Will the electric Macan Turbo from Porsche lure potential buyers away from its gasoline-powered counterpart?
The all-electric Porsche Macan has made a significant impact in the automotive market, accounting for nearly 60% of Macan sales globally. This electric powerhouse, available on Porsche.com, offers a blend of performance, technology, and practicality, but comes at a high price.
The top model in the Macan EV range is the Macan Turbo, which boasts a 0-62 mph time of 3.3 seconds and produces 630bhp. Despite its impressive performance, the electric Macan Turbo is not as dramatic as some electric rivals like the Tesla or Taycan Turbo GT. However, it benefits from advanced technology, including an 800-volt system that can recharge 10 to 80% battery capacity in just 21 minutes.
The Macan Turbo electric is slightly awkward in styling compared to its combustion-engined sibling, but it offers a flat floor in the back and storage space under the bonnet. The optional extras on the tested Macan Turbo electric push the price above £100,000, making it a significant investment for those seeking a high-performance electric SUV.
Interestingly, the highest spec combustion Macan, the GTS, is almost £22,000 cheaper than the electric Macan Turbo. This price difference may attract those who prefer the familiarity of a combustion engine or are more budget-conscious.
Porsche initially planned to switch its best-selling Macan to electric, but due to a consumer shift back to combustion and hybrid-powered cars, they announced a mid-sized SUV running combustion engines in March 2025. This new model will not be badged as a Macan, but as an 'independent model line' with a 'new design'.
The first-generation Macan, launched in 2014, was a hit and was Porsche's best-selling model from 2015 until 2022. The all-electric second-generation Macan is now available, and the model tested is the Macan Turbo, which has a 100kWh battery and a range of 230-260 miles.
Porsche started the trend of sportscar makers going electric with the Mission E project, which eventually became the Taycan. The real test for Porsche's new direction came with the arrival of the all-electric Macan in 2024. Despite the EV Macan’s popularity within the Macan family, Porsche’s overall profitability margins are down due to development and market conditions, causing the company to scale back its earlier ambition for 80% EV sales by 2030.
In conclusion, the all-electric Macan performs strongly relative to its combustion sibling, but Porsche is adapting to consumer preferences and market realities by continuing to offer a versatile lineup including internal combustion and hybrid models alongside the EV version. Buyers in the UK have a choice between a new, combustion-engined first-generation Macan or the new all-electric second-generation Macan.
- The all-electric Macan, with nearly 60% market share, has become a significant player in the automotive industry, particularly in the electric-vehicles segment.
- The Macan Turbo electric offers a blend of technology, performance, and practicality, but comes with a hefty price tag, reaching beyond £100,000 when optional extras are added.
- Although the Tesla and Taycan Turbo GT have more dramatic performance, the Macan Turbo electric benefits from an advanced technology, such as an 800-volt system for faster charging.
- Interestingly, the highest spec combustion Macan, the GTS, is significantly cheaper than the electric Macan Turbo, which could be a consideration for those preferring a combustion engine or those with a tighter budget.
