The Macan compact utility has been a wild success for Porsche over the last 10 years, delivering more than 800,000 units worldwide since 2014, and now it’s taking off in an all-electric direction. 

The Macan EV is set to launch later this year as Porsche’s second all-electric model, the first being the Taycan sedan which arrived for the 2020 model year. Two initial models, the Macan 4 and Macan Turbo, will carry the torch of the compact utility into the electric era.

Porsche Macan Goes All-Electric; New EV Model Launches This Year 6

The Macan 4 is capable of up to 402 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The Macan Turbo naturally takes things a step (or leap) farther, generating up to 630 horsepower and 833 lb-ft of torque, hitting 60 in 3.1 seconds. Not that buyers will likely ever hit it, but top track speeds are 136 and 161 mph respectively. Whether you’re an EV fan or not, the numbers don’t lie: this thing is fast. And while on the subject of power, the Macan EV has enough grunt to reach a maximum towing capacity of 4,409 lbs.

Porsche Macan Goes All-Electric; New EV Model Launches This Year

All Macan EVs are built on the same Premium Platform Electric (PPE) foundation, sporting an 800 volt architecture for quick charging. The 95 kWh battery (100 kWh gross capacity) can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in about 21 minutes when hooked up to a DC Fast Charger– the Macan is capable of charging up to up to 270 kW on DC power. When paired with a 400 volt charging station, a high-voltage switch in the battery will enable a “bank charging” mode. Basically, the 800 volt battery gets split into two batteries, 400 volts each, enabling “particularly efficient charging without an additional HV booster,” up to 135 kW. If AC charging is all you’ve got, that’s fine– just expect a slower 11 kW trickle, hardware dependent.

EPA range estimates were not given for the Macan EV, though Porsche claims a range “suitable for everyday use.” Official numbers will be confirmed as we get closer to the official launch; but, in the meantime, we’re hoping for near 300 miles at least and perhaps even more on future models. Regenerative braking is, of course, present, which will certainly contribute to future range estimates.

The Porsche drive experience is more than just power delivery. Handling and comfort are two important parts to the Macan equation; and here, both launch models will feature all-wheel drive a la two electric motors, aided by the electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management system (ePTM) and an electronically controlled differential lock on the rear axle, AKA: Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus). Other underpinnings include air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), the latter utilizing two-valve dampers, resulting in a “wider spectrum between comfort and performance.” Rear-wheel steering is also optional, a first for any Macan.

Porsche Macan Goes All-Electric; New EV Model Launches This Year 7
Porsche Macan Goes All-Electric; New EV Model Launches This Year 4
Porsche Macan Goes All-Electric; New EV Model Launches This Year 2
Porsche Macan Goes All-Electric; New EV Model Launches This Year 3
Porsche Macan Goes All-Electric; New EV Model Launches This Year 1
Porsche Macan Goes All-Electric; New EV Model Launches This Year 7Porsche Macan Goes All-Electric; New EV Model Launches This Year 4Porsche Macan Goes All-Electric; New EV Model Launches This Year 2Porsche Macan Goes All-Electric; New EV Model Launches This Year 3Porsche Macan Goes All-Electric; New EV Model Launches This Year 1

Proportionally, we’re looking at a compact SUV measuring 188.4-inches long, 84.7-inches wide and 63.8-inches high; and the 113.9-inch wheelbase is 3.4-inches longer than the previous model. Overall, it isn’t too far removed from the internal-combustion Macan, but the EV’s presence is given away by the unique front fascia and divided headlights. A sleek design, including various active and passive aero elements, results in a drag coefficient of 0.25.

The interior is arguably defined by the embedded tech, starting with a 12.6-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.9-inch infotainment screen. There’s also an optional passenger display, same dimensions as the infotainment screen, which shows video content and additional vehicle information (though, a tinted screen prevents the driver from becoming distracted). A head-up display is part of the Porsche Driver Experience, showing virtual navigation ahead of the driver; and voice assistance via “Hey Porsche” preambles means apps can be accessed with both hands still locked onto the wheel.

Other than that, the cabin flows with modern Porsche design language. The trunk features 18 cubic-feet of storage with the seats up and up to 46.5 cubes with the seats down. The front truck– the “frunk,” as it is affectionately referred to by many– tacks on an additional 2.9 cubic-feet.

If we write any more, there’ll be no point in doing an inevitable Road Test, so this is where it ends. The new Macan will be assembled at the Porsche’s Leipzig plant. The Macan 4 will sticker for $80,450, including a $1,650 delivery fee; and the Macan Turbo will kick things up over six digits at $106,950. You can expect to see them arriving at dealerships in the second half of this year.