Porsche finally presented its new electric Macan on Thursday.
The battery-powered compact crossover is already available to order for customers in the USA and is scheduled for delivery in the second half of the year. It comes as a 2024 model.
It will initially be offered in Macan 4 and Macan Turbo trims, priced at $80,450 and $106,950, respectively. Included in both figures is a $1,650 destination charge.
For the 2024 model year, Porsche will also offer the current gasoline-powered Macan and may continue to do so in future model years before eventually discontinuing it.
The two generations of Macan have nothing to do with each other at all, which might be confusing for some since Porsche hasn’t given its electric Macan a clear name. The vehicle is based on the Volkswagen Group’s new modular EV platform PPE, which Porsche developed in collaboration with Audi. The first Audi to use the platform will be a Compact crossover Q6 E-Tron will appear shortly.
For the Macan, the platform has a 100 kWh battery (95 kWh usable) and an electric motor that drives each axle. The torque distribution, which can be changed depending on the driving mode selected, is handled by a new traction system called ePTM (electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management). According to Porsche, the system is five times faster than torque distribution systems in conventional all-wheel drives and can respond in just 10 milliseconds. Higher trim levels such as the Macan Turbo also have an electronically controlled rear differential lock.
To further improve handling, air suspension with adaptive dampers is standard on all models. The dampers are the same dual valve design as the introduction Porsche’s redesigned 2024 Panamera, and allows adjustment of rebound and compression, creating a greater margin between comfort and performance. Rear wheel steering is an available feature.
2024 Porsche Macan (electric)
The Macan 4 has a peak power of 402 hp and the Macan Turbo has a peak power of 630 hp. Both values are temporary peaks generated via an overboost function. Macan 4 owners can expect 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 136 mph, while Macan Turbo owners can expect corresponding figures of 3.1 seconds and 161 mph . EPA-rated range estimates will be announced closer to the start of deliveries, although figures of over 250 miles are expected for both grades.
To increase range, Porsche has worked to reduce drag to almost sports car levels, which is no easy task for a larger vehicle like a crossover. The vehicle’s drag coefficient is a relatively low 0.25, thanks in part to active aerodynamic elements such as the rear spoiler, flaps on the front air intakes and flexible covers that are part of the sealed underbody. The suspension also lowers the ride height at highway speeds to further increase efficiency.
All electric Macans have an 800-volt electrical system that enables charging with up to 270 kW. In addition, the Macan has the option of so-called bank charging if only 400-volt charging stations are available. The process essentially splits the 800-volt battery into two 400-volt segments, allowing for parallel charging that speeds up the charging process. According to Porsche, a 10-80 percent charge is possible in just 21 minutes.
2024 Porsche Macan (electric)
2024 Porsche Macan (electric)
2024 Porsche Macan (electric)
The electric Macan is 188.4 inches long, a few inches longer than the gasoline-powered Macan. More importantly, the wheelbase has increased by 3.4 inches, which should result in more interior space. Rear storage space is 46.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and a front trunk provides an additional 2.9 cubic feet.
The dashboard features the typical screens for the instrument cluster (12.6 inches) and infotainment system (10.9 inches), as well as an available third screen for the front passenger (10.9 inches) that can be used for navigation and media controls. A light bar that runs along the dashboard and extends to the doors can indicate charging status or serve as a greeting when entering the vehicle. It also links to some electronic driver assistance features to provide additional visual cues for warnings. Porsche also offers a head-up display with augmented reality, which can be beneficial for navigation as it clearly shows when and where a maneuver needs to be performed.
Production takes place at the Porsche factory in Leipzig.
