Porsche Reveals 2024 Macan BEVs

Porsche reveals its all-new electric Macan in Singapore, confirming it will be introduced to the North American market during the second half of 2024 with two initial all-wheel-drive models, the 402-hp Macan 4 and 619-hp Macan Turbo.

A direct rival to the likes of the Tesla Model Y, BMW iX3 and an upcoming successor to the Mercedes-Benz EQC SUV, the 5-seat utility vehicle will be sold alongside existing internal-combustion-engine Macan models in the U.S. through to the end of 2025, at which time Porsche says the lineup will become exclusively electric.

The E-Macan nomenclature used by Porsche during development of the electric SUV has been dropped for the production model. Both first-generation gasoline and second-generation electric models will wear the Macan name.

The electric Macan is seen as a key part of plans by the German automaker to gradually phase out its gasoline models and see electric models make up 80% of its global annual sales by 2030.

Porsche Macan 4 cockpit_0

It has been developed alongside the Audi Q6 e-tron. The two are based on a common Premium Platform Electric structure and share key parts of their drivetrains, chassis, batteries and power electronics. Other new Porsche models set to use the same platform include the electric Cayenne due in 2026.

The exterior styling moves away from the familiar look established by the original ICE Macan, with a more modern appearance. It draws on design cues initially unveiled on the Taycan, most notably at the front, where the SUV receives recessed rectangular headlamps similar in shape to those of its sedan sibling.

The size and styling of the front air ducts vary depending on the model, while the wheelhouses have been enlarged with chamfered arches to accommodate up to 22-in. wheels.

The roofline and overall silhouette are significantly sleeker than those of the first-generation Macan, particularly at the rear, which features a more heavily angled C-pillar and tailgate – the latter housing a retractable spoiler.

The full-width taillamp gets a structured look similar to that of other recent new Porsche models. Vertical black decoration panels positioned high up on each side of the expansive rear bumper accentuate the width.

The electric Macan is 4.1 ins. (104 mm) longer and less than an inch wider and lower than the existing gasoline model. The wheelbase is extended 3.4 ins. (86 mm) to 113.9-in. (2,893 mm).

A series of active aerodynamic functions, including a prominent splitter element on the lower edge of the front bumper, flaps within the front air ducts that open and close depending on the cooling requirements of the drivetrain, so-called air curtains below the headlamp assemblies, a flat underbody and a louvered diffuser at the rear contribute to a drag coefficient of 0.25.  

Porsche Macan Turbo_Cockpit

The interior of the Macan leans heavily on that of the facelifted Cayenne in terms of style and layout. It includes up to three digital displays, including standard 12.6-in. (32-cm) curved instrument and 10.9-in. (28-cm) infotainment touchscreen displays.

The infotainment system is based on an Android Auto operating system. In combination with Porsche’s latest communication management system, it offers a “Hey Porsche” voice assistant as sell as a Porsche App Centre, where occupants can directly access and download apps from third-party providers.  

As with the Cayenne, the gear selector moves from the center console to a position higher up within the dashboard.

The seat positioning has been lowered in comparison to the first-generation Macan to provide a more sporting feel. The longer wheelbase also provides greater legroom, both front and rear.

Among the options on Porsche’s second dedicated electric model is a 10.9-in. passenger display for vehicle information and streamed internet-based content as well as a head-up display unit with augmented reality functions.

The first two electric Macan models use a dual permanent synchronous-motor electric drivetrain with single-speed gearboxes on each axle. The front motor is supplied by Bosch, while the rear motor is produced by Porsche at its manufacturing base in Zuffenhausen, Germany. In the Macan 4 (pictured, below), they deliver a combined 402 hp along with 479 lb.-ft. (649 Nm) of torque, providing it with a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 5.2 seconds.  

Porsche Macan 4 rear 3.4_0

The Macan Turbo adds 228 hp and 354 lb.-ft. (480 Nm), offering a combined 630 hp and up to 833 lb.-ft. (1,129 Nm) for short periods of overboost. This is 196 hp and a significant 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm) more than the most powerful of existing gasoline-engine-powered Macan models, the GTS, and gives the initial range-topping electric Macan a 0-62 mph time of 3.3 seconds and 162 mph (261 km/h) top speed.

The Macan’s 95-kWh battery can be charged at up to 270 kW on an 800V DC system and at 11 kW on a regular 240V AC system – the former providing a 10- to 80-kWh charge in 21 minutes, according to Porsche. Up to 240 kW of electric energy can be recuperated under braking and coasting.

The official WLTP ranges are 381 miles (613 km) for the Macan 4 and 367 miles (591 km/h) for the Macan Turbo.

Despite the engineering collaboration with Audi and its recently unveiled Q6 e-tron, development of the new Macan has taken over five years due, in part, to issues with the development of the new PPE structure and E3 software package.

The vehicle will be produced at Porsche’s Leipzig plant in Germany alongside the gasoline-engine Macan, Cayenne and Panamera.