Macan Sets New Standards: The First All-Electric SUV From Porsche

Ten years after its launch, the Porsche Macan is heading into its second model generation, now in all-electric form. Through their progressive, timeless design, characteristic Porsche performance, long-distance range, and high everyday practicality, the new Macan 4 and the new Macan Turbo aim to fulfil the requirements of Porsche customers who are choosing an SUV thoroughly.

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. The numbers alone indicate top-class E-Performance: In combination with Launch Control, the Macan 4 produces up to 300 kW (408 PS) of overboost power, while the Macan Turbo boasts up to 470 kW (639 PS).

The maximum torque is 650 and 1,130 Nm, respectively. This guarantees excellent driving performance. The Macan 4 accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, while the Macan Turbo takes just 3.3 seconds. The two models achieve top speeds of 220 and 260 km/h, respectively.

New Premium Platform 

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.

The DC charging output is up to 270 kW. The battery can be charged 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.

Electric motors can recuperate up to 240 kW of energy while driving. The integrated power box (IPB) also contributes to the efficiency of the new Macan models while saving weight and space. The innovative and compact IPB combines the onboard 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 591 km in the Macan Turbo.

Sporty Proportions

The new Macan models look dynamic and dominant thanks to the sharper proportions and Porsche Design DNA.

“With the all-electric Macan, we are presenting the first Porsche that we are taking electric from an established product identity,” said Michael Mauer, Vice President of Style Porsche.

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 has 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 are divided into two parts: 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.

The characteristic Porsche fly line forms a unit with a flat rear window. 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.

Active and Passive Aerodynamics for a More Excellent Range

Porsche combines its design DNA with aerodynamics optimised for range. 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 airflow. At the rear, lateral tear-off edges and the louvred diffuser ensure aerodynamic efficiency.

Two luggage compartments and increased interior space

The new Macan is a performance-oriented SUV with a high level of practicality for everyday use, high-quality equipment and spacious configuration. Electrification has led to increased luggage space in 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 127 litres more than the previous model. Suppose the rear seat backrest is folded down completely. In that case, the rear luggage compartment capacity increases to up to 1,348 litres—the maximum towing capacity of 2,000 kg rounds off the efficient 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 interior is unmistakably Porsche: the width of the cockpit is emphasised by an integrated black panel. 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 of the interior of the all-electric Macan.

Driver Experience

The Macan has 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. The passenger can also view information or adjust settings on the infotainment system for the first time while the car is driven via their optional 10.9-inch screen.

The Porsche Driver Experience also includes a head-up display with augmented reality technology for the first time. Virtual elements such as navigation arrows are visually integrated seamlessly into the real world. The image appears to the driver at a distance of 10 metres and corresponds to the size of an 87-inch display.

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.

First Macan With Rear-Axle Steering and Two-Valve Dampers

Porsche developed the Macan, focusing on quintessential Porsche driving dynamics and a characteristic steering feel.

“Thanks to its sporty seat position and low centre of gravity, as well as its impressive driving dynamics and steering precision, the new Macan delivers a real sports car feeling,” said Product Line Vice President Jörg Kerner.

Both the Macan 4 and the Macan Turbo have all-wheel drive. The two electric motors are controlled almost in real-time via the power electronics. The electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management (ePTM) operates five times faster than a conventional all-wheel-drive system and can respond to slip within ten 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 the broader spectrum between comfort and performance. This makes the differences between the driving programmes even more tangible.

The Macan has optional rear-axle steering for the first time, 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.