If there's one brand out there that is expected to do great things in the EV space, that's Porsche. Known for always pushing the limits of automotive engineering and selling reliable, high-performance cars that don't skimp on comfort creatures and luxury additions, the marque is now once again betting on the zero-emission drivetrain with the first-ever Macan EV. Here's what you can expect.
Let's start with this: in its most powerful form, the new SUV is 0.36 seconds faster than the coveted 911 (992) GT3! If that was enough to attract your attention to this $80,450 bulbous leaping frog-like zero-emission machine, then get ready for more. The Germans didn't mess around - as they should have! The model commands a premium of $19,550 over the base gas-powered Macan.
The entry-level Porsche Macan 4 EV and the Macan Turbo EV are brand new, even though they share the name with their gas-powered sibling. Built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) that's going to be shared with Audi, the two models available at launch offer some impressive capabilities.
The Macan 4 EV puts out 402 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque when Launch Control is activated and can go 381 miles (631 kilometers) on a single charge, according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).
Although costing a lot less, the Tesla Model Y Performance puts out 456 hp and 471 lb-ft of torque.
The Turbo trim ups the ante to 630 hp (and 833 lb-ft of torque!) but loses 14 miles (22 kilometers) of maximum range and will set you back at least $106,950.
Photo: mickiii on macanevowners.com
Keep in mind that the Environmental Protection Agency's test cycle isn't as permissive as WLTP. We could see a drop in the official range of about 15-20%. The good news is that, unlike Tesla, Porsche isn't known for overpromising and underdelivering.
Both eSUVs share the same 100-kWh gross (95-kWh usable) high-voltage energy storage unit with prismatic cells. Porsche debuted the first-ever EV with the 800V architecture when it launched the Taycan in 2019, so the Macan has it as well.
We've already seen the Macan EV in action, albeit with a ton of camouflage. The previews confirmed that the eSUV would fast charge impressively well. Still, Porsche says both trims will take electrons from a DC dispenser at a rate of 270 kW, which should translate into a 10 to 80% charging time of about 20 minutes.
Suppose you don't have access to a high-power charger like Electrify America's 350-kW stalls. In that case, the zero-emission Macan EV can artificially split its battery pack into two 400V batteries that can charge at speeds of up to 135 kW.
The Macan EV measures 188.3 in (4,784 mm) in length, 76.2 in (1,938) mm in width, 63.8 in (1,622 mm) in height, and has a wheelbase of 113.8 in (2,893 mm).
As for design novelties, prospective buyers will notice a new lighting signature with split headlights and a thicker rear light bar, the absence of a grille, frameless doors, and a shape that's reminiscent of the Cayenne Coupe.
Photo: mickiii on macanevowners.com
If you decide that this will become your next family hauler, you should also know that, unlike the BMW iX, it has a 2.96 cu-ft frunk. Combined with the 19 cu-ft trunk, the Macan EV can store most of the things you want to carry around. It can also tow 4,409 lb!
Inside, owners will find a cabin that's unmistakably Porsche with the Taycan-inspired dashboard layout that currently is also available on the Cayenne. As expected, the 10.9-inch passenger display is an option. The automaker says that it has improved the seating position for everyone sitting inside the new Macan EV by lowering the seats and increasing legroom.
The infotainment now runs on Android Automotive, giving buyers the option to download third-party apps and customize their digital experience.
The Macan Turbo EV also comes with a PASM-equipped air suspension and an electronically controlled differential lock on the rear axle, known as Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus. The Macan 4 EV can have them, but they'll incur extra costs.
However, both models come equipped with the electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management (ePTM), which operates around five times faster than a conventional all-wheel drive system. It can detect and respond to slip within 10 milliseconds. There's also rear-axle steering available for customers who will spend more time within the city or at the track. That option can greatly improve maneuverability.
Finally, Porsche says the Macan EV is made in a "net carbon neutral way" in Leipzig, and deliveries will begin in the second half of 2024.
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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