Ten years after its launch, the Porsche Macan is heading into its second model generation, now in all-electric form.
Porsche exclusively uses the latest generation of permanently-excited PSM electric motors on the front and rear axles to achieve excellent efficiency and enable optimum reproducibility of the power output.
In combination with Launch Control, the Macan 4 produces up to 408 PS of overboost power, while the Macan Turbo boasts up to 639 PS. The maximum torque is 650 and 1,130 Nm, respectively.
While the Macan 4 accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, the Macan Turbo takes just 3.3 seconds. The two models achieve top speeds of 220 and 260 km/h, respectively.
The electric motors draw their energy from a lithium-ion battery in the underbody, with a gross capacity of 100 kWh, of which up to 95 kWh can be actively used. The HV battery is a central component of the newly developed Premium Platform Electric (PPE) with 800-volt architecture, used by Porsche for the first time in the new Macan.
While the DC charging output is up to 270 kW, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent within approximately 21 minutes at a suitable fast-charging station. At 400-volt charging stations, a high-voltage switch in the battery enables bank charging by effectively splitting the 800-volt battery into two batteries, each with a rated voltage of 400 volts. This enables particularly efficient charging, without an additional HV booster, at up to 135 kW. AC charging at up to 11 kW is possible at household wall boxes.
Up to 240 kW of energy can be recuperated via the electric motors while driving. The Integrated Power Box (IPB) also contributes to the efficiency of the new Macan models, while also saving weight and space. The innovative and compact IPB combines three components – the on-board AC charger, the high-voltage heater and the DC/DC converter. The combined WLTP range is up to 613 km in the Macan 4 and up to 591 km in the Macan Turbo.
Thanks to the sharper proportions and Porsche Design DNA, the new Macan models look dynamic and dominant. The shallow pitch of the bonnet and the strongly pronounced wings give the entry-level SUV, which is 4,784 mm long, 1,938 mm wide and 1,622 mm high, a dynamic appearance even when stationary.
The new Macan is also fitted with up to 22-inch wheels with staggered tyre fitment. The wheelbase, which is 86 mm longer than the previous model (2,893 mm), is offset by short overhangs at the front and rear.
The headlights on the other hand, are divided into two parts. While the flat upper light unit with four-point daytime running lights is embedded in the wings and emphasises the width of the car, the main headlight module with optional matrix LED technology is positioned slightly lower in the front end.
In combination with the frameless doors with characteristic side blades, the result is a sleek, sporty design. Strongly pronounced shoulders give the rear a muscular look. The Porsche logo now sits in the centre of the sculptural 3D light strip.
Thanks to the Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) with active and passive elements and a drag coefficient of 0.25, the new Macan is one of the most streamlined SUVs on the market – with positive effects on range and power consumption.
The PAA system includes the adaptive rear spoiler, active cooling flaps on the front air intakes and flexible covers on the fully sealed 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 louvred diffuser ensure aerodynamic efficiency.
Electrification has also led to increased luggage space in the Macan. Depending on the model and equipment fitted, the capacity behind the rear seat bench is up to 540 litres (cargo mode).
In addition, there is the ‘frunk’, a second luggage compartment under the bonnet with a capacity of 84 litres. This amounts to 136 litres more than the previous model. If the rear seat backrest is folded down completely, the rear luggage compartment capacity increases to up to 1,348 litres. The maximum towing capacity of 2,000 kg rounds off the highly practical qualities of the new Macan.
Depending on the model and equipment fitted, the driver and front passenger now sit up to 28 mm lower than before, while the rear passengers sit up to 15 mm lower with increased legroom.
The rising design of the centre console heightens the impression of a low and performance-focused position in the vehicle. At the same time, large windows give a light and airy feel to the interior space. In addition to the modern digital user interfaces, there are also select analogue control elements – for example, on the air vents and the air conditioning controls.
An LED light strip is integrated into the thoughtfully designed trim strip of the cockpit and doors. It acts as both ambient lighting and a communication light. Depending on the situation, it provides information or warnings – such as for greetings, charging processes or in conjunction with the driver assistance systems. The equipment in the new Macan enables a high degree of customisation.
Porsche also aims to use more ecological materials in its cars. A proportion of such materials is used in selected parts in the interior of the all-electric Macan.
The Macan is equipped with the latest-generation display and operating concept with up to three screens, including the free-standing 12.6-inch, curved-design instrument cluster and the 10.9-inch central display.
For the first time, the passenger can also view information, adjust settings on the infotainment system or stream video content while the car is being driven via their own optional 10.9-inch screen. For the first time, the Porsche Driver Experience also includes a head-up display with augmented reality technology.
The new-generation infotainment system is based on Android Automotive OS. The standard Porsche Communication Management (PCM) in the new Macan takes computing performance to a new level. For example, the “Hey Porsche” voice assistant suggests routes, including charging stops, at lightning speed. In the new Porsche App Centre, passengers can directly access popular apps from third-party providers and install them directly in the new Macan.
Both the Macan 4 and the Macan Turbo have all-wheel drive. The two electric motors are controlled via the power electronics almost in real time. The electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management (ePTM) operates around five times faster than a conventional all-wheel drive system and can respond to slip within 10 milliseconds.
In addition, the all-wheel drive distribution is governed by the selected driving programme. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), an electronically controlled differential lock on the rear axle, also contributes to the traction, driving stability and lateral dynamics of the Macan Turbo.
Macan models with air suspension – also standard on the Turbo – are equipped with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) electronic damping control. This can also be combined with the steel-spring suspension as an option. PASM now also features dampers with two-valve technology. Thanks to the more expansive damper map, this results in a wider spectrum between comfort and performance. This makes the differences between the driving programmes even more tangible.
For the first time, the Macan has optional rear-axle steering, with a maximum steering angle of five degrees. It enables a compact turning circle of 11.1 metres in urban traffic and when manoeuvring, while simultaneously enabling exceptional driving stability at higher speeds, ably assisted by the consistent and precise front-axle steering for which the brand is known.
