The New Porsche Macan Electric: Familiar Badge, Fresh Approach

Porsche's Bestseller Goes Electric 

This is where things get serious for Porsche's electric plans. Making the Taycan was one thing, but now they've taken their bestselling model, the Macan SUV and completely reinvented it as an electric car. In the UK, you can still buy the petrol version alongside this new electric one, but make no mistake, this is the future. 

The original Macan was a huge success, with over 800,000 units sold worldwide since its introduction in 2014. Like that car, this new electric version shares some engineering with an Audi (the Q6 e-tron this time, instead of the Audi Q5), but Porsche has worked hard to make sure it still feels like a proper Porsche to drive. 

Key Points 

• All-new platform: Completely different from the petrol Macan, sharing basic architecture with Audi Q6 e-tron 

• Multiple power options: From 360PS in the base rear-wheel drive model to 639PS in the Turbo version 

• Impressive range: Up to 398 miles in the base model, 367-380 miles for all-wheel drive versions 

• Quick charging: 800V system allows 10-80% charge in just 21 minutes at 270kW chargers 

• Great handling: Centre of gravity 140mm lower than the petrol Macan, despite being heavier 

• More spacious: 103mm longer, 15mm wider, with 96mm more wheelbase for better rear legroom 

• Practical storage: 540-litre boot (43 litres more than before) plus an 84-litre "frunk" 

• Premium pricing: Starting from £68,500 for the base model, up to £97,000 for the Turbo 

• Familiar Porsche design: Maintains the Macan's distinctive profile despite being all-new 

• High-tech interior: Features curved 12.6-inch driver display and a 10.9-inch touchscreen 

Power and Performance 

Don't let the shared platform fool you; this is still very much a Porsche when it comes to performance. Even the base model, called simply "Macan Electric," is quick. It has a single motor driving the rear wheels with 360PS and can hit 62mph in 5.7 seconds. Range is impressive too, at up to 398 miles. 

Most buyers will go for the all-wheel drive "Macan 4" with motors on both axles. This offers 387PS, boosting to 408PS when you use launch control, getting you to 62mph in 5.2 seconds. Range drops slightly to 380 miles. 

If you want more punch, there's the "Macan 4S" with 516PS that cuts the 0-62mph time to 4.1 seconds, with a 377-mile range. 

At the top of the range sits the "Macan Turbo" (no actual turbo, of course, just Porsche keeping their naming tradition). This monster packs 584PS, or up to 639PS on overboost, rocketing to 62mph in just 3.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 162mph – seriously quick for an electric SUV. Range is still a respectable 367 miles. 

Handling Like a Porsche Should 

On paper, this shouldn't handle like a Porsche. It shares parts with an Audi and weighs around 2.3 tonnes – about 400kg more than the petrol Macan. But Porsche has worked some magic here. 

First, the centre of gravity is a massive 140mm lower than in the petrol car, which helps enormously with handling. Second, Porsche has positioned the electric motors behind their respective axles, more like a 911's layout, to improve weight balance. 

The Macan 4 offers adaptive damping and air suspension as options, while the Turbo gets these as standard. The Turbo also offers optional rear-wheel steering for improved stability at high speeds, as well as electronic torque vectoring that can distribute power to individual rear wheels for enhanced cornering. 

Most importantly, Porsche has put tons of effort into making the steering feel right, crucial for that Porsche driving experience. Early reviews suggest they've succeeded, with the Macan Electric feeling distinctly more engaging than its Audi cousin. 

Familiar Yet New Design 

If you know the Macan, you'll recognise this electric version instantly, even though literally everything is different. It keeps the chunky high-waisted profile, swept-back roofline, big wheels, and frameless doors of its predecessor. 

The flat bonnet remains, now flanked by distinctive LED headlights that resemble those on the Taycan. It's slightly bigger than before – 103mm longer and 15mm wider and much more aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of just 0.25 (down from 0.35). 

More Space Inside 

Inside, there's a familiar Porsche feel with the low-set driving position and high centre console, but now with more modern tech. You get an uncowled three-dial 12.6-inch curved driver's display and a 10.9-inch central touchscreen. Unlike some rivals, Porsche has kept physical controls for the climate system, which is a welcome touch. 

The extra wheelbase length (96mm more than before) means significantly better rear legroom, you can now fit adults comfortably in the back. Headroom is adequate despite the sloping roofline. 

The boot is a decent 540 litres – 43 litres more than the old Macan – and expands to 1,348 litres with the rear seats folded. There's also an 84-litre "frunk" under the bonnet for storing charging cables. 

Fast Charging, Decent Range 

The Macan Electric uses 800V charging technology, allowing it to use the latest 270kW ultra-rapid chargers. Hooked up to one of these, you can add 60 miles of range in less than 4 minutes, or charge from 10-80% in just 21 minutes. 

Even if you can only find a 400V charger, the Macan is clever enough to split its 800V system to accept power efficiently without needing extra converters. 

At home with a typical 7.4 kW wallbox, a full charge takes approximately 13 hours. While the official range figures are impressive (367-398 miles, depending on model), you should expect around 300 miles in real-world driving, still very usable for most people. 

Pricing and Equipment 

The Macan Electric starts at £68,500 for the base rear-wheel drive model. The all-wheel drive Macan 4 (likely to be the bestseller) costs around £71,000, while the Macan 4S is around £77,000. The top-spec Turbo jumps to about £97,000. 

Standard equipment includes 20-inch wheels, the 12.6-inch driver display, 10.9-inch touchscreen, and 8-way electric seats. However, as with any Porsche, expect to spend a significant amount on options. Adding basics like air suspension, metallic paint, and upgraded seats to a Macan 4 could add around £25,000 to the price. 

Key options include a head-up display, passenger display screen, premium audio systems, and various driver assistance features. The Macan 4 doesn't come standard with adaptive damping, air suspension, or torque vectoring; those are extras. 

The Bottom Line 

The Macan Electric represents a critical step in Porsche's electric journey. It needs to convince loyal customers that an electric Porsche can still feel like a Porsche, while also attracting new buyers to the brand. 

The good news is they seem to have pulled it off. Despite sharing a platform with Audi, this feels distinctly like a Porsche in terms of its driving dynamics and appearance. It offers impressive performance, decent range, and the practicality expected of a modern SUV. 

Yes, it's expensive, especially once you start adding options. But for those who want a premium electric SUV that's genuinely fun to drive, the Macan Electric delivers in a way that few rivals can match. It may be all-new underneath, but it still feels like a Macan at heart, exactly what Porsche needed to achieve. 

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