The 2024 arrival of the primary absolutely electrical Porsche Macan was presupposed to be easy. Out with the previous gasoline automotive, though the German carmaker introduced plans to supply the pair concurrently, and in with the brand new EV. Nonetheless, for patrons not fairly able to make the swap, this offered an issue as a result of, in some unspecified time in the future, solely the battery-powered Macan would stay.
Step into 2025, and the dialog surrounding the Porsche Macan has modified considerably. In January, rumors emerged suggesting that the carmaker was evaluating the viability of becoming this electrified best-seller with both a pure gasoline or a hybrid powertrain. By March, Porsche clarified that the ICE Macan would certainly exit manufacturing in 2026 as supposed, making the EV the only real survivor. Nonetheless, throughout its monetary outlook assembly, it introduced a attainable new gas-powered SUV, though particulars stay scarce. It is usually unlikely to reach till 2030.
For now, there are quite a few “what ifs” surrounding the Porsche Macan and the model’s SUV lineup as an entire. Nonetheless, provided that the EV will quickly be the one variant on the market, how nicely does its range-topping Turbo trim carry out?
Like most different latest Volkswagen Group merchandise, it rides on a shared platform. On this case, it’s the Efficiency Premium Electrical (PPE) structure that additionally underpins the Audi Q6 e-tron. It makes use of an 800-volt electrical system and a battery pack with a gross capability of 100 kilowatt-hours, leading to a internet capability of 95 kWh. As evidenced by the Porsche Macan Electrical lineup, this setup can accommodate single-motor variants with rear-wheel drive or, just like the Turbo, a dual-motor configuration with energy despatched to all 4 wheels.
Out on the street, the very first thing that strikes you in regards to the Porsche Macan Turbo is its pace. Powered by a battery pack that’s bigger than what you get in a Taycan and creating as much as 630 horsepower and 833 pound-feet of torque, this range-topper sprints to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. For context, that’s four-tenths faster than a Carrera GT. The crossover achieves this regardless of weighing over 5,300 kilos, or about 2,000 greater than the V10 hypercar.
The large differentiator, after all, is that the Macan grants you limitless entry to that degree of efficiency no matter the place you might be. Regardless of it not producing these peak numbers when simply puttering round city, the Turbo is speedy. It’s the sort of fast that doesn’t care whether or not you’re launching it from 20 or 120 mph; it all the time has extra acceleration to provide.
On a again street, you mix this seemingly limitless efficiency with all-wheel drive traction, and also you get a crossover that’s snug searching down sports activities vehicles on a winding mountain street. Apart from producing a excessive degree of mechanical grip, the Porsche Macan Turbo dietary supplements it with a brand new traction administration system that may reply to wheelspin in 10 milliseconds, a locking rear differential, torque vectoring, and an non-obligatory rear-axle steering system.
The result’s a crossover that doesn’t hesitate to show within the prompt you ask it to. Merely level the wheel, and it’ll observe with out grievance. Its chassis is correctly outfitted to deal with the ability dished out by its electrical motors. And just like the refreshed Cayenne lineup, this crossover advantages from two-valve dampers that enable it to regulate compression and rebound independently and, within the case of the Turbo, an adaptive air suspension system.
This setup, though missing an lively anti-roll system, effortlessly handles the Macan’s mass with out delivering a driving expertise that’s overly stiff. You undoubtedly nonetheless really feel the load, however you additionally get the sense that each one of its onboard programs are working in tandem that will help you transfer as shortly as attainable. It is a byproduct of Porsche’s separate funding within the PPE platform, with focused upgrades to its rear finish and suspension. As you’ll discover out later, it’s additionally partially why the Macan sits at a better worth level than its Audi siblings.
Its electrical energy steering receives particular Porsche tuning, which is constantly the perfect inside the whole Volkswagen Group. Whereas it sports activities a fast ratio, it isn’t twitchy or overly responsive. It’s completely matched to the out there grip and efficiency, and it augments the expertise with an honest quantity of suggestions. It’s an identical story with regards to this crossover’s braking efficiency. Its regenerative braking integrates neatly with its metal set, leading to robust stopping energy that by no means fades.
Dial again your pace, nonetheless, and the Porsche Macan Turbo settles right into a each day commute with ease. Its adaptive air suspension soaks up bumps massive and small, and its well-isolated cabin retains most undesirable street and wind noise away. True to its predecessor’s spirit, this crossover stays a great each day driver with a genuinely sporty aspect.
On the vary aspect of issues, this energy and efficiency come at a value. Whereas the dual-motor Macan 4 boasts an EPA-estimated vary of 308 miles, the Turbo achieves a decrease 288-mile determine. Nonetheless, provided that PPE is an 800-volt platform, the Turbo can cost at as much as 270 kilowatts, permitting it to leap from 10 to 80 % in 21 minutes.
The Porsche Macan Turbo I’m driving this week incorporates a $2,480 Copper Ruby Metallic end alongside an upgraded set of $3,510 22-inch wheels, adaptive 18-way adjustable sport seats, and a black leather-based inside. Nonetheless, if you happen to noticed it parked on a aspect road, might you inform that it begins at $107,295, together with a $1,995 vacation spot charge? This tester comes with a price ticket that exceeds $125,000. But, regardless of that, the common particular person will doubtless see it and assume you’re driving an entry-level Porsche.
Dimensionally, the brand new Macan is about two inches wider and three inches longer than its predecessor. Nonetheless, you’d be hard-pressed to inform at a look. Whereas the Turbo receives distinctive bumpers, its total coupe-like form and stance are harking back to what you’ll get in a $77,295 base mannequin. There’s little that makes the range-topper immediately recognizable.
Inside, you’ll discover a structure very acquainted to what you get within the refreshed Cayenne, simply scaled down. As normal, the electrified Macan will get a curved 12.6-inch instrument cluster and a ten.9-inch infotainment display. My tester provides an non-obligatory 10.9-inch show in entrance of the passenger, which ensures that its dashboard is crammed pillar-to-pillar with screens. Nonetheless, Porsche graciously retains bodily switches within the middle console that keep some sense of tactility.
The advantages of the Macan’s upsizing are clearly seen if you think about its inside house. Apart from having extra passenger house, its cargo capability with its seats folded rises to as much as 46.5 cu-ft. This pairs with a second storage space up entrance, which provides an extra 2.9 cubic ft of cupboard space. As such, it will get nearer to bridging the hole between the earlier gas-powered Macan and the Cayenne. It falls a lot nearer to the Maserati Grecale Folgore by way of dimension.
In typical Porsche trend, the absolutely electrical Macan Turbo is virtually flawless from a driving perspective. It’s speedy in a straight line and a prepared dance associate within the bends with out sacrificing each day consolation and value. But, it manages to pair this efficiency with a way of tactility and driver engagement that’s normally absent in high-powered EVs.
Beginning at $107,295, the Turbo is kind of costly, particularly if you issue within the premium your entire electrical Macan vary calls for over its gas-powered predecessor. But regardless of this, this range-topping mannequin isn’t immediately recognizable as one thing particular. Whereas the Macan itself is a lovely-looking automobile, you’ll need extra differentiation if you happen to’re shelling out six figures.
Nonetheless, whereas its worth level is actually elevated, its driving expertise is one few electrical crossovers can match.
