ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS THE NEW PORSCHE MACAN

Ten years have passed since Porsche launched their baby SUV, the Macan, which has attracted a number of new customers to the brand and now it is heading into its second model generation and in all-electric form.

Through its progressive, timeless design, characteristic Porsche performance, long-distance range and high everyday practicality, the new Macan 4 and the new Turbo are set to conquer in the premium SUV compact sector of the market: both feature all wheel drive. Thanks to the sharper proportions and Porsche Design DNA, the new models look dynamic and dominant and are clearly recognisable by brand identity as part of the Porsche product family. The classic family proportions have been further developed and optimally adapted to the challenges of an electric vehicle. This has further heightened the sporty, modern and dynamic appearance of the new model.

The major story with the new Macan is the EV with more than 630bhp. The electric motors draw their energy from a lithium-ion battery in the underbody, with a gross capacity of 100 kWh, of which up to 95 kWh can be actively used. The HV battery is a central component of the newly developed Premium Platform Electric with 800-volt architecture, used by Porsche for the first time in this new vehicle. The DC charging output is up to 270 kW and the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent within approximately 21 minutes at a suitable fast-charging station. At 400-volt charging stations, 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. This enables particularly efficient charging, without an additional HV booster, at up to 135 kW. AC charging at up to 11 kW is possible at household wall boxes. Looking at the all important range; the combined WLTP range is up to 613 km (380m) in the Macan 4 and up to 591 km (367) in the Turbo version.

Versions with air suspension, also standard on the Turbo, are equipped with the Porsche Active Suspension Management electronic damping control and this can also be combined with the steel-spring suspension as an option. PASM now also features dampers with two-valve technology. Thanks to the more expansive damper map, this results in a wider spectrum between comfort and performance. This makes the differences between the driving programmes even more tangible. For the first time, the Macan has optional rear-axle steering, with a maximum steering angle of five degrees, this enables a compact turning circle of 11.1 metres in urban traffic and when manoeuvring, while simultaneously enabling exceptional driving stability at higher speeds, ably assisted by the consistent and precise front-axle steering for which the brand is known. Important with any SUV is practicality and with this performance-oriented SUV, one for everyday use, high-quality equipment and spacious configuration. Electrification has led to increased luggage space and depending on the model and equipment fitted, the capacity behind the rear seat bench is up to 540 litres (cargo mode). In addition, there is the frunk, a second luggage compartment under the bonnet with a capacity of 84 litres. This amounts to 136 litres more than the previous model and if the rear seat backrest is folded down completely, the rear luggage compartment capacity increases to up to 1,348 litres and the maximum towing capacity of 2,000 kg rounds off the highly practical qualities of this new Porsche.

Depending on the model and equipment fitted, the driver and front passenger now sit up to 28 mm lower than before, while the rear passengers sit up to 15 mm lower with increased legroom. The interior is very much Porsche: the width of the cockpit is emphasised by an integrated black panel and the rising design of the centre console heightens the impression of a low and performance-focused position in the vehicle. Large windows give a light and airy feel to the interior space and in addition to the modern digital user interfaces, there are also select analogue control elements, for example, on the air vents and the air conditioning controls. An LED light strip is integrated into the thoughtfully designed trim strip of the cockpit and doors. It acts as both ambient lighting and a communication light and depending on the situation, it provides information or warnings, such as for greetings, charging processes or in conjunction with the driver assistance systems. To date Porsche has sold more than 800,000 examples of the Macan worldwide and production is in a net carbon neutral way at the Porsche Plant Leipzig. Those wishing to get their driving hands on the newcomer will have to wait until the second half of this year.

Ian Lynas