driver as if it were 10 meters away. The visual representation matches an 87-inch screen size. Perfect for focusing on optimal trajectories with a clear mind.

The remaining concern is noise, and on this point, Porsche will never be able to satisfy nostalgic fans of the flat-six engine. The brand does not seek to do so and excludes any artificial noise generators. By tuning the electric motors like exhaust systems, Porsche manages to generate a completely natural sound that is immediately recognizable as sporty.

In terms of pricing, there’s no doubt we’re in the exclusive territory. The Macan 4 is offered in France starting at €86,439, and the Macan Turbo from €118,910. First deliveries are planned for the second half of 2024.

In conclusion, this Macan is a technological feat designed with a centennial mindset. Not only is it a true Porsche, but it also projects the brand’s soul into the future. That’s Porsche magic.

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