Name: 2024 Porsche Macan Electric
Brand: Porsche

Porsche Macan Electric

EPA Range: NA

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Porsche Macan Electric First Drive

Summary

Introduction

2024 Porsche Macan Goes Electric

The next-generation SUV transforms into a high-performance EV, to be offered alongside the current Macan

Overview

Porsche’s namesake founder was pioneering electric vehicles over a century ago. The company has renewed its exploration of electrified powertrains in recent years with sporty hybrids and the all-electric Taycan. Now, Porsche is launching its second all-electric model with the Macan Electric.

This next-generation vehicle will be offered alongside the current gas Macan, possibly for a few years, rather than serve as an immediate replacement. And yes, this is confusing.

The Macan Electric signals the automaker’s transition to being electric-focused, but think of it as a gradual, market-sensitive transformation rather than an overnight switch. The Macan Electric is based on the company’s new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) chassis, which will be used for future models, and it uses an 800-volt architecture for rapid public DC fast charging.

Compared with the current, internal combustion engine (ICE) Macan, the Macan Electric rides on a 3-inch longer wheelbase, and its overall length is likewise about 3 inches longer. Due to the space efficiencies of packaging an electric powertrain, this could make an appreciated difference in passenger and cargo room.

There are four configurations: The Macan ($75,300), Macan 4 ($78,800), Macan 4S ($84,900), and Macan Turbo ($105,300). They have different power levels, and all except the base Macan have all-wheel drive via front and rear electric motors.

The parent corporation, Volkswagen Group, had previously announced that its brands—Audi, Porsche, Scout Motors, and Volkswagen—will implement the North American Charging Standard (NACS) on vehicles starting in the 2025 model year, making them compatible with Tesla Superchargers. However, a Porsche spokesperson could not confirm if the Macan Electric will launch with this compatibility. That said, it does include clever technology that will improve charge performance between its 800-volt battery and lower voltage public chargers like Tesla’s Supercharger.

The Macan EV will be built at a Porsche factory in Leipzig, Germany, alongside the Macan. It is scheduled to go on sale in late 2024.

It competes with the Acura ZDX, Audi Q8 E-Tron, BMW iX, Genesis Electrified GV70, Jaguar I-Pace, Lexus RZ, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, and Tesla Model Y.

Impressions

Outside

The exterior casts a similar shadow to the original Macan, but the smooth sides make the body look like it has been in the sun too long—a styling trend Mercedes-Benz has embraced with its electric cars in the similar pursuit of improved aerodynamics. Porsche is combining its slippery shape with passive aerodynamic trickery and active adjustments, according to speed, to achieve a 0.25 coefficient of drag—a number far more associated with low, aerodynamic-focused cars than SUVs.

From the pictures, Porsche appears to be including two charge ports (one on each side), just like the Taycan.

We are happy to see what look like traditional door handles, but less excited about the lack of a rear windshield wiper.

Inside

The cabin embraces the “screens galore” trend, with up to three displays spanning the entire dash. The center infotainment screen measures 10.9 inches—a bit modest these days. It is based on the Android Automotive operating system, and it is both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible. There is a “Hey Porsche” virtual assistant. It isn’t clear if it responds to only “Por-sha” or if it will reply to the single-syllable pronunciation.

The optional, 10.9-inch screen to the right is to entertain the front passenger. (It is perhaps a sad commentary on society that being in a Porsche isn’t entertainment enough anymore.) The analog clock is a heritage-evoking touch.

The available Porsche Driver Experience system creates a massive head-up display on the windshield, akin to an 87-inch screen in front of the driver, that works with augmented reality to overlay key driving information. This allows navigation directions, such as arrows, to be positioned over real streets.

It looks like small-item cabin storage will be at a premium, another Porsche hallmark.

The driver’s seat has 18-way adjustment, and heated front seats are standard.

Even with the increased wheelbase and length, the back seat still looks a bit snug.

But there are now two luggage locations. The rear cargo space, with the back seat folded, is a little larger than the current Macan. Plus there is a small luggage compartment under the hood, where an engine would traditionally be located.

What Drives It

The base Macan Electric is rear-drive only, with up to 355 horsepower. The other Macan Electric versions are fitted with front and rear motors, enabling all-wheel drive. The Turbo further benefits from a torque-vectoring system that can rapidly route power to any corner to enhance handling.

The Macan 4 has up to 402 horsepower and the Macan Turbo peaks at 630 horsepower. More significantly, the Turbo produces much more torque at 833 lb.-ft., giving it a 354 lb.-ft. advantage over the base model. This surely translates to a greater power surge when accelerating. Range estimates have not yet been released.

The motors draw from a 100-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, of which 95-kilowatt hour is usable. The 800-volt architecture enables public DC fast-charging speeds of up to 270 kW. Porsche claims that the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent within approximately 21 minutes under ideal conditions. It uses a splitting device to effectively cut the 800-volt battery into two 400-volt packs. This is key because it will make the Macan Electric more compatible and charge more quickly on Tesla’s Supercharger network, which operates at these lower voltages. AC charging at up to 11 kW is possible depending on the external charging hardware used.

Both versions are fitted with an active, air suspension system that can electrically adjust the shocks in real time to balance comfort and performance as called upon via driver-selectable modes. Further heightening dynamics is an optional rear-axle steering that can provide up to 5 degrees of turning. This allows for a tighter turning circle, helpful when parking, and can aid high-speed stability.

Active Safety and Driver Assistance

Standard equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assistance, adaptive cruise control, and exit warning, which watches for approaching traffic when exiting the SUV.