Porsche Macan EV: 5 things you need to know

Porsche is poised to replace its best-selling car, the Macan, in 2024 with it's first-ever electric SUV.

Being a Porsche, the Macan EV is guaranteed to be quick and promises performance to put the Tesla Model Y or BMW iX firmly in the shade. Jörg Kerner, Vice President Product Line Macan, said: “We want the all-electric Macan to be the sportiest car in its segment and it will feel unmistakably like a Porsche.” 

There will be base, S, GTS and Turbo versions of the Macan EV, retaining the model names of the outgoing petrol and hybrid versions to keep things familiar. However, there’s plenty that’s new about the Macan EV, so here are five things you need to know. 

1. First all-electric Macan 

The Macan has been on sale since 2014 and is Porsche’s best-selling model. It’s been available with petrol, diesel, and hybrid power, but this new model is the first all-electric Macan. Some might think it’s a risk for Porsche to make its top seller electric-only, but the Taycan has proved EVs are a big draw for the sports car maker’s customers. There’s also a range of models with different power outputs and prices to suit every Macan buyer, and Porsche reckons the S will be the most popular. 

2. Up to 610hp available 

Borrowing its twin electric motors and all-wheel drive set-up from the Taycan, the Macan Turbo EV will more than live up to its petrol engine-inspired name. This model is set to have 610hp on tap to deliver 0-62mph in less than 4.0 seconds and a top speed capped at 155mph. The Turbo is likely to follow on a few months after the rest of the Macan EV line-up and arrives early in 2024, with a driving range of up to 310 miles. It also has super-fast charging capability by splitting its battery into two sections to increase charge speeds. 

3. Macan is first with new suspension 

Porsche is famed for the sublime handling of its cars and it devised a new type of suspension for the Macan EV. It uses an air system that adjusts more quickly to sudden changes in the road surface or as the car leans in bends — countering these forces by firming up or softening each corner’s suspension individually for better handling and comfort. Alongside this are high performance Pilot Sport EV Michelin tyres, which will be available in sizes from 19 to 21 inches, and the Macan will have wider tyres at the rear to suit its sportier set-up.

4. Three million kilometres of testing 

If you worry about range anxiety, spare a thought for Porsche’s test drivers who have driven more than three million kilometres while testing the new Macan EV. A lot of this driving has been on the most challenging roads in the world, from the frozen Arctic to baking desert heat, as well as off-road and on race tracks. Even before the Macan started on this gruelling test schedule, the car had covered millions of virtual miles in computer simulations and Porsche created 20 digital Macans soley for this purpose. 

5. Macan EV power in a boat 

The eFantom shares the Macan EV’s electric motor and battery, but even the Porsche SUV will have a tough time going where the eFantom can. That’s because the Frauscher X Porsche eFantom is a state-of-the-art speed boat capable of up to 50mph thanks to the 400kW Porsche power pack. The battery sits under the passenger seats, with the motor behind powering the single propeller. The luxury German boat builder is only making 25 eFantoms and each costs from £485,000, making a Macan Turbo look a snip at an expected £100,000. 

You might not fancy a Porsche-powered electric speed boat, but the Macan EV will be a hot ticket in the SUV market. Do you reckon Porsche has made the right move by going EV-only with its best-seller?