Game-changer! 2024 Porsche Macan EV delivers 911-beating acceleration and epic driving range

Porsche’s all-electric Macan has reset the performance benchmark for the mid-sized SUV category with an all-electric line-up that blasts to 100km/h in as little as 3.3 seconds and covers up to 613km between charges.

The second generation of Porsche’s top selling vehicle rides on a new EV-only Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture to be shared with sister brand Audi.

And whereas high performance rivals from the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus and Volvo currently rely on petrol propulsion, Porsche has switched to electricity for the new Macan.

Revealed this week in Singapore ahead of a late 2024 arrival into Australian dealerships, the all-new Porsche Macan can out-accelerate most versions of the iconic Porsche 911 sports car to 100km/h and comes with a fresh batch of technology that includes the all-encompassing Android Automotive operating system.

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“We are taking the Macan to a completely new level – with exceptional E-Performance, the new Driver Experience, and a very impressive design,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG.

The all-electric Macan is a key pillar in Porsche’s plans to transform 80 per cent of its sales to EV by 2030.

It will form the basis of a new breed of all-electric SUVs that will soon include the Cayenne and a yet-to-be-named seven-seat SUV currently codenamed K1.

For now, Porsche has only shown two variants of the new Macan, the Macan 4 and Macan Turbo.

Even the Macan 4 promises above-average performance and the Macan Turbo sets a new benchmark, outpacing anything powered by petrol or hybrid propulsion from rival brands.

“Our aim is to offer the sportiest model in its segment with the all-electric Macan,” says Jörg Kerner, Vice President Product Line Macan.

The Macan 4 is priced from $133,700 plus on-road costs and gets a dual motor drivetrain that makes 300kW and 650Nm.

Despite adding a few hundred kilograms of weight – it weighs in at 2330kg – it hits 100km/h in 5.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 220km/h and has a claimed WLTP range of 613km from its 100kWh battery (95kWh usable).

Having individually controlled electric motors instead of a petrol engine and gearbox allows the traction control – or Porsche Traction Management system – to respond five times quicker.

AC charging can be done at up to 11kW for a full charge in less than 10 hours while more common 7.4kW home charging would take about 13.5 hours.

As with Porsche’s first EV, the Taycan, the Macan EV gets a charge port on either side, with faster DC charging only possible from the driver’s side.

An 800V architecture allows DC charging up to 270kW for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in as little as 21 minutes.

The new Macan matches the petrol-powered model’s 2000kg tow capacity.

Porsche Australia has stepped up the standard equipment for the Macan 4. So as well as a 12.6-inch curved instrument cluster, 10.9-inch central infotainment screen, 360-degree camera, smart key entry, adaptive cruise control and lane change assist, local versions of the Macan 4 will also pick up Porsche Active Suspension Management adaptive dampers and 14-way electrically adjustable front seats.

The Macan Turbo is priced from $180,100 plus on-road costs and uses the same 100kWh battery, with range dropping to a still-impressive 591km.

However, it gets a larger rear motor that takes the power to 470kW and a massive 1130Nm of torque.

Despite weighing 2405kg it accelerates to 100km/h in just 3.3 seconds, which is quicker than anything else in the mid-sized SUV segment from prime rivals such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. It has a top speed of 260km/h and the same charging credentials as the Macan 4.

The Macan Turbo also picks up additional standard equipment for Australia, including a panoramic sunroof, quad-zone ventilation, Sport Chrono pack and Porsche Electric Sport Sound for a futuristic synthesised sound that was inspired by the electric motor’s natural sound.

The Macan Turbo also gets Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and an electronically locking rear differential designed to improve traction and cornering prowess. Plus there’s air suspension that can raise and lower depending on which drive mode is activated.

As before, the Macan will be offered with a range of options, including a head-up display and rear wheel steering that can aid low speed manoeuvrability and improve high speed stability. There’s also a passenger display that allows the front seat occupant to stream videos on the run.

The new Macan also gets over-the-air software updates and the Android Automotive operating system.

Being based on a ground-up EV architecture has allowed designers to leverage the packaging benefits of an electric car.

The bonnet sits slightly lower, for example, and the wheelbase has been extended, allowing the wheels to be placed further apart.

The drag coefficient is just 0.25, well down on the 0.36 of the previous car, something that improves efficiency, thereby extending the driving range.

There’s also an moving rear spoiler is part of an active aerodynamics package that also includes flaps in the front bumper.

Occupants also sit slights lower – 28mm up front and 15mm in the rear – and the doors have frameless windows.

At 4784mm long and 1938mm wide the Macan is bigger than the model it replaces but its 1622mm height is slightly lower than before.

There’s also an additional 127 litres of luggage space courtesy of a boot that offers up to 540 litres of space and an 84-litre frunk under the bonnet.

Up front, the Macan gets a distinctive quad-lamp daytime running lights in keeping with other models in the line-up.

However, the main headlights are lower on the outer edges of the bolder bumper.

The Turbo also gets unique design elements, including a graphite monochrome badge on the bonnet, unique front bumper and more aggressive rear-end treatment with non-functioning side vents to partially mimic the broader stance of a 911 Turbo.

While Porsche has only showed the Macan 4 and Macan Turbo models for now, a rear-drive Macan is also expected, as is a GTS. And Porsche hasn’t ruled out an even more potent Turbo S variant.