Porsche reveals new-gen Macan at last

THE all-electric, second-generation Porsche Macan medium SUV has finally been revealed and will arrive in Australia late this year priced from $133,700 excluding on-road costs for the entry level Macan 4 or $180,100 + ORC for the high-performance Turbo variant.

Underpinned by the new ‘PPE’ dedicated electric vehicle architecture co-developed by Porsche and Audi – rather than the J1 platform used by the Taycan – the new Macan will compete on price and size against the Jaguar i-Pace (from $147,475 + ORC) and Lexus RZ450e (from $121,657 + ORC).

Going up a size but similar in price to the new Macan are the Polestar 3 (from $132,900 + ORC), BMW iX (from $130,900 + ORC)  and Mercedes- Benz EQE (from $134,900 + ORC).

Of course, the Tesla Model Y Performance remains a contender, from $92,560 + ORC.

Porsche’s current four-variant, petrol-powered Macan range is priced between $93,800 + ORC and $41,700 + ORC.

The new-generation Macan SUV borrows extensively from Porsche’s Taycan in styling and some of its tech but lacks the two-speed rear axle as it was deemed unnecessary for the Macan to achieve its expected performance.

Running Porsche’s latest-generation dual permanent magnet synchronous motor powertrain, the Macan 4 is good for 300kW and 650Nm while the Macan Turbo turns the wick up to 470kW and a whopping 1130Nm of torque.

Needless to say, when using launch control and overboost both models are quick despite being appreciably heavier than any previous-generation Macan; the 4 is claimed to be capable of clocking a 5.0 second pass from 0-100km/h and the Turbo good for 3.3 seconds (similar to the Tesla Model Y Performance).

The two variants achieve top speeds of 220km/h and 260 km/h respectively on the track or unrestricted Autobahn.

Fast charging of the 800v powertrain is facilitated by a 96kW (usable) battery in both models that can accept DC recharging at up to 270kW (claimed to replenish from 10-80 per cent in 21 minutes).

Up to 240kW of energy can be recuperated via the electric motors under deceleration.

Arriving ten years after the Macan nameplate first appeared, the new model has been designed as an evolution in terms of appearance, performance and everyday practicality – factors that made it such a big seller – but with an electric revolution under the skin.

Porsche AG chair Oliver Blume said the company was “taking the Macan to a completely new level – with exceptional E-Performance, the new Driver Experience, and a very impressive design”.

Mr Blume’s sentiments were echoed by vice president of Macan product line Jörg Kerner, who said Porsche’s aim was “to offer the sportiest model in its segment with the all-electric Macan”.

In styling terms, the new Macan has morphed more toward the coupe-SUV idiom with a fastback look, low roof and crouched stance while at the same time retaining a familiar Macan appearance to its panels and lines albeit with a much smaller frontal intake.

Links to the Taycan are clearly evident at the front (headlights) and rear of the new model Macan.

Michael Mauer, vice president style Porsche said, “The new Macan is clearly recognisable by its brand identity as part of the Porsche product family. The classic Porsche proportions have been further developed and optimally adapted to the challenges of an electric vehicle. This has further heightened the sporty, modern and dynamic appearance of the Macan. The design makes it clear: The Macan remains the sportscar in its segment, even in electric form.”

It is 4784 mm long, 1938 mm wide and 1622 mm high with a 2893mm wheelbase for gains to interior space and dynamic improvements. Active and passive aerodynamics aid range and performance contributing to the model’s efficient 0.25 Cd.

These aids include an adaptive rear spoiler, active cooling flaps on the front air intakes and flexible covers on the fully sealed and flat underbody. Air curtains below the headlight module and the low-slung front end optimise the air flow. At the rear, lateral tear-off edges and the louvered diffuser ensure aerodynamic efficiency.

Electrification has led to increased luggage space in the Macan with more passenger and luggage room across both models including a frunk and the new model has a towing capacity of 2000kg.

The interior follows Porsche family lines with the width of the cockpit emphasised by an integrated black panel complemented by the rising design of the centre console that heightens the impression of a low and performance-focused seating position in the vehicle. 

In addition to the digital user interfaces, there are also select analogue control elements to the air vents and the air conditioning controls. An LED light strip is integrated into the top of the dash and doors. 

High computing power and connectivity are promised, the new Macan featuring the latest-generation display and operating concept with up to three screens, including the freestanding 12.6-inch, curved-design instrument cluster and the 10.9-inch central display.

The front passenger can for the first time adjust settings on the infotainment system or stream video content while the car is being driven via their own optional 10.9-inch passenger display.

Porsche Communication Management (PCM) in the new Macan takes computing performance to a new level, says Porsche, and features the “Hey Porsche” voice assistant.

Dynamics are aided by the new Macan’s rear-axle steering and two-valve dampers in concert with a low ride height and wide stance.

The two electric motors are governed by which drive mode is selected and has Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), an electronically controlled differential lock on the rear axle on the Macan Turbo which also has air suspension as standard with both models running Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) electronic damping control.