Why the new Porsche Macan represents a huge gamble
In a sign of the times, this major car maker has taken a big gamble with its best selling SUV. It remains to be seen whether current owners will jump on board.
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Porsche’s new Macan mid-sized SUV has the mammoth task of turning petrolheads into lovers of electricity.
In a bold move, the second generation of the brand’s top selling car will not have a petrol model.
The decision to move to an EV-only line-up comes with a hefty price leap from the original, although there is a boost in performance courtesy of dual electric motors.
While Porsche will broaden the line-up over time – including a single motor, rear-wheel drive price leader – for now it kicks off with the all-wheel drive Macan 4, priced from about $149,000 drive-away.
It has leather, 20-inch alloys, a 360-degree camera, smart-key entry, adaptive cruise control, adaptive dampers, a powered tailgate and electrically adjustable and heated front seats.
The 10.9-inch central screen is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and there’s a 12.6-inch curved display in front of the driver. An optional 10.9-inch display for the passenger costs $2700.
The circa $198,000 Macan Turbo has a larger rear motor, 21-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, quad-zone ventilation and various design tweaks. Each has a 100kWh battery with up to 613km of claimed range in the 4 and 591km in the Turbo. Fast charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes as little as 21 minutes at up to 270kW.
Most rivals offer two body styles – one with a coupe-like profile – but the Macan has a single shape that combines a low-slung roof and pillarless windows to give it a sporty feel.
While there’s no fixed rear wing, a spoiler pops up to boost downforce at speed and aerodynamics when cruising.
Despite the sleek profile there’s ample headroom courtesy of a seating position that’s 28mm lower due to the bespoke EV architecture.
Even in the rear head space is generous, while a near-flat floor maximises foot space. Taller folk may find knees perched higher due to the low seat base, but it’s an acceptable compromise.
It’s beneath the skin where things get interesting – and exciting. The Macan 4 makes up to 300kW and 650Nm when using the launch control system, enough to propel it to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds.
It’s brisk and feels faster than the numbers suggest due to the near-instant response of the electric motors. Few will have complaints with the effortless thrust.
The Macan Turbo pumps out 470kW and a massive 1130Nm, shifting 2.4 tonnes with “laugh-out-loud” pace that SUV rivals can’t match.
The jolt on a launch control take-off is wild as it scorches to 100km/h in 3.3 seconds.
It backs up that stupendous shove with sure-footed dynamics.
Having a heavy battery pack in the floor lowers the centre of gravity by 440mm, in turn making for a remarkably composed car around corners.
Excellent grip, fluid steering and terrific body control cement it as a luxury SUV with immense talent.
An electronically locking rear differential on the Turbo and well sorted electronic aids help fire the Macan out of corners with clinical efficiency and pace.
More power is sent to the rear wheels, giving it a sports car flavour, while rear-axle steering tucks the nose in tight through the corners, adding to the agility.
Despite the sporty focus the Macan can also pamper.
We only sampled the air suspension system that’s optional on the Macan 4 and standard on the Turbo and it delivers a cosseting ride.
Dial up the Sport+ drive mode from the steering wheel – which is shared with the 911 sports car – and the suspension is noticeably stiffer, especially on successive sharp bumps.
But it’s never harsh and overall the car feels quiet and refined.
The new Macan is a giant leap forward for Porsche’s electric revolution, bringing serious firepower in an SUV that is comfy and easy to live with on the daily drive.
Perhaps the biggest challenge for the new Macan is convincing the Porsche faithful that an electric motor is a suitable replacement for the pistons and turbos that have served fast SUVs so well until now.
One prod of the throttle should end that argument, although the price hike may start another.
Porsche Macan 4
PRICE: From about $149,000 drive-away
WARRANTY/SERVICING: Three yrs/unlimited km, service intervals 2 years/30,000km, pricing not available
SAFETY: Eight airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot and lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, driver monitoring, exit warning, speed-sign recognition, child presence detection
POWER: Dual electric motors, 300kW and 650Nm
RANGE: Up to 613km
SPARE: Repair kit
LUGGAGE: 540 litres
Verdict
Four stars
It comes at a price but delivers on luxury. What it lacks in aural theatre it makes up for in electric firepower.
Originally published as Why the new Porsche Macan represents a huge gamble
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