Since its debut in 2013, the Porsche Macan has earned a devoted fanbase. Now, more than a decade and a million units later, the Leipzig factory is celebrating the model that helped shape its own identity.

Gerd Rupp, Chairman of the Management Board at Porsche Leipzig GmbH, puts it best: “The Macan is inseparably linked to Leipzig. It represents growth and change like no other.”

The decision in 2011 to base Macan production in Leipzig didn’t just bring a new model to the assembly line, but transformed the facility into a full-fledged factory, complete with a paint shop, body shop, and over 1,500 new jobs.

The Leipzig factory now churns out vehicles with internal combustion engines, hybrid systems, and fully electric drivetrains, all on a single line.

This milestone unit, wrapped in a Frozen Blue Metallic hue, pairs its 300 kW (408 hp) powertrain with a 0-100 km/h time of just 5.2 seconds.

There’s also a 100 kWh high-voltage battery nestled beneath that body, offering up to 612 kilometres of range, perfect for those who want to drive from Leipzig to Munich without stopping, or just do the daily commute five days a week without glancing at a charger.

Of course, every milestone deserves a celebration. For Stefan Schmidt, a 62-year-old entrepreneur from Kiel, Germany, it came in the form of a new Macan 4 and a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Porsche Experience Center in Leipzig.

“It’s thrilling,” he said, beaming. “The sporty character, the everyday usability, this is the sweet spot.” As part of his handover, he even took a spin on the factory’s test circuit, which features corners inspired by iconic racetracks around the world.

So, what does one million Macans really mean?

It means a decade of delivering on the Porsche promise in a package that’s approachable, exhilarating, and now, electric. It means that somewhere out there, a million owners have experienced the joy of driving a Macan.

One of them, now, with Frozen Blue paint and a grin on his face.

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The Macan is one of Porsche’s best-sellers, and for good reason. It has all the markings of a proper Porsche but is also packaged in a palatable compact SUV form.

Reasonably peppy engine up front, practical space out back. Nice, right? Well, take the engine bit out, and your customers suddenly become divided.

The new Porsche Macan 4 is now completely electric (for the foreseeable future at least), and we now have the production version of it. Is it any better, or is it another sad case of eco-electric-washing?

More than meets the eye

Built on the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which is also the underpinnings of the Audi Q6 e-tron and A6 e-tron, the new Porsche Macan has all the tools for a dynamic driving experience. But as you’d expect, Porsche’s taken things a notch higher.

The rear motor’s been repositioned, electronics fine-tuned, and the steering made even sharper.

This is the Macan 4, the “base” dual-motor variant in Singapore. It can hit the century mark in a respectable 5.2 seconds, thanks to 285kW (381bhp) and 650Nm of torque. If you dare, it tops out at 220km/h.

The 100kWh battery pack yields 511km of range. Moveable flaps in the front bumper, air curtains around the wheels, a flat underbody, and a pop-up spoiler all contribute to its impressive aerodynamics.

We couldn’t drain its battery in our short stint with it, but realistically you’ll be looking at high 400~km figures in real-world driving, which is plenty for most.

800-volt architecture means the Macan can also be topped off in roughly 20 minutes. That is, if you can find a suitable 270kW charger.

But does it drive like a Porsche?

Yes – an electric Porsche, but a Porsche nonetheless.

The Porsche Macan 4 is a bit more laid-back, delivering power in a smooth, responsive drive that hides its 2,330kg weight remarkably well.

Steering is sharp, throttle response immediate, and the brakes feel solid. One thing that immediately catches your attention is just how stable it is around tight corners. It’s an impressive blend of comfort and power.

Adjustable suspension modes let you switch up the fun on the fly. For urban drives, the Macan feels luxuriously cushioned over speed bumps and rough roads, while Sport+ mode sharpens the suspension and tightens everything up, allowing the Macan to show off its sporty side.

But the noise… 

Or rather, a lack thereof. Electric doesn’t mean silent, at least not in the Macan.

Porsche’s engineers have crafted a sci-fi-like sound profile that hums in the background, adding a bit of character to the otherwise quiet cabin.

Otherwise, thick insulation prevents the cabin from receiving much road noise, so you get a refined experience whether you’re cruising or putting your foot down.

At least it’s conducive in here

Inside, the Macan has grown up. There’s more space without increasing the overall size, a proper 480-litre boot, and for the first time in a Macan, a frunk. It’s small, but useful for stashing your charging cables or a bag.

The seats are surprisingly positioned 28mm lower than the ICE model, giving you that snug, driver-focused feel without compromising on headroom.

The cabin tech is polished, complete with a curved 12.6-inch driver’s display, central touchscreen, and an optional passenger screen.

The new system is the reason why the Macan was slightly delayed, but it was well worth it. Android is baked in, and it’s a smooth and clean interface. You can run Google Maps or Apple Maps directly off the instrument cluster too. The integrated app centre also gives developers new freedom to work on future Porsche apps.

The wireless charging pad is now cooled, to keep your phone from overheating on long drives.

And as always, Porsche’s added their unique design touches, including their sunlight-glare-inducing haptic touch panel for your air conditioning controls.

Electric is here to stay (for now)

If you’re after a versatile daily driver that handles every aspect of life with ease, the electric Porsche Macan 4 makes a compelling case.

It’s fast, comfortable, and well-built, with the practicality to suit both urban life and weekend adventures. Where other electric SUVs seem to run out of steam, the Macan just gets better. 

Porsche’s leap into the electric future hasn’t dulled the Macan’s charm. Instead, it’s turned it into one of the most well-rounded EVs on the market.

Technical Specifications

Porsche Macan Electric

Powertrain: Dual Electric Motors, All-Wheel Drive
Power: 285 kW (381 bhp)
Torque: 650 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 5.2 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 220 km/h
Battery Capacity: 100 kWh
Drive Range: 511 km
Energy Consumption: 5.3 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$254,599 without COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Porsche Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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The rear-wheel-drive Macan was all about efficiency and range, but the new Macan 4S bridges the gap between the Macan 4 and the Macan Turbo.

The Macan entry model introduces electric efficiency to Porsche’s SUV world, powered by a 100 kWh high-voltage battery. A rear-axle motor delivers 250 kW (335hp), reaching a peak of 265 kW (355hp) with Launch Control.

Weighing in at 110 kilograms lighter than the all-wheel-drive Macan 4, this trim is all about streamlined performance and a WLTP range of up to 641 km. Not too shabby for a luxury SUV, right?

The Macan 4S ramps things up with a new rear-axle motor and a more powerful 600-amp SiC pulse inverter. Coupled with a front-axle motor, this setup cranks out 330 kW (441hp), surging to 380 kW (508hp) in overboost.

This translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h. WLTP range is still decent at 606 km, and Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) is standard here.

Porsche hasn’t skimped on the aesthetics either; the new Macan models feature design cues of the second-generation Macan, optimised for aerodynamics with a sleek cw value of 0.25. The 800-volt architecture allows for a rapid DC charging capacity of up to 270 kW, juicing up from 10 to 80 percent in about 21 minutes.

For those looking to stand out, there’s a new exterior colour, Slate Grey Neo, and 20-inch Macan S wheels to choose from.

Pricing and delivery details for the new Macan models in Singapore will be announced soon.

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In a year marked by significant product launches, Porsche has managed to maintain stable sales figures in the first half of 2024. Between January and June, the German manufacturer handed over 155,945 vehicles to customers worldwide, reflecting a moderate 7 percent decrease compared to the previous year.

The brand is currently updating five of its six model series – Cayenne, Panamera, Macan, Taycan, and 911 – which has led to temporary gaps in availability in certain markets. 

Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG, stated, “With the most powerful model range in the company’s history, we are sending out a clear signal. Our customers can rely on us. Even in a globally challenging market environment, we deliver inspiring sports cars with unique performance, many innovations, and a high degree of individualisation.”

