Porsche Macan EV to become more affordable

A more affordable Porsche Macan EV is nearing reality as the German performance car brand prepares for the arrival of its crucial new-generation electric-only mid-size SUV.

Porsche has all but confirmed it is readying further variants of its upcoming Macan EV to join the line-up soon after first Australian deliveries begin later this year.

But don’t expect an even faster, more ballistic range-topper to sit above the Macan Turbo, which will take the top spot when the all-new SUV is released Down Under in late 2024.

While Porsche hasn’t ruled out a Macan Turbo GT in the longer term – mimicking moves to introduce GT models for the Taycan, Cayenne and 911 model lines – the focus for now is on a more affordable entry-level variant and others to slot between the $133,700 Macan 4 and $180,100 Macan Turbo.

“At the moment these two [model variants are the focus], but in the future I think we will get other models,” said Macan product line vice-president Jörg Kerner at the international media launch for the five-seat SUV.

When asked specifically about a single-motor, rear-wheel drive version of the new Macan EV – something that would create the first two-wheel drive version of Porsche’s most affordable model – he said: “it’s possible”.

In other words, it’s essentially a done deal.

Porsche is also expected to unleash a battery-powered Macan GTS, which as with other GTS models from the brand would sharpen the dynamics and add more punch while slotting below the Turbo in terms of price and outright thrust.

There had also been rumours of a Macan with more grunt than the Turbo. That means stepping it up from 470kW of power and 1130Nm of torque.

It turns out the hardware is already in the Macan to make a whole lot more grunt.

The Macan Turbo’s 900-amp inverter and rear motor are identical to those used in the recently unveiled Porsche Taycan GT, which makes up to 815kW when using boost mode and 1300Nm of torque.

The Taycan GT is the most powerful and fastest accelerating Porsche production car ever created, able to hit 100km/h in a claimed 2.2 seconds and 200km/h in just 6.4sec.

While the Macan Turbo’s 470kW/1130Nm maximum outputs are impressive – and provide for 0-100km/h acceleration in a claimed 3.3sec – there’s clearly plenty left in reserve.

And Kerner admitted it is not utilising the full 900A capacity of the inverter. But he suggested there is no rush to beef up the Macan outputs.

“I think it is not necessary,” he said of a faster version of the Macan EV.

“It’s not the right way for all models to be the highest performance for acceleration,” he added, pointing out that the new Macan was quicker and more powerful than the brand had envisaged even a few years ago.

And he said creating a car that was not just a straight-line hero was critical.

“It’s very important [to engineer] the complete car,” said Kerner.

“Not only the best acceleration but the best complete car is our target. Not the race of more, more, more, more, more… it’s not the right way.”

Another variant that’s not currently on the development shortlist for the new Macan is a more off-road focussed version – or one that leverages the Dakar branding that’s proven a hit with the 911 sports car.

“At the moment it’s not in my mind,” he said, before adding “never say never”.

“At the moment it’s not in the focus,” concluded Kerner.

That’s a shame; imagine a more focussed Macan EV with some of the rough-road smarts of a 911 Dakar. Yes, please!

For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales' Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au