Two more Porsche Macan variants here by 2025

BY PETER BARNWELL | 19th Jul 2024

PORSCHE has added two models to its new all-electric Macan medium-size SUV line-up bringing the locally available range to four.

The entry-level Macan RWD powered by a single motor and the penultimate Macan 4S AWD dual motor variants are priced from $128,400 and $149,300 respectively excluding on-road costs.

The Macan has some premium electric competition from the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQB and EQC, the Genesis GV70 Electric AWD, Lexus’ RZ 450e, Tesla Model Y (at a significantly lower price) and potentially BMW’s RWD only iX3… not a lot considering Porsche performance.

The new entry-level Macan RWD is available to order immediately and offers a combined range of up to 654km from its 100kWh battery.

It is backed by what Porsche calls “highly efficient” power electronics that includes a 480A pulse inverter (PWR) in which the optimised semiconductor material silicon carbide (SiC) is used. The result is significantly reduced switching losses in the PWR and enables higher switching frequencies for efficiency gains.

With launch control selected, the base Macan produces up to 265kW of “overboost” power combined with maximum torque of 563Nm.

It enables the Macan RWD to clock a 0-100km/h sprint in a tidy 5.7 seconds whizzing on to a v-max of 220km/h conditions allowing.

Due to single axle drive, the Macan is 110kg lighter than the Macan 4 and therefore requires less electricity for a given application, hence the claimed 654km range.

The new Macan 4S is positioned at the higher-powered end of the model program filling the gap between the Macan 4 and the Macan Turbo. It has electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management (ePTM) system which distributes drive power between the front- and rear axles around five times faster than a conventional all-wheel-drive system.

Utilising a new rear-axle motor and a powerful 600A SiC pulse inverter, when combined with the front traction motor lifted from Macan 4 and Turbo, the 4S calls up a system output of 330kW with a short power overboost of up to 380kW further enhanced with Launch Control selected giving maximum torque of 820Nm.

It translates into impressive performance figures reflected in a 0-100km/h sprint in in 4.1 seconds with a v-max of 240km/h. The combined range is up to 619km.

The 4S is standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) electronic damping control with optional adaptive air suspension featuring levelling system and height adjustment. Additionally, the 4S has Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) and rear-axle steering that allow the chassis to be further optimised for increased performance and comfort.

Both newcomers share the same essential qualities of the other two models including the evolved styling, optimised aerodynamics, 800V architecture derived from the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform that enables a DC charging capacity of up to 270kW.

The high-voltage battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent within around 21 minutes at a suitable fast-charging station.

On the back of the two new model’s arrival are some new Macan colours and wheels the former including a Slate Grey Neo range wide with a 20-inch Macan S wheel now available also range wide.

An optional off-road design package in two colours can be selected across the entire range that Porsche says makes rough dirt roads and particularly steep climbs and descents more easily mastered than before.

Integrated into the off-road package is an altered front bumper with increased approach angle to up to 17.4 degrees, depending on the model. Matching 21-inch off-road design wheels are also offered.

All versions of the new gen’ Macan feature a completely new display and control system called the Porsche Driver Experience providing a mix of digital and analogue elements.

They include an instrument cluster with a 12.6-inch curved display, a 10.9-inch passenger display, ambient lighting with a communication light and an optional head-up display with augmented reality technology.

In Australia, the updated Macan range will be additionally fitted with the following features as standard: tyre fit set, privacy glass, Porsche entry (comfort access), adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, surround-view with active parking support, side airbags in rear compartment, digital radio, electric charging cover, rear wiper (a no-cost option).

The two new Macan models are available to order now and are expected to be delivered to customers from the first half of 2025.

2025 Porsche Macan pricing*: