The all-electric Macan has finally arrived in Britain. Can it convince Porsche buyers to make the switch?
So, this is the biggie. I know the all-electric Porsche Macan isn’t the first electric Porsche, but it’s the first electric Porsche with a legacy. That’s why this is the biggie. The acid test. Can Porsche do what Ford arguably failed to with its electric Mustang: build a truly desirable electric car that’s good to drive and upholds the core values of the brand?
Sensibly, Porsche hasn’t strayed too far in terms of the styling. The new model is bigger in every way, other than height, so it’s roomier inside, yet it still looks like a Macan, don’t you think? And to my eyes that’s an instant plus. I spied the EV version parked next to an original Macca from a first-floor window of the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone, which we visited during the launch.
On the functional side, I like that you can programme the ‘diamond’ button on the steering wheel to turn the speed-limit warning off, while deactivating the lane assist means simply pressing a button on the cruise control stalk. Easy peasy. Elsewhere, there are physical buttons to operate the other important functions, some haptic ones for the less-often-used ones, and everything else is commanded from the 10.9-inch central infotainment screen. And that, too, is a lesson in usability.
The Turbo’s relatively efficient, too. Even though it weighs 2,480kg and has peak outputs from its twin motors of 639hp and 833lb ft, it’ll bimble along sucking electrons at a relatively sparing 3.3 miles/kWh according to WLTP. I reckon you could match that figure easily in the real world, too. Why? Well, I wasn’t always sparing the electrons and, for the most part, the Turbo was averaging 3.2 miles/kWh.
The reason for explaining all that is because I disliked the way my 4 rode, but I’m comparing apples with pears. The Macan’s meant to be sporty, I get that, but primarily it’s a family SUV, and without air suspension the ride is too firm. And that’s with PASM, remember. Heaven knows what it’s like on the standard passive set-up but I suspect you’ll be on first-name terms with your osteopath.
While we’re on the topic of handling, there’s another important difference between the 4 and the Turbo that I should mention. As you’ll no doubt know, both are four-wheel drive with motors front and rear. But, unlike the Taycan, which has a two-speed gearbox at the rear, the Macan has a single-speed transmission at both ends. What makes the Turbo distinct from the 4 is the former’s electronically locking rear differential.
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