We are meeting the first all-electric SUV from a luxury German brand in Ukraine. And while it may seem at first glance that the Macan is technologically the same as the Taycan or Audi e-tron, this is far from the case.
To fully understand and appreciate all the work of the Porsche team in Stuttgart, it is worthwhile to understand in detail each technology offered in the new representatives of the luxury brand with sports genetics. Therefore, usually during the presentation, a technical training or workshop is organized, as it is called, for a detailed familiarization and understanding of each technology that has been integrated. And in this format, we meet the second generation of the smallest crossover of the Porsche Macan brand.
The Porsche Macan first appeared in 2014 and has since undergone two restylings: in 2018 and 2021. For now, the electric version will coexist alongside the previous generation equipped with an internal combustion engine, but only until the end of 2026
Not even ten years have passed, but no, it has. So the manufacturer managed to release a fresh generation for the model’s tenth anniversary. And it’s not just a new car, it’s a new approach to creating cars for the brand. And, of course, it’s proof of Porsche’s gradual and inevitable transformation to electric technology. After all, the company plans to switch 80% of its model range to batteries by 2030, no matter how sad it may seem. So now it’s time for us to get to know better how the racing DNA of a manufacturer with almost a century of history will be encoded.
Content
Genetic code and chassis
In our case, this is an unusual product at all, which is an intelligent gadget with all the abilities of a worthy representative of the German brand. The Porsche Macan Electric looks exactly like any other Porsche: advanced technology and a carefully designed interior combined with the brand’s characteristic flexible handling. Only now, this is complemented by instantaneous power from the electric motors, which enhances the overall driving experience. Together with other additional benefits, this makes the crossover one of the best all-around electric vehicles on the market.
Of course, all the features of the previous Macan have been retained: coupe-like silhouette, frameless glazing, large 20 or 22-inch wheels. Surprisingly, the active air flaps that regulate aerodynamics have also been retained, and together with the rear dynamic spoiler, closed flat bottom, and 140 mm lower center of gravity, they reduce aerodynamic drag to the best drag coefficient ever (0.25).
And to begin with, it is the first and so far, the only SUV to be built on the Group’s fresh, innovative Premium Plug-in Electric (PPE) platform with 800-volt technology. This platform was developed jointly by Porsche and Audi, and we can expect the Audi Q6 e-tron to appear soon. However, there will be a difference between them, just as all versions of the midsize crossover are technically different: Porsche Macan, Porsche Macan 4, Porsche Macan S, Porsche Macan Turbo.
Thus, in keeping with their purpose, the Stuttgarters leave the Porsche Performance rear-wheel drive unchanged. And the base version of the Porsche Macan has one electric motor on the rear axle, while all other versions (Porsche Macan 4, Porsche Macan S, Porsche Macan Turbo) receive a branded all-wheel drive, only with two electric motors on both axles.
The electric motor is rotated around the transverse axis of the car, so it is located further back, which will also be a feature of Porsche cars. This ensures the desired rear weight balance of 48 percent at the front and 52 percent at the rear.
The engine mounts will also be different. In the Macan 4, the drive unit is mounted on the chassis subframe, while the drive unit in the Turbo is attached directly to the body using four points. The latter also gets optional rear-axle steering with a maximum steering angle of five degrees for the first time. This provides a compact turning radius of 11.1 meters when maneuvering at speeds up to 80 km/h and also improves handling at high speeds by contributing to stable and precise cornering behavior. This is achieved by locking the rear differential and carefully calibrated dynamic rear axle braking. At speeds above 80 km/h, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front axle. This significantly lengthens the wheelbase, which further enhances driving stability, for example when changing lanes on the motorway.
The Porsche Macan Electric has the same chassis configuration as before aluminum double wishbone with a separate level of control levers in the front and a multi-link rear, but with some differences depending on the version
Of course, any version will retain the air suspension, and optional electronic control of the PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) with air cylinders and shock absorbers with dual-valve technology will be available. Which will generally distinguish Porsche from Audi because the latter will have only single-valve technology. The system changes the behavior of the chassis in accordance with the road condition, speed, longitudinal acceleration and lateral forces when cornering, accelerator activation, steering input and vehicle ground clearance settings. The latter can vary from 155 to 225 mm (the standard vehicle has a ground clearance of 185 mm).
