text: Porsche made a controversial move by making the new Macan exclusively electric, but maybe they were on to something…
  The Macan is one of Porsche’s best-sellers, and for good reason. It has all the markings of a proper Porsche but is also packaged in a palatable compact SUV form.
  Reasonably peppy engine up front, practical space out back. Nice, right? Well, take the engine bit out, and your customers suddenly become divided.
  The new Porsche Macan 4 is now completely electric (for the foreseeable future at least), and we now have the production version of it. Is it any better, or is it another sad case of eco-electric-washing?
  more than meets the eye
  Built on the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which is also the underpinnings of the Audi Q6 e-tron and A6 e-tron, the new Porsche Macan has all the tools for a dynamic driving experience. But as you’d expect, Porsche’s taken things a notch higher.
  The rear motor’s been repositioned, electronics fine-tuned, and the steering made even sharper.
  This is the Macan 4, the “base” dual-motor variant in Singapore. It can hit the century mark in a respectable 5.2 seconds, thanks to 285kW (381bhp) and 650Nm of torque. If you dare, it tops out at 220km/h.
  The 100kWh battery pack yields 511km of range. Moveable flaps in the front bumper, air curtains around the wheels, a flat underbody, and a pop-up spoiler all contribute to its impressive aