The 2024 arrival of the primary totally electrical Porsche Macan was purported to be easy. Out with the previous fuel automotive, though the German carmaker introduced plans to provide the pair concurrently, and in with the brand new EV. Nevertheless, for consumers not fairly able to make the swap, this offered an issue as a result of, sooner or later, 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 fuel or a hybrid powertrain. By March, Porsche clarified that the ICE Macan would certainly exit manufacturing in 2026 as meant, making the EV the only real survivor. Nevertheless, throughout its monetary outlook assembly, it introduced a doable new gas-powered SUV, though particulars stay scarce. Additionally it is 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 a complete. Nevertheless, provided that the EV will quickly be the one variant on the market, how properly 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 web 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 highway, the very first thing that strikes you in regards to the Porsche Macan Turbo is its velocity. Powered by a battery pack that’s bigger than what you get in a Taycan and growing 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 massive differentiator, after all, is that the Macan grants you limitless entry to that degree of efficiency no matter the place you’re. 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 at all times has extra acceleration to offer.
On a again highway, you mix this seemingly infinite efficiency with all-wheel drive traction, and also you get a crossover that’s comfy looking down sports activities automobiles on a winding mountain highway. 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 optionally available rear-axle steering system.
The result’s a crossover that doesn’t hesitate to show within the immediate you ask it to. Merely level the wheel, and it’ll comply with with out criticism. Its chassis is correctly outfitted to deal with the facility 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 burden, 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 doable. 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 the next value level than its Audi siblings.
Its electrical energy steering receives particular Porsche tuning, which is constantly the most effective 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 obtainable grip and efficiency, and it augments the expertise with a good quantity of suggestions. It’s an analogous story on the subject of 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 velocity, nonetheless, and the Porsche Macan Turbo settles right into a day by day commute with ease. Its adaptive air suspension soaks up bumps massive and small, and its well-isolated cabin retains most undesirable highway and wind noise away. True to its predecessor’s spirit, this crossover stays an excellent day by 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. Nevertheless, 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 p.c in 21 minutes.
The Porsche Macan Turbo I’m driving this week contains 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. Nevertheless, 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 payment? This tester comes with a price ticket that exceeds $125,000. But, regardless of that, the typical individual will seemingly 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 general coupe-like form and stance are paying homage 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 customary, the electrified Macan will get a curved 12.6-inch instrument cluster and a ten.9-inch infotainment display screen. My tester provides an optionally available 10.9-inch show in entrance of the passenger, which ensures that its dashboard is crammed pillar-to-pillar with screens. Nevertheless, Porsche graciously retains bodily switches within the heart console that keep some sense of tactility.
The advantages of the Macan’s upsizing are clearly seen whenever you consider its inside area. Apart from having extra passenger area, 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 space for storing. 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 when it comes to dimension.
In typical Porsche vogue, the totally electrical Macan Turbo is virtually flawless from a driving perspective. It’s speedy in a straight line and a keen dance accomplice within the bends with out sacrificing day by day consolation and usefulness. But, it manages to pair this efficiency with a way of tactility and driver engagement that’s often absent in high-powered EVs.
Beginning at $107,295, the Turbo is kind of costly, particularly whenever you issue within the premium all the 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 car, you’ll need extra differentiation if you happen to’re shelling out six figures.
Nevertheless, whereas its value level is definitely elevated, its driving expertise is one few electrical crossovers can match.
