Review: Porsche Electric Macan

Porsche is making a bold shift with its best-selling vehicle, promising a change they say will impress anyone who drives it.

Expectations are high when Porsche’s best-selling car goes electric.

Porsche argues the new Macan electric vehicle is better in every way than the combustion version.

After spending time with the car, I can see why the brand is confident it will deliver what customers want.

But a bold price hike and slowing EV adoption present challenges.

The new line-up starts with two models: the Macan 4 priced from about $150,000 drive-away and the Macan Turbo for about $200,000 drive-away.

An entry-level Macan rear wheel drive (about $145,000 drive-away) and mid-tier Macan 4S (about $165,000 drive-away) launch early next year.

That’s a huge leap.

The all-new 2024 Porsche Macan phases out petrol power in a bold EV move that delivers more performance, customisation and unique ownership. Picture: Supplied

The outgoing petrol-powered Macan starts from $110,000 drive-away, and some customers will have paid significantly less than that as the car has grown more expensive over time.

Customers need to be mindful that features fitted as standard to cheaper rivals are optional extras, such as heated and cooled seats that add $2500 to the bill.

The Macan offers personalisation beyond any rival – you can choose from dozens of colours and have your name as an illuminated feature on the seat – but going silly with the extras list can add nearly $100,000 to the bill.

A hefty price increase raises questions about how this Macan will perform in the market.

Porsche’s only other electric model, the Taycan, is an impressive car, but it has recorded a 50 per cent drop in sales this year around the globe and a reduction of nearly 40 per cent in Australia.

While prices are high, Porsche Australia chief executive Daniel Schmollinger argues that the technology, range and performance justify the cost.

The new electric Macan (Turbo) offers three screens across the dash. Picture: Supplied

So, has Porsche managed to make its bestseller even better?

It is off to a strong start.

The new Macan delivers everything owners love about the original model, and takes it up a notch.

Performance is where this vehicle truly shines.

The Macan is powered by dual permanent magnet synchronous motors, one on each axle, delivering 300kW of power.

The Turbo pushes further to deliver a staggering 470kW.

That means 0-100km/h in just 5.2 seconds for the Macan 4 and 3.3 seconds for the Turbo.

It’s fast, smooth, and feels more like a sports car than an SUV.

The Turbo’s handling is sharp and precise, thanks in part to optional rear-axle steering and adaptive air suspension.

The new digital display contains great information and is easy to read. Picture: Supplied

The new Macan features a sophisticated traction management system, that operates five times faster than a conventional all wheel drive, and offers power instantly, enhancing grip, stability and responsiveness.

Whether you’re carving through corners or cruising the highway, the Macan is a dream to drive.

Its advanced 800 volt architecture, technology borrowed from the Taycan, ensures fast charging times, enhanced range and quicker power delivery.

A 100 kWh battery offers an impressive 616km of range in the Turbo.

Fast charging at 270kW with a 10-80 per cent charge achievable in 21 minutes, that’s four minutes for 100km.

The Macan’s design is unmistakably Porsche, with its standout, sleek silhouette, sporty stance and signature four-point LED headlights.

An optional touchscreen within the dashboard for the passenger is easy to use and displays a range of information such as maps, streaming content and access to music. Picture: Supplied

The frameless doors and sculpted rear shoulder give it a sleek and modern look.

Inside, the cockpit is modern and luxurious with a new three-screen set up, including a 12.6 inch curved drive display, a 10.9 inch central touchscreen, and an optional 10.9 inch passenger screen.

The Macan also debuts an optional augmented reality heads-up display which provides clear and intuitive navigation without feeling distracting.

You’ll also find increased luggage space with two compartment spaces, the rear offering 540 litres and a front trunk offering an additional 84 litres.

The rear seats can also fold down to expand the cargo space to a total of 1348 litres.

Verdict

4.5 stars

It’s hard to fault the Macan with its impressive performance, sleek design and cutting-edge technology. But the steep price could deter buyers.

Porsche Macan 4

PRICE: From about $150,000 drive-away

WARRANTY/SERVICING: Three yrs/unlimited km, 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

MOTOR: Dual electric motors, 300kW and 650Nm

RANGE: Up to 613km

SPARE: Repair kit

LUGGAGE: 540 litres