Global Debut: All you need to know about the 2nd-gen Porsche Macan - Yes, it's gone all electric

The Evolution of the Macan

The Porsche Macan has always been synonymous with a blend of luxury, performance, and practicality. A decade after its first appearance, the Macan is entering its second generation and what a change it is going through.

This time, it's all about electrification, representing a significant leap in Porsche's commitment to sustainable mobility without compromising on its performance ethos. 

The new Macan 4 and Macan Turbo are set to meet and exceed the expectations of Porsche SUV enthusiasts, thanks to their forward-thinking, enduring design, hallmark Porsche power, extensive driving range, and daily usability.

Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, emphasized this during the global debut in Singapore, stating, “We are taking the Macan to a completely new level – with exceptional E-Performance, the new Driver Experience, and a very impressive design.”

Quick introduction of the Macan 4 and Macan Turbo

Introducing the Macan 4 and Macan Turbo, Porsche's latest foray into high-performance electric vehicles.

The Macan 4 is a powerhouse, delivering up to 408 PS with impressive efficiency, consuming 21.1 – 17.9 kWh/100 km and boasting zero CO₂ emissions.

It offers a substantial electric range of 516 – 613 km, extending to 665 – 784 km in urban environments. On the other hand, the Macan Turbo ramps up the excitement with up to 639 PS, an electric range of 518 – 591 km (670 – 765 km in town).

Both models pack a serious punch, with the Macan 4 generating 650 Nm of torque and the Turbo a staggering 1,130 Nm. The Macan 4 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds, while the Turbo version shaves that down to a mere 3.3 seconds.

Top speeds? 220 km/h for the Macan 4 and an exhilarating 260 km/h for the Turbo. This duo truly sets a new standard in electric vehicle performance.

The All-Electric Powertrain

The heart of the new Macan lies in its sophisticated electric powertrain. The decision to go all-electric is a bold statement from Porsche, aligning with the global shift towards greener transportation. 

The new Macan gets its power from a big lithium-ion battery placed under the car. This battery can hold up to 100 kWh, but usually, you'll use about 95 kWh of that. It's part of Porsche's new electric system, called the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which works at a powerful 800 volts – a first for Porsche in the Macan.

Charging and energy recuperation 

The charging capabilities are equally impressive. The Macan's battery supports fast charging up to 270 kW, enabling a rapid recharge from 10 to 80 percent in just about 21 minutes at suitable fast-charging stations. Such a feature is crucial for long-distance travel, ensuring minimal downtime during trips.

While you're driving the new Macan, its electric motors can get back up to 240 kW of energy. This helps a lot with its efficiency. There's also this cool thing called the Integrated Power Box (IPB). It makes the Macan more efficient and lighter because it takes up less space.

The IPB is a small but smart box that has three important parts inside: the charger for when you plug in the car, a heater for high voltage, and a converter that changes direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).

Design and Aesthetics

Porsche's design philosophy has always been about blending form with function. The new Macan is no exception. Its design is a perfect amalgamation of classic Porsche elements and modern aesthetics suitable for an electric vehicle.

In short, the new Macan boasts a design that's both progressive and timeless. 

 

Exterior Design

The vehicle retains the unmistakable Porsche look while adapting to the requirements of an electric powertrain. 

The new Macan rocks some cool wheels – you can get them up to 22 inches. Plus, the tires are set up in a staggered style, meaning they're different sizes front to back. The car's got a longer wheelbase (that's the distance between the front and back wheels) than before, but it still looks compact because of the short ends at the front and back.

Check out the headlights – they're split into two parts. Up top, there's a flat light section with these sharp four-point daytime running lights, right in the wings of the car, making it look wider. Below that, the main headlights sit a bit lower, and you can opt for some fancy matrix LED tech in there.

The back of the car has this sleek Porsche look, with a flat rear window and frameless doors that have these cool side blades. The back has these strong, muscular shoulders, and the Porsche logo is right in the middle of this neat 3D light strip at the back. The whole design is super sleek and sporty.

Interior, Infotainment and Connectivity

Inside, the Macan is a blend of luxury, technology and practicality. The use of ecological materials reflects Porsche's commitment to sustainability. The integration of a head-up display with augmented reality technology brings a futuristic edge to the Macan's cockpit. The image appears to the driver at a distance of 10 metres and corresponds to the size of an 87-inch display.

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. 

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.

The new Macan also offers a lot of space and customization options. Depending on the model, you get up to 540 liters of storage behind the back seats, and there's an extra 'frunk' under the hood with 84 liters of space. That's 136 liters more than the older models. If you fold down the back seats, you'll have a whopping 1,348 liters of space. Plus, it can tow up to 2,000 kg.

Inside, the driver and front passenger sit up to 28 mm lower, and rear passengers get 15 mm lower seats with more legroom. The interior screams Porsche quality, with a wide, sleek cockpit featuring a black panel. The center console's design makes you feel like you're in a high-performance car, while large windows create a bright, open space.

The mix of modern digital interfaces and classic controls, like those for air vents and air conditioning, gives it a unique touch. There's also an LED light strip in the cockpit and doors that serves as both ambient lighting and a communication tool, alerting you to various things like charging status. Porsche is also moving towards more eco-friendly materials in the Macan's interior.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

The new Macan is not just about looks and sustainability; it's built to perform. The dual electric motors, one on each axle, ensure not just efficient power delivery but also exceptional handling and stability. The new Macan delivers a real sports car feeling,” explains Product Line Vice President Jörg Kerner.

 

Handling and Stability

The Macan's all-wheel-drive system, managed by the electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management, ensures optimal grip and stability in various driving conditions. The introduction of rear-axle steering in the Macan is a first for the model, enhancing maneuverability in urban environments and stability at higher speeds.

 

 

 

Practicality for Everyday Use

Despite its sporty credentials, the Macan is designed to be a practical SUV for everyday use. Its dimensions, coupled with a spacious and well-appointed interior, make it an ideal vehicle for family and leisure use.

 

Ecological Considerations

In developing the electric Macan, Porsche has paid considerable attention to ecological aspects. This aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable products.

 

Conclusion - Bitter Sweet?

The all-electric Porsche Macan seems to represent a significant milestone in the evolution of the brand and the luxury SUV segment. With its combination of performance, design, technology, and sustainability, the Macan is set to continue its success story, now with a focus on electric mobility.

The latest Macan is more than a mere vehicle; it symbolizes the future of motoring. It masterfully merges the excitement of a sports car with the versatility of an SUV, all while maintaining an eco-friendly stance. As it makes its way to consumers, the Macan is poised to revolutionize the electric vehicle sector, much like the Cayenne transformed the world of large SUVs, though the latter was a traditional internal combustion engine model.

Also Read: 2024 Porsche Panamera revealed with fresh styling and mechanical updates