As all car enthusiasts know, Porsche cars evolve slowly. Certainly, over time, models are updated as they mature but in the case of the brilliant Porsche Macan only now, ten years after its launch, is the Macan heading into its second model generation. This time though, it is in all-electric form. Through its progressive, timeless design, characteristic Porsche performance, long-distance range and high everyday practicality, the new Macan 4 and the new Macan Turbo aim to completely fulfil the requirements of regular Porsche customers when choosing an SUV. Porsche insist that the prestige brand is taking the Macan to a completely new level.
The company’s stated aim is to offer the sportiest model in its segment with the all-electric Macan. Porsche, we learn, exclusively uses the latest generation of permanently-excited electric motors on the front and rear axles to achieve excellent efficiency and enable optimum use of the power output.
On The Outside
Thanks to the sharper proportions derived from Porsche Design DNA, the new Macan models look dynamic and purposeful. This car though is still clearly recognisable by its brand identity as part of the Porsche line-up. The classic Porsche proportions have been further developed and optimally adapted to the challenges of an electric vehicle. This has further heightened the sporty, modern and dynamic appearance of this very popular German model. In true Porsche form, the design makes it clear that this remains at heart a sports car even though it’s in the compact SUV segment, even in electric form.
The shallow pitch of the bonnet and the strongly pronounced wings give the entry-level SUV a dynamic appearance even when stationary. The new Macan is fitted with up to 22 inch wheels optionally. The wheelbase, which is 86mm longer than the previous model, is offset by short overhangs at the front and rear, aiding light off-road use.
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’ shape forms a unit with the flat rear window. In combination with the frameless doors with characteristic side blades, the result is a sleek, sporty look. Strongly pronounced shoulders give the rear a muscular look too with the famous Porsche logo sitting in the centre of the sculptural 3D light strip.
On The Inside
The new Macan is a performance-oriented SUV with a high level of practicality for everyday use, top quality equipment and a spacious, roomy interior. Electrification has led to increased luggage space in the Macan. Depending on the model and equipment fitted, the capacity behind the rear seat bench is up to 540 litres set up in cargo mode. In addition, there is the front trunk (boot) or ‘frunk’ as they insist on calling it (we don’t say this made-up word out loud). This is a second luggage compartment under the bonnet (hood)with a capacity of 84 litres. This amounts to 136 litres in total more than the previous model. If the rear seat backrest is folded down completely, the rear luggage compartment capacity increases to up to 1,348 litres. The maximum towing capacity of 2,000kg rounds off the highly practical qualities of this new Macan.
Depending on the model and equipment fitted, the driver and front passenger now sit up to 28mm lower than before, while the rear passengers sit up to 15mm lower, but with increased legroom. The interior of course 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 personal customisation as well.
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 10.9inch screen, although this is supplied as an option.
Another first is that the Porsche Driver Experience also includes a head-up display, this time with augmented reality technology. 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 this latest model 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 into the car.
On The Road
The numbers alone indicate top-class electric performance. In combination with Launch Control, the Macan 4 produces up to 300 kW (402bhp / 408PS). No emissions of course and the official electric range combined overall is 320 - 380miles (516 – 613 km). This will of course depend on how the car is driven (there’s an overboost!) and in what conditions, but it is not a bad range by any means. The Turbo model improves on range and there’s bucket loads of torque available as well.
In short, it is still a Porsche and thus offers excellent driving performance. The Macan 4 accelerates from a standstill to 62mph (100 km/h) in 5.2 seconds, while the Turbo takes just 3.3 seconds.
The Charge
Up to 240kW of energy can be recuperated via the electric motors while driving. The Integrated Power Box (IPB) also contributes to the efficiency of the new Macan models, while also saving weight and space. The innovative and compact IPB combines three components – the on-board AC charger, the high-voltage heater and the DC/DC converter. 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 270kW. The battery can be charged from ten to eighty 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.
So, if an electric Macan fits the bill then this is the car for you. For those who like their automotive power to be derived from an internal combustion engine, well, that’s okay too as the current model, new or used, is also available. Either way, MHH International is your one stop shop to export your choice of Porsche model from the UK to New Zealand, Ireland, Kenya, the Caribbean and other global destinations. Get in touch to find out more.
