ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS ON THE PORSCHE MACAN EV

For many, mention Porsche and their thoughts are most likely to turn to the 911; however it is the SUV range from this prestige German manufacturer that is notching up the sales and the Macan Electric can claim to be the sportiest SUV on the market with power output as much as just shy of 640PS and the capability of reaching 100kph (62mph) in 3.3 seconds; this is typical of the EV; I have tested quite a few and it is the acceleration which leaves an impression.

The entry level model and the first Macan with rear wheel drive is all about efficiency and with the absence of all wheel drive it is 110kg lighter and thus requires less electricity and an excellent range of 641km (398m). Thankfully you will not fail to recognise the EV versions as they maintain a purposeful, dominant appearance and the highlights include, the low-angled bonnet with prominent front wings, the famous Porsche flyline, the frameless doors, the up-to chunky22 inch wheels and the taillight strip with its striking 3D look.

Porsche combines its design DNA with aerodynamics engineered to optimise range and consumption and there are many other features, fully variable cooling-air flaps and an adaptive rear spoiler as part of Porsche Active Aerodynamics, as well as a fully enclosed underbody, help to achieve a drag coefficient of just 0.25. There is an 800 volt system, a powerful high-voltage battery with a gross energy content of 100 kWh, and charging is possible at up to 270 kW. The state of charge can be increased from 10 to 80 per cent in about twenty minutes; I must admit that with most current EVs charging times have improved. I can recall leaving a certain French EV at a public charging point, then going home on foot to return several hours later when the vehicle was ready to go; I certainly was not impressed.

With Porsche creating the EV versions, the good news for Macan fans and would be newcomers it is still the impressive small SUV and it comes with a high level of everyday usability, high-quality equipment, and a family-sized interior space. The Macan E SUV has a frunk with a capacity of 84 litres and a rear luggage compartment with a volume of up to 1,348 litres and each model in the range model has a towing capacity of 2,000 kg. I am delighted to report that performance and handling has not been sacrificed; the EV has been developed with a focus on outstanding driving qualities, so typical of a Porsche and in addition to sports-car ergonomics, the Porsche Driver Experience in the Macan also offers new ways to interact. There is a new instrument cluster with a 12.6 inch curved display, a 10.9 inch passenger display, a head-up display with augmented reality technology and ambient lighting with a communication light. Also the new generation of infotainment, featuring Android Automotive OS as the operating system and with advanced integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is particularly powerful and reacts at lightning speed. Third-party apps are available for download and update via the new Porsche App Centre. I must point out, in combination with the BOSE Surround Sound System and the Burmester High-End Surround Sound System, the luggage compartment volume in the rear is reduced by 60 and 68 litres, respectively, due to the subwoofer While most owners of the new Macan EV will primarily remain on tarmac rough dirt tracks and particularly steep ascents and descents can be tackled with greater confidence with the optional off-road design package. The adapted geometry of the front bumper increases the approach angle to up to 17.4 degrees, depending on the model and in combination with the adaptive air suspension, the ground clearance is increased by 10 millimetres to 195 mm when in the ‘Normal’ setting.

Summing up, the new Macan EV has lost none of the qualities that has made this model from the Porsche range such a popular choice.

Ian Lynas