2nd generation of Porsche Macan makes global debut in Singapore

Ten years after the Macan joined Porsche’s range as its first compact SUV, the model goes into its second generation with a world debut in Singapore reflecting the importance of the Asian markets to the sportscar company.

This new generation marks a significant change for the model as part of Porsche’s electrification transition as the new Macan has a fully electric powertrain with E-Performance. Being a Porsche, sportiness is a given but it also fulfils the requirements of customers choosing an SUV.

“We are taking the Macan to a completely new level – with exceptional E-Performance, the new Driver Experience, and a very impressive design,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “Our aim is to offer the sportiest model in its segment with the all-electric Macan, with long range and high everyday practicality.”

Electric with Porsche Design DNA
From any angle, the Porsche Design DNA is clear while the new form of the Macan has sharper proportions. “With the all-electric Macan, we are presenting the first Porsche that we are taking electric from an established product identity,” said Michael Mauer, Vice-President Style Porsche. “The new Macan is clearly recognisable by its brand identity as part of the Porsche product family. The classic Porsche proportions have been further developed and optimally adapted to the challenges of an electric vehicle.”

Mauer said that the design makes it clear that this new Macan remains the sportscar in its segment –  even in electric form. The shallow pitch of the bonnet and the strongly pronounced wings give the entry-level SUV a dynamic appearance even when stationary. Its 4784 mm long, 1938 mm wide body has a wheelbase which is 86 mm longer than before, offset by short overhangs at the front and rear.

The headlights with four illuminated elements give a strong visual signature for the new model. Each headlamp unit is divided into two parts: the flat upper light unit with 4-point daytime running lights is embedded in the wings and emphasises the width of the car. The main headlight module with optional matrix LED technology is positioned slightly lower in the front end.

The characteristic Porsche flyline forms a unit with the flat rear window. In combination with the frameless doors with characteristic side blades, the result is a sleek, sporty design. Strongly pronounced shoulders give the rear a muscular look. The Porsche logo now sits in the centre of the sculptural 3D light strip.

Active and passive aerodynamics
Porsche designs have always been aerodynamically efficient and for the new Macan with an electric powertrain, the emphasis on this efficiency is even more vital as it determines range. Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) with active and passive elements and a Cd of 0.25 make the new Macan one of the most streamlined SUVs on the market – with positive effects on range and power consumption.

The PAA system includes the adaptive rear spoiler, active cooling flaps on the front air intakes and flexible covers on the fully sealed underbody. Air curtains below the headlight module and the low-slung front end optimise the airflow. At the rear, lateral tear-off edges and the louvred diffuser ensure aerodynamic efficiency.

Premium Platform Electric
As the first Porsche model built on the new Volkswagen Group Premium Platform Electric (PPE), the SUV is a completely new development. Optimised for EV models, it has the latest generation of permanently excited PSM electric motors on the front and rear axles to achieve excellent efficiency and enable optimum reproducibility of the power output.

In combination with Launch Control, the Macan 4 produces up to 300 kW (408 ps), while the Macan Turbo can generate up to 470 kW (639 ps). The maximum torque is 650 and 1,130 Nm, respectively. From standstill, the Macan 4 should be able to get to 100 km/h in a claimed 5.2 seconds, while the Macan Turbo can reach the same speed in 3.3 seconds. The two models achieve top speeds of 220 and 260 km/h, respectively.

800-volt architecture
The electric motors are fed energy by a lithium-ion battery pack in the underbody. This has a gross capacity of 100 kWh, of which up to 95 kWh can be actively used. The battery pack is a central component of the PPE and uses 800V architecture, used by Porsche for the first time in the new Macan.

DC charging can be up to 270 kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 10% to 80 per cent within approximately 21 minutes. At 400V charging stations, a high-voltage switch in the battery enables bank charging by effectively splitting the 800V battery into two batteries, each with a rated voltage of 400V. This enables more efficient charging, without an additional High Voltage booster, at up to 135 kW. AC charging at up to 11 kW is possible at household wall boxes or public stations.

Up to 240 kW of energy can be recuperated via the electric motors while driving. The Integrated Power Box (IPB) also contributes to the operating efficiency of the electric, while also saving weight and space.

The combined WLTP range is 516 – 613 kms for the Macan 4, and in town range (WLTP) is 665 – 784 kms. The more powerful Macan Turbo (there isn’t actually a turbo) is claimed to have a combined range (WLTP) of 518 – 591 kms, with in town range up to 765 kms.

More interior space
Just as front-wheel drive liberated space in the cabin, an electric powertrain also allows for increased interior space (notwithstanding the large battery pack). There is also increased luggage space with up to 540 litres behind the rear seats (expandable to 1,348 litres). With the absence of a bulky combustion engine and ancillaries, another 84 litres are available in a ‘frunk’ under the bonnet. This means that there’s 136 litres more cargo volume than before but it is split between two areas.

While it is still a sportscar, the Macan also has a high level of practicality for everyday use. The width of the cockpit is emphasised by an integrated black panel. The rising design of the centre console heightens the impression of a low and performance-focused position in the vehicle. In addition to the modern digital user interfaces, there are also select analogue control elements – eg on the air vents and the air-conditioning controls.

A LED light strip is integrated into the thoughtfully trim strip of the cockpit and doors. It acts as both ambient lighting and a communication light. Depending on the situation, it provides information or warnings – such as for greetings, charging processes or in conjunction with the driver assistance systems.

High computing power and connectivity
The Macan is equipped with the latest-generation display and operating concept with up to 3 screens, including the free-standing 12.6-inch, curved-design instrument cluster and the 10.9-inch central display. For the first time, the passenger can also view information, adjust settings on the infotainment system or stream video content while the car is being driven via their own optional 10.9-inch screen.

For the first time too, the Porsche Driver Experience also includes a HUD with augmented reality technology. Virtual elements such as navigation arrows are visually integrated seamlessly into the real world. The image projected on the windscreen appears to the driver at a distance of 10 metres and corresponds to the size of an 87-inch display.

The new-generation infotainment system is based on Android Automotive OS. The standard Porsche Communication Management in the new Macan takes computing performance to a new level. For example, the ‘Hey Porsche’’ voice assistant suggests routes, including charging stops, almost immediately.

Rear-axle steering, 2-valve dampers
It may be a SUV but Porsche engineers still developed the Macan with a keen focus on quintessential Porsche driving dynamics and a characteristic steering feel. “Thanks to its particularly sporty seat position and low centre of gravity, as well as its impressive driving dynamics and steering precision, the new Macan delivers a real sportscar feeling,” explained Product Line Vice-President Jorg Kerner.

Both the Macan 4 and the Macan Turbo have all-wheel drive. The two electric motors are controlled via the power electronics almost in real time. The electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management operates around 5 times faster than a conventional all-wheel drive system and can respond to slip within 10 milliseconds.

In addition, drive distribution to each wheel is governed by the selected driving programme. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, an electronically controlled differential lock on the rear axle, also contributes to the traction, driving stability and lateral dynamics of the Macan Turbo.

Macan models with air suspension – also standard on the Turbo – are equipped with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) electronic damping control. 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 5  degrees. It 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.

First deliveries will start during the second half of this year. The new Macan prices will start from about 84,000 euros (RM431,300) in Germany and go up to around 115,000 euros (RM590,600) for the Macan Turbo.

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