New Porsche Macan EV review: The electric SUV to beat?

As one of Porsche’s best-selling models, there’s a lot riding on the Macan’s transition from ICE to electric. Join Vicki Butler-Henderson as she finds out if it deserves a place on your e-SUV shortlist.

Building on the success of the firm’s original SUV, the Cayenne, the Macan has been a hot-ticket item for Porsche since it debuted over a decade ago. Now, though, after selling over 82,000 examples in 2024 alone, the baby SUV is headed down a new, all-electric road. However, fear not if you’re still yearning for the ICE-powered version — there’s time to bag the first-generation machine before Porsche discontinues it later this year. 

But what about this new model then, is it worth the upgrade? Well, if the design’s anything to go by the Macan should have the segment all sewn up. Sitting lower and wider than before, this little Porsche has more road presence than ever. Plus, the paired-back, streamlined styling manages to look sophisticated rather than bland. As far as design accents go, the 3D-effect LED taillights and pillarless windows inject a little aesthetic intrigue, while those looking to use the Macan off-road should opt for the design package with an adapted front bumper to avoid any scraping on rough terrain.

There’s more good news on the inside. The layout is similarly minimalistic with few buttons to speak of, though that hasn’t hampered functionality. Despite incorporating no less than three separate screens, Vicki argues the whole setup is precise and intuitive to use. Moreover, the seats are both comfortable and supportive (handy with the grip on offer) while the steering wheel is one of Vicki’s favourites on the market.

Oh, and it’s practical as well as stylish. Up front you’ll find a handy 88-litre ‘froot’ (front boot) that’ll happily swallow a carry-on case and the car’s charging cables. Then, for larger items, a 540-litre boot should do the business — provided you don’t opt for the subwoofer which does eat into that capacity slightly. Need more space? Simply hit the button and a retractable electric towbar readies itself to haul any trailer, horsebox, or caravan up to 2,000 kg.  

Can it still run with the rest of the Porsche pack out on the open road? You bet. As a full EV you’d expect it to be rapid off the mark, and it is. In ultra-high-performance Turbo guise the Macan will shoot from 0-60 mph in a kidney-squashing 3.3 seconds. However, despite being the more affordable and slightly more sedate 4 model, Vicki’s test car still has enough grunt to get a shift on. It’s the handling which really shocks, though. Despite being a heavy crossover the EV Macan’s low centre of gravity does wonders in the bends. And that agility is further enhanced by well-weighted and communicative steering which manages to rekindle Vicki’s faith in the future of electric performance cars.  

But it’s not all sunshine and roses. From driving range to pricing, hit the video for Vicki’s final verdict on Porsche’s new electric Macan. 

But what’s Vicki’s final verdict? Is the Cyberster a classic case of great idea, poor execution? Watch the full review to find out.

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