2024 Porsche Macan EV: Powerful Electric Gamble
| Strong points |
|
|---|---|
| Weak points |
|
With close to 850,00 units sold since its introduction, the Porsche Macan is undeniably a top player in Porsche’s lineup, namely because it has long represented the gateway to the prestigious range as the more accessible model. However, production of its gas-powered versions is slowly coming to an end, jeopardizing its much-appreciated affordability. In many European countries, the sale of the gas-powered Macan has been dropped for legislative compliance reasons. Hence, the second-generation Macan is now strictly electric.
The Car Guide visited the Côte d'Azur in the south of France to discover the first two models of this new electric Porsche Macan.
A More Energetic Appearance
At first glance, the new electric Macan looks bulkier than the gas model, with its wheelbase extended by 86 millimetres. But in terms of overall exterior dimensions, it's pretty much the same. The new front end particularly stands out with split-level headlights with optional LED matrix technology. The thing to remember about the Macan's physique is its drag coefficient of just 0.25, which is important for aerodynamics and range.
The Macan's interior is (unsurprisingly) more digital than ever. The gearshift lever has been moved from the centre console to the right of the steering wheel, freeing up space for some much-appreciated manual controls. While Porsche has introduced a more predominant head-up display in this new Macan, one could find it intrusive while driving. Luckily, the new curved 12.6-inch instrument cluster behind the steering wheel is clear and precise.
The 10.9-inch central screen uses the latest iteration of Porsche's infotainment system which, has made a lot of progress in recent years. A few small navigation system hiccups aside, this system delivers with speed and functionality.
Following another major industry trend, Porsche has introduced an optional 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger. This one can be used to adjust media settings and broadcast video content. And as is the case with other manufacturers, its relevance is questionable - centre screen right next to it gets the job done.
Otherwise, the interior of this Macan is very spacious. The front seats hug the body as if they had been designed by a tailor, with all the support that goes with it. There's even more cargo space than in the gasoline-powered Macan, with a 540-liter rear cargo hold and an additional 84 litres in the frunk.
Surgical Performance and Handling
The new electric Macan is based on the PPE platform shared with Audi. This houses a 100 kWh battery, 95 kWh of which is usable. Interestingly, the battery is made up of 12 modules that can be removed independently if one fails, avoiding the need for a complete replacement. This state-of-the-art energy source powers a pair of motors positioned on each axle and can deploy a charging power of 270 kW, one of the highest in the industry. This translates into a sprint from 10 to 80% in 21 minutes at the DC fast-charging station.
Official range figures haven’t been announced just yet, but they are estimated at around 600 kilometres according to the European cycle, depending on the model. In North American EPA parlance, they will be closer to 500 kilometres.
The first two variants in the catalogue are the Macan 4, with 402 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, and the Macan Turbo, with 630 hp and 833 lb-ft of torque. Yes, the word Turbo - however incoherent - is still part of the package, as Porsche nomenclature dictates.
In any of its variants, the Macan must be taken very seriously when it comes to the acceleration. The Turbo variant in next-level bonkers on this front, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.3 seconds. But both models have their own drivetrain characteristics. The two front engines are identical - but the Macan Turbo's rear engine is more powerful and comes with torque vectoring technology and a virtually locking differential.
Porsche has gone all out on the chassis, as is the case with everything that comes out of its stables. The electric Macan’s centre of gravity is 140 mm lower than the gasoline-powered model, and is equipped as standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with two-valve technology. As a result, the Macan never lets its weight show with virtually no body roll, even though it tips the scales at 2,430 kg. In this respect, the Turbo model can count on a weight distribution of 48% at the front and 52% at the rear.
The manufacturer has tuned the steering for optimum precision, especially on the Turbo model, which is equipped with the even more advanced Power Steering Plus system. What's more, the Macan is offered for the first time with optional rear-wheel steering, which can be a life saver in small city streets.
Despite breathtaking acceleration, it’s hard to say goodbye to the traditional Macan Turbo's 2.9-litre engine roar. The driving experience, though optimally balanced and almost flawless in technical terms, is inevitably different, and slightly less emotional. But that's a general symptom of electrification.
Far From Entry-Level in Financial Terms
The new electric Porsche Macan isn’t a symbol of sporty affordability anymore. The base Macan 4 starts at $99,300 plus delivery and taxes in Canada. But essential options like heated seats cost $660. Rear directional wheels are priced at $2,320. You get the point, it's easy to go way past the $100,000 mark.
The Turbo variant we tested had a starting price of $125,300. But the number at the bottom was close to $180,000, namely because of the luxury tax, a $12,500 Speed Yellow paint job, and gadgets like the $560 Porsche Electric Sport Sound simulator.
All of Porsche's electrical engineering powers are at work in this new Macan, and the efforts have paid off in terms of performance and driving dynamics. But the fact remains that Porsche is taking a risky gamble by making its small, high-volume product much less affordable. Reservations are now open, and deliveries will start in the 2nd half of the year.
