Porsche’s new second-generation Macan is all-electrified
It receives new looks, improved suspension and a host of driver-centric firsts
Considering the sporty history of the German carmaker, some say the P in Porsche stands for Performance. And to capitalise on that tradition of giving performance priority over everything else, Porsche has unveiled the all-new second-generation Macan. The new Porsche Macan is available only with an all-electric powertrain, expressive new design theme and an aim to be “the sportiest model in its segment”.
Available in two trim levels at launch, the Macan 4 and the Macan Turbo, Porsche has incorporated the permanently excited PSM electric motors of the latest generation on the front and rear axles to power both trims. While the Macan 4, with launch control engaged, can produce up to 300 kW (or 408 hp) and 650Nm torques, the Macan Turbo can achieve peak power output of 470 kW (or 639 hp) and a whopping 1,130 Nm torques. The instant electric torque allows the new Porsche Macan to accelerate from 0-100kph in 5.2 seconds in the Macan 4 trim and 3.3 seconds in top-spec Turbo variant. The maximum speed is reached at 220 and 260 km/h respectively.
Both the Macan 4 and the Macan Turbo have all-wheel drive to obtain impressive driving dynamics. However, the electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management (ePTM) regulates around five times faster than a conventional all-wheel drive system, allowing the new Macan to react to slip within ten milliseconds. Also new is the two-valve technology within the dampers of the suspension setup, which allows for a greater range between comfort and performance so the difference between the two driving modes can be experienced better. For the first time, the Macan has an optional rear axle steering which enables compact turning circle during city traffic driving and high driving stability at higher speeds.
In an attempt to achieve the tag for the sportiest model in the segment, Porsche appears to have left no stone unturned by adopting a sporty-modern and dynamic appearance for the new Macan with a coupe roofline. “The new Macan is clearly recognizable by the brand identity as part of the Porsche product family. The Porsche-typical proportion has been further developed and optimally adapted to the challenges of an electric vehicle” says Michael Mauer, Head of Style Porsche. The front end boasts a headlight setup inspired by the Taycan while the rear end of the Macan now gets a flatter profile that seamlessly blends into the width-spanning lightbar blade, a prominent modern-era Porsche design-theme.
The all-electric powertrain packaging has allowed Porsche to offer more legroom to the occupants with a higher seating position than before. The dashboard retains the typical black-band design seen on all new modern Porsches, featuring a host of digital user interfaces. Similar to the Cayenne SUV, not everything is controlled via the touch screens as controls for the air-conditioning are analog and placed across the centre console. An LED light strip is integrated into the accent strip of the cockpit and doors which doubles up as ambient lighting and as a communicative light to signal charging processes or warn in behalf of driver assistance systems. And like all modern Porsches, the new Macan’s interiors are open for a high degree of individualization.
Drivers would benefit from a head-up display with augmented reality technology to allow navigation arrows to be seamlessly integrated into the real world, a first for the brand. A 10.9-inch passenger screen is available as an optional extra for the front seat occupant to make settings on infotainment or stream video content while being driven.
Through electrification, the Macan has gained cargo space. The absence of an engine allows for more space to be opened up under the front hood, titled the ‘frunk’. It’s capable of carrying 84 liters of additional space and compared to the first-gen Macan, the new model can haul an extra 136 liters of cargo.
The electric motors draw their energy from a 95 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which itself sits on the newly developed Premium Platform Electric (PPE) with 800-volt architecture, making the new Macan the first from Porsche to utilise the same. It’s built to boost efficiencies while charging and allow a ten to 80 percent charge time of about 21 minutes at a suitable fast charging station. The combined WLTP range is up to 613 kilometers for the Macan 4 and up to 591 kilometers for the Macan Turbo.
The new models will be delivered to the first customers during the second half of the year.
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