Porsche Electrifies its Bestselling SUV with the New Macan EV

Dec 15, 2023 03:45 AM EST

Late in 2010, the German automaker announced it was developing a new model. Originally known by the codeword "Cajun", Porsche said the luxury SUV would be called the "Macan," which was derived from the Indonesian word for tiger. That four-wheeled tiger went roaring into the market, and the Porsche Macan is now one of the automaker's best-selling cars.

New Macan, Electrified

Porsche is getting ready to release an electric version of the Macan in time for its 10th anniversary. Furthermore, a version of this Porsche's best-selling SUV that runs on electricity will be available in 2024. The car company will also keep selling versions with gasoline engines for many years to come.

Porsche is electrifying its best-selling SUV, the Macan, as part of its strategic shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). With over 600,000 Macan units delivered worldwide since its 2014 debut, an impressive 80% of Macan buyers are newcomers to the Porsche brand, according to TheStreet.

In line with the industry trend, Porsche is actively transitioning towards EVs, aiming to have these environmentally friendly vehicles constitute 80% of its sales by 2030. As part of this transformation, the highly anticipated Macan EV is set to launch next year, coinciding with the brand's 10th anniversary.

Reports suggest that while the EV version is on the horizon, the internal combustion Macan will continue for a period to gauge customer reactions. Newsweek 90 shared that since its 2014 debut, the Macan, aptly named after the Indonesian word for tiger, has undergone three updates in 2016, 2019, and 2021.

Porsche has consistently bolstered the Macan's power, options, and introduced new specialty trims to align with its evolving lineup. The Macan's formula for success, which has made it Porsche's best-seller for six of the last eight years, will persist as Porsche embraces the electrification era.

The Macan EV promises abundant power, fast-charging capabilities, and the hallmark Porsche comfort and style. Production of this remarkable electric vehicle will take place at Porsche's Leipzig plant in Germany, utilizing the PPE platform shared with Volkswagen and Audi.

Two variants of the Macan EV are on the horizon. The more potent version will employ dual electric motors, boasting an impressive 603 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque, instantly responsive to the accelerator. As for the less powerful and more affordable Macan EV model, its detailed specifications will be unveiled closer to the SUV's release.

Options for Porsche Macan EV

Similar to the Panamera, the Macan EV will come with rear-wheel steering, enhancing its agility on the road. Moreover, all Macan EV editions will be equipped with a lithium-ion battery boasting a substantial capacity of approximately 100 kilowatt hours. Additionally, the EV will feature an 800-volt electrical system, enabling rapid charging at stations, allowing the battery to be replenished from 10 to 80 percent in under 22 minutes, as per Porsche's specifications.

Newsweek 90 also provided details about the interior. Inside the Macan EV, one can find a range of screen options, with the possibility of having up to three displays. Among them is a 12.6-inch curved digital instrument cluster, accompanied by a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Additionally, an optional 10.9-inch passenger display is available, featuring innovative film technology that ensures the driver remains unaware of its content while driving-a concept reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz's approach in the E-Class.