The next version of the Macan 4 (78,100 euros) is already equipped with two engines and will produce 408 hp (650 Nm) with an acceleration of 5.2 seconds. The range will be extended to 612 km (WLTP). The Macan 4S version (84,400 euros) has 516 hp (820 Nm) and 4.1 seconds of acceleration to 100 km/h, and a range of up to 601 km (WLTP). The most powerful will be the Macan Turbo (106,900 euros) with 639 hp (1130 Nm) and 3.3 seconds of acceleration. These figures provide only 590 km of range. Compared to the top-of-the-line Model Y, this is not the best indicator, but in the aggregate, Porsche still wins.
The motors are brand new and highly efficient. They are permanent magnet synchronous (PSM) units that use rectangular copper wire windings to maximize the copper filling factor in the stator slots. The windings are arranged in U-shaped studs and welded on one side. Only in the more powerful motor on the rear axle of the Macan Turbo are they i-shaped studs welded on both sides.
The difference in power is realized due to the extremely wide speed range. Thus, in the base version, the electric motor has a diameter of 210 mm and an active length of 200 mm and boasts a power output of up to 280 kW. The top-of-the-line Macan Turbo has a larger and more powerful drive on the rear axle with a diameter of 230 mm and an active length of 210 mm. With a maximum output of 470 kW, it delivers particularly high torque and high-power density. It therefore delivers a maximum efficiency of up to 97 percent. The front engine has consistent performance across all 210/100 versions.
By using such efficient engines, the engineers were able to abandon the complex gearbox that is installed in the Taycan and leave it with a conventional, classic single-speed gearbox. A lightweight spur gear differential is used here to keep the gearbox compact. The gear ratio was changed to match the power output.
The Macan also features the optional integration of an electronically controlled rear axle differential lock for Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus. Depending on the selected driving mode and the road situation, the torque vectoring system changes the torque, distributing it in different percentages between the front and rear axles.
It is also worth mentioning the switching inverter, which converts the direct current from the battery into a three-phase alternating current for the electric motors. The inverter used on the front axle of the Macan 4 and Macan Turbo uses silicon as a semiconductor material. It delivers a maximum of 350 amps to the electric motor. The rear axle uses a highly efficient semiconductor material — silicon carbide (SiC). This significantly reduces the switching losses in the switching inverter and enables higher switching frequencies. The rear-axle pulse inverter in the Macan 4 delivers a maximum of 480 amps, while in the Macan Turbo this figure reaches an impressive 900 amps.
Range and charging
Now let’s talk about the main power of an electric vehicle — the battery. This is a lithium-ion battery located at the bottom and inside the chassis. The peculiarity is that it can use approximately 95 kWh out of the 100 kWh of total energy that is stored in it.
The cooling is liquid-based and the plate itself is integrated into the battery housing. The battery itself consists of 12 modules of 15 consecutive prismatic cells, which have their own aluminum shell. Porsche has taken care of the maintainability in advance, so each module can be replaced individually if the need arises.
The integrated graphite anodes, which accept electrons in the middle and are responsible for charging, provide high cycling and mechanical stability. They also show little volume change during the charging and discharging cycle. The mixing ratio of nickel, cobalt and manganese is 8:1:1. Thanks to this chemical composition, the battery achieves a high-energy density.
The efficiency and practicality of an electric vehicle is determined not only by its range but also by its ability to charge quickly. And this is where the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform plays a big role. It consists of an 800-volt architecture that allows for DC charging of up to 270 kW. The battery can be charged from 10% to 80% (SoC) in 21 minutes at a suitable fast-charging station. Of course, the Macan EV can also be charged with 11 kW of AC power and a three-phase wall socket. The charging time will be about 13 hours, according to the manufacturer.
A new feature that divides the battery into two 400-volt blocks when connected to a 400-volt charger provides a charging speed of up to 135 kW. The Macan can charge quickly over a very wide range of charge states (SoC range), with battery temperature and weather conditions having relatively little effect on charging times.
The battery itself, or battery management system (BMCe), is located on the battery cover. It manages and distributes energy between the motors and high voltage auxiliary consumers and provides both 800 and 400 volt DC charging. Other tasks include monitoring the voltage of individual cells and the entire current flow of the high-voltage system.
The Macan comes with two charging ports on the rear panel as standard. The AC/DC charging port is on the driver’s side on the left, and the AC-only port is on the right, on the passenger side. It can be opened using a hand-sensing sensor or a separate button using a sensor in the tailgate or via the app.
Comfort and space
Of course, the new generation of Porsche Macan has grown in size and changed the architecture and configuration of the space altogether. Compared to its predecessor, it has added as much as 86 mm to the wheelbase (2893 mm), is 58 mm longer (4784 mm) and 16 mm wider (1938 mm). This should have a positive impact on the interior space, which is not very impressive in the predecessor. Indeed, the driver and front passenger now sit 28 mm lower and the rear passengers — 15 mm lower with increased legroom, but these figures will change in direct proportion to the increase in power.
The electric crossover offers, depending on the version and equipment installed, a luggage compartment volume of 540 liters. This is 136 liters more than in the previous generation. If you fold down the rear seat backrest, the loading volume increases to 1348 liters. There is also a fairly spacious trunk with a capacity of 84 liters. You can open the trunks with gestures: the front trunk with a wave of the hand, and the rear trunk with a foot. Plus, the Macan can tow up to 2,000 kg thanks to the installed towing system with electric release.
Interior decoration with high-quality materials leaves that pleasant high-class feeling. Of course, recycled materials were used here, which are indistinguishable from the originals. The seats are electrically adjustable in 8 directions, heated, and ventilation and massage are optional. The Macan Turbo will already have adaptive sports seats with 18-way adjustment.
There are more niches and space for small items throughout the cabin, as well as two USB-C fast charging ports in the center console storage compartment and a 12-volt power outlet. The cooled wireless smartphone charger has a power output of 15 watts. Rear passengers are only offered heated seats as an option and two gadget charging ports by default.
In addition to the touchscreen controls, analog controls are also available – for example, on the air vents and air conditioning controls. As usual, there is a branded analog clock in the center of the console. The atmosphere is created by additional filters for cleaning the air coming in from the outside and air quality sensors. Plus, a 56-LED light strip is integrated into the decorative panel and door trim. The lighting is not only designed to decorate the interior, but also provides information or warnings depending on the situation, for example for greetings, charging processes or in combination with driver assistance systems.
The interior architecture was based on the Taycan. Indeed, there is a lot in common here, only the Macan has three large monitors: two 10.9-inch monitors for multimedia output, and a 12.6-inch dashboard with a curved design. Some crossovers will have another screen, but it will be difficult to see it when the car is turned off. We will see what they will offer us later.
The central display of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system is a 10.9-inch high-resolution touchscreen display with full HD quality. The software is based on the Android Automotive OS. So the owner can install his favorite applications, the offer of which is constantly expanding. There is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as integrated maps that can plan a route according to charging stations.
There is also a voice assistant that responds to the command «Hey Porsche». The system is able to recognize who is speaking using microphones, which is visually displayed on the central monitor, as well as through a light sequence in the communication indicator. If the driver is talking to a passenger, the system simply focuses on who spoke first. In addition, the assistant now understands six more languages than before, bringing the total to 23 languages.
Augmented reality and technology
To further emphasize its gadgetry, the Macan is equipped with a virtual projection display with augmented reality (AR) technology. Colorful AR content is projected into the real environment almost seamlessly and with high accuracy. The system uses data about the environment and the position of the car. The projection duplicates the speed, road signs and navigation symbols, notifications of some driver assistance systems, such as activated adaptive cruise control. The distance to the previous car will be laid out on the road with a carpet of dots.
The image of the projection display appears to the driver at a distance of 10 meters, in three dimensions, and corresponds to the size of an 87-inch display. This makes the projection display one of the largest on the market today.
The Porsche Macan EV has two-level headlights: a flat upper unit with four-lane daytime running lights and the main headlight module with optional matrix LED technology is located just below. At the rear — the distinctive Porsche flyline, as in the Toycan, forms a single unit with the flat rear window.
The top-of-the-line Macan Turbo gets LED matrix headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus). It uses speed, camera, and navigation data to provide the perfect lighting. The total number of modules is — 84 LEDs per headlight. The system can illuminate the road at a distance of more than 600 meters.
The general list of safety and driver assistance technologies has a large number of items, and it may not make sense to list them now. It will offer an emergency braking function, a turn assist, distance warning, road sign recognition, lane keeping assist, and, as an option, adaptive cruise. This makes the car semi-autonomous and can even stop the car if the driver does not respond.
There will be an all-round view system, including an active parking assistance system with ultrasonic sensors that recognizes parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. The intelligent parking assistant takes over steering, acceleration, and braking during parking and automatically parks the car in a parallel parking space.
All of this is just the main part of the technology in the Porsche Macan EV, but there is even more hidden inside. We will get an impression of how it all works during the test drive. All we can say now is that it will compete quite seriously not only with the Tesla Model Y, but also with the BMW ix3, Mercedes EQC, Genesis Electrified GV70, and the upcoming Audi Q6 e-tron.
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