2024 Porsche Macan EV almost ready

The all-new, all-electric 2024 Porsche Macan EV is just about ready for global release and, as such, Porsche has released some key new details about the second-generation mid-size luxury SUV and shown off its all-terrain capabilities with a series of new teaser images and clips.

Pricing and specification details for the first battery-electric Macan will be announced in the coming months before it arrives in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year as a direct replacement for the original combustion-powered Macan range, which will be discontinued in the third quarter of 2024.

It’s no secret the electric Macan will be a performance monster thanks to its dual-motor powertrains, which will output upwards of 450kW of power and 1000Nm of torque, while the 800-volt PPE architecture lurking under its skin will facilitate DC fast-charging of up to 270kW.

Chargers this powerful are few and far between at this stage in Australia, which is why the 800V battery can essentially be split into two 400V units when using a 150kW charger, enabling bank charging in the process and charging the battery from 10-80 per cent in a claimed 22 minutes.

Porsche is yet to provide an official cruising range for the new Macan, but adds are the most efficient versions will be able to top 500km with ease thanks in part to the new-generation motors, platform and a slippery 0.25Cd drag coefficient – the latter afforded by a suite of active aero features and an all-new coupe-like roofline.

The sportier silhouette also happens to match the Macan’s new-age electric performance and should continue to build on the nameplate’s reputation as one of the world’s most dynamically capable SUVs.

“Porsche developed the new Macan with a keen focus on the driving dynamics typical of the brand, and a familiar steering feel,” the brand said.

“These core competencies of the sports car manufacturer are a particular focus during testing.”

The fundamental basis of SUVs as a concept is to blend wagon practicality and on-road manners with a bit of off-road capability and Porsche is clearly sticking by that ethos judging by some of the imagery coming out of this final phase of testing – think wheel lifts, rooster tails, splashes, spray and four-wheel drifting.

“Of course, an SUV also has to work on any surface,” said Macan product line vice president Jörg Kerner.

“That’s why we test not only on roads, but also off-road, on gravel, snow and ice.”

Much like the established Taycan EV, as well as the Kia EV6 GT and Hyundai IONIQ 5 N electric performance SUVs, the dual-motor powertrain delivers a rear-biased all-wheel drive configuration that ensures maximum performance on bitumen and loose surfaces in tandem with the Porsche Traction Management system, adaptive air suspension and rear-axle steering system.

More than 3.5 million kilometres have been covered by the prototypes during real-world development testing on multiple continents in various extreme temperatures, and that’s before you factor in the countless simulation miles and wind tunnel testing.

“We cover all temperature ranges… minus 30 degrees Celsius in Scandinavia to plus 50 degrees Celsius… in Death Valley in California,” Kerner said.

It’s practically a given the second-generation Macan will cost more than its petrol-powered forebear, which currently starts from $93,800 plus on-road costs and tops out at $141,700 in Australia. Keep an eye out for the global reveal and local pricing announcement soon.