The Porsche Cayenne led the charge with 54,587 units delivered in the first half of the year, marking a 16 percent increase. The Macan followed with 39,167 deliveries, an 18 percent decrease due to the model changeover in various markets.

Von Platen noted, “The new all-electric generation of the SUV recorded a very pleasing order intake. The first vehicles will be handed over to customers in the second half of the year.”

The iconic 911 continued to deliver, with 28,212 units sold worldwide, an 8 percent increase. The Panamera saw 13,255 deliveries, a 25 percent decline due to the current model transition.

Similarly, the Taycan experienced a significant drop, with 8,838 deliveries, reflecting a 51 percent decrease. The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman models saw an 8 percent increase, with 11,886 units delivered.

Von Platen concluded, “In 2024, we will put the most powerful Porsche product portfolio of all time on the road. We will continue to focus on a triad of drive systems: fully electric vehicles, efficient plug-in hybrids, and emotional combustion engines.”

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Now, it’s time to plug in and power up as Porsche unveils the new all-electric Macan. Debuting in Singapore, it promises to eclipse even the legendary 911 in popularity stakes.

Two variants were revealed at launch – the Macan 4 and the Macan Turbo. Crafted on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), these models are designed with DNA borrowed from the Taycan.

At first glance, the Macan’s silhouette remains largely the same. As you look through these photos, you’ll notice a sharper, more coupé-like profile that marries classic Porsche contours with futuristic flair, with the Macan taking design cues from the facelifted Cayenne and third-generation Panamera. 

The new model flaunts aerodynamic prowess, courtesy of Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA), ensuring that the Macan cuts through the air efficiently, with a drag coefficient of just 0.25cd.

The Macan’s interior has also been given a thorough refresh, sporting a new 12.6-inch curved instrument display flanked by a pair of 10.9-inch infotainment screens (the passenger display is optional).

The roomier cabin, thanks to an extended wheelbase, promises comfort in spades for the whole family.

The increased cabin space also gives way to a 540-litre (Macan 4) or 480-litre (Turbo) boot, plus a sizeable 84-litre frunk.

Both variants of the Macan are fitted with a dual-motor AWD setup.

The Macan 4 with 408hp and 650Nm of torque clocks the 0-100km/h sprint in just 5.2 seconds, while the Macan Turbo turns the heat up with 636hp and an eye-watering 1,130Nm of torque, completing the century marker in just 3.3-seconds.

Despite the advent of power available at your disposal, the new Macan still manages a respectable 613km (Macan 4) or 591km (Macan Turbo) thanks to a robust 100kWh battery.

The battery pack also supports up to 270kW DC fast charging, matching the Taycan’s peak charge rate.

Even with the new styling and increased practicality, Porsche’s engineers still wanted the Macan to feel and drive like a proper Porsche.

With tweaks to the chassis and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), the air suspension now features two-valve dampers and revised mapping for better stability. 

Plus, for the first time in the Macan’s history, rear-wheel steering can be selected as an option.

5° of available steering angle doesn’t sound like much, but it can narrow the car’s turning radius to just 11.1m.

The new Porsche Macan is gearing up to take Singapore by storm by the year’s end. With the Macan 4 starting at an indicative price of S$254,888 and the Macan Turbo at S$388,088 (before COE), the electric revolution is just around the corner.

Photo Credits: Sean Loo & Porsche

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The new Porsche Macan will soon make its global debut. Until then, leading up to this launch saw Porsche putting Macan prototypes through gruelling tests in extreme conditions to ensure reliability, performance and efficiency.

Ten years after its launch, the Macan is now in its second generation in all-electric form. As the first Porsche model built on the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE), the SUV is a completely new development.

The test process to ensure the perfect coordination of all components and systems is accordingly meticulous. Naturally, camouflaged prototypes were deployed in various locations for testing.

“When we develop a new model, it’s always about the driving dynamics and precision. That’s Porsche. It’s in our DNA. But it’s always about efficiency too. And design,” said Jörg Kerner, Vice President, Product Line Macan.

One challenge was to maintain the product identity of the successful Macan model series while at the same time meeting the aerodynamic requirements needed to ensure high efficiency and therefore also a high range. Well, a drag coefficient of just 0.25Cd means the designers and engineers worked in lockstep to produce a slippery sports SUV. The previous generation Macan’s drag coefficient was 0.35Cd in comparison.

“Finding the optimal connection between our design principles and the specifications given to us by the aerodynamics engineers is certainly a challenge,” said Peter Varga, Director, Exterior Design at Style Porsche. “We’re working together on every millimetre to achieve the optimal balance between aesthetics and function.”

Through this teamwork, Porsche succeeded in combining its design DNA with range-optimised aerodynamics. This was achieved not only through a striking silhouette but also through the components of Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) and other targeted measures.

“The active aerodynamic elements all significantly contribute to the range,” said Thomas Wiegand, Director of Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics. “We have an automatically extending rear spoiler and active cooling flaps on the front air intakes.”

Variable elements also exist out of sight in the undercarriage. The vehicle floor is flat and closed like that of a racing car, even in the rear axle area. The fairings there are flexible and also ensure low air resistance when rebounding.

During normal cruising, the Macan automatically assumes its ideal streamline. The rear spoiler moves into the eco position, the air flaps close and the chassis level lowers. This, according to Porsche, allows for a WLTP range of more than 500km for all variants.

The Macan’s electric motors are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with a gross capacity of 100 kWh, of which up to 95 kWh can be actively used. The battery’s 800-volt architecture enables high-performance fast charging at up to 270kW, which is being tested worldwide as part of the development process.

According to Porsche, the battery pack can be charged from 10-80% in less than 22 minutes at a 150kW 400-volt charging station. This is because a high-voltage switch in the battery enables bank charging by effectively splitting the 800-volt battery into two batteries, each with a rated voltage of 400 volts.

Prototype testing doesn’t just involve driving around in different conditions. “There are different charging standards in our main markets. A major focus of the testing has therefore been on checking these different framework conditions in the different locations with our prototypes and adapting the technology accordingly where necessary. Charging simply has to work, wherever and whenever,” said Kerner.

However, driving around in different extreme conditions is, naturally, par for the test process. Through the various test stages, the objective is to coordinate the newly developed components and systems and to ensure the operational stability and smooth functioning of their interaction.

In endurance tests, a vehicle’s service life is simulated under the kind of harsh operating conditions that will later only be experienced by customers at the absolute limit. To date, the camouflaged prototypes of the all-electric Macan have completed more than three and a half million test kilometres on test tracks and public roads.

To test the interaction of all active driving components under extreme climatic and situational loads, the test cars are used all around the world. “We cover all temperature ranges. From minus 30 degrees Celsius in Scandinavia to plus 50 degrees Celsius, as we experienced in Death Valley in California,” continued Kerner. “Of course, an SUV also has to work on any surface. That’s why we test not only on roads but also off-road, on gravel, snow and ice.”

Any Porsche, even in SUV form, has to be an engaging drive. The rear-focused all-wheel drive in the all-electric Macan models is always on home turf in this regard. Porsche exclusively uses the latest generation of permanently-excited PSM motors on the front and rear axles. They provide an overboost power of more than 612hp, offer excellent efficiency and enable optimum reproducibility of the power output.

The electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management manages the distribution of more than 1,000Nm of torque with Launch Control in the top model in almost real-time.

A Porsche SUV needs to handle well and also be comfortable.

To this end, Porsche’s engineers have deployed a Porsche Active Suspension Management system with two-valve damper technology, air suspension, rear-axle transverse lock and, for the first time, rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to five degrees.

Prototype-testing successfully completed and signed off, the new Porsche Macan will soon be launched. Excited yet? More to come. Stay tuned.

Photo Credits: Porsche

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