2024 Porsche Macan Electric First Look Review: Electric Sequel
We've known for some time that Porsche's first electric SUV was on the way, and now the Macan EV has finally been revealed. Two versions of the Macan EV will premier initially, topped by the Macan Turbo's outputs of 630 horsepower and 833 lb-ft of torque. The new luxury crossover rides on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform that will be shared with certain electric Audis, and the battery can accept charging speeds of up to 270 kW. Styling has more than enough modern Porsche cues to be identified as a Porsche, and if the Taycan is anything to go by, the Macan EV will showcase the driver appeal for which the brand is famous - even without combustion power.
When Is The Porsche Macan Electric Coming Out?
The release date for the new Porsche Macan EV crossover will be in the second half of 2024, but it's already available to order.
2024 Porsche Macan Electric Price And Competition
By transitioning to electric power, the price of the 2024 Porsche Macan EV has escalated well into midsize SUV territory. The 2024 Macan 4 starts things off with an MSRP of $78,800, almost $20,000 more than you'll pay for a base 2024 Macan with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Macan Turbo will cost $105,300, more than a V8-powered Cayenne S. These prices exclude a $1,650 destination charge in the USA, along with a likely long list of options.
Traditional Porsche Macan rivals like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class don't have electric alternatives in the USA. However, the pricing of the Macan EV lineup puts it up against several larger electric SUVs in the midsize segment. Those include the BMW iX that starts at $87,100 and the similarly coupe-esque Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron that starts at $77,800. Fortunately, history shows that Porsche fans are more than willing to pay a premium for its vehicles.
New Porsche Macan Electric Exterior And Colors
The exterior design of the Porsche Macan EV leans more heavily into the coupe-SUV body style popularized by the likes of the BMW X6 many years ago, so there is a more exaggerated slope to the roofline than before as it flows into the tailgate area.
Porsche has always been the sportiest player in this segment, and characteristics like the new Macan EV's pronounced fenders, short overhangs, and frameless doors with side blades continue in that vein. The two-part headlights include a flat upper light unit with the four-point daytime running lights we've seen on models like the latest Cayenne and Taycan. The main headlight module sits lower in the front fascia and can be specced with Matrix Design LED technology.
New wheel designs include 22-inch optional items with staggered tires. At the back, it's pure modern Porsche with a full-width 3D lighting strip, and the Porsche logo is now in the center of this strip. The Porsche flyline now forms a unit with the flat rear window.
A drag coefficient of 0.25 makes this one of the most slippery SUVs in the world. The Porsche Active Aerodynamics system includes an adaptive rear spoiler and active front cooling flaps, and the Macan EV also has a fully sealed underbody.
Available colors for the Porsche Macan EV haven't been detailed yet, but the official pictures show examples in white and another rose-colored shade. Porsche will likely offer a comprehensive selection.
Porsche Macan Electric Dimensions
While still classified as a compact crossover, the dimensions of the Porsche Macan EV have increased over the previous Macan. The wheelbase is 3.4 inches longer at 113.9 inches, while it's also a bit longer at 188.4 inches. The width with the mirrors is 84.7 inches and the height is 63.8 inches.
The weight of the Porsche Macan EV is a substantial 5,247 lbs in base Macan 4 guise. The weight of the Turbo is heavier still, tipping the scales at 5,393 lbs.
Porsche Macan Electric Powertrain And Performance
The powertrain in the Porsche Macan EV features dual electric motors linked to an all-wheel-drive system. In the Macan 4, 402 hp of overboost power is accompanied by 479 lb-ft of torque. This model can complete the 0-60 mph sprint in 4.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 136 mph.
The electric Macan Turbo is more powerful and quicker than any previous Macan, and comes with an impressive set of specs. It makes up to 630 hp (on overboost), with torque at 833 lb-ft. The 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds matches the time of the 650-hp Cayenne Turbo GT. Flat out, the Macan Turbo can reach 161 mph. If you really do need to tow something, the Macan EV can manage up to 4,409 lbs, a reasonable figure for a compact electric SUV and identical to the gasoline Macan's peak figure.
Riding on the PPE platform, Porsche has introduced optional rear-axle steering (up to five degrees) on the Macan for the first time. This, together with an electronically-controlled Porsche Traction Management system that works five times faster than a normal AWD system, should deliver the athleticism associated with Porsche's compact SUV. Both variants have an air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management electronic damping control.
A broader damper map (and two-valve dampers for the first time) widens the range between comfort and performance, while the rear-axle steering keeps the turning circle compact and contributes to superior high-speed stability. For the Turbo, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus - an electronically controlled differential lock on the rear axle - boosts traction and lateral dynamics.
Range, Charging, And Battery Life
The PPE platform underpinning the Macan EV features 800-volt architecture. As for the lithium-ion battery, that has a gross capacity of 100 kWh, with 95 kWh of that usable. Porsche has only said that the range will be "suitable for everyday use," and we hope that translates into something close to 300 miles. MPGe ratings from the EPA should be available soon.
DC charging at up to 270 kW is possible, getting the battery from 10 to 80% in approximately 21 minutes. When connected to a 400-volt charging station, a high-voltage switch in the Macan EV's battery allows for bank charging by dividing the 800-volt battery into two batteries. Each then has a nominal 400-volt voltage, creating more efficient charging. AC charging at up to 11 kW is also possible.
An Integrated Power Box combines the on-board AC charger, high-voltage heater, and DC/DC converter into one unit. Via regenerative braking, up to 240 kW of power can be recuperated by the motors when driving.
Porsche Macan Electric Interior And Cargo
As in the latest Cayenne, the interior of the Porsche Macan EV has gone all-out on the tech front. Up to three display screens are available, including the 12.6-inch curved instrument cluster and 10.9-inch central display. Another 10.9-inch display ahead of the front-seat passenger is available optionally, whereby this individual will have access to functions like video streaming and navigation.
The Porsche Driver Experience is the backbone of the setup, incorporating a head-up display with augmented reality guidance, another new feature for the Macan. This system will show navigation arrows that blend into the real world and appear virtually 32.8 feet from the driver, corresponding to the size of an 87-inch display. Not everything is screen-based, though, with a smattering of analog controls for the air vents and climate control.
Based on Android Automotive OS, the new infotainment system with Porsche Communication Management is also compatible with Apple CarPlay. An advanced voice assistant can do things like suggest routes or help you find charging stations.
Depending on the model and selected equipment, the seats in the Porsche Macan EV are even sportier than before, with those in the first row sitting up to 1.1 inches lower. Rear passengers sit up to 0.6 inches lower but also gain additional legroom. We expect leather to be available, but leather-free seats are on offer. A LED light strip on the cockpit and doors creates a modern atmosphere but can also communicate with the driver for functions like charging or certain driver-assistance systems.
The maximum cargo space in the Porsche Macan EV is 18 cubic feet behind the second row, a marginal increase over the gas-powered Macan. However, the Macan EV also has a frunk measuring 2.9 cu-ft. With the rear seats folded, this frees up 46.5 cu-ft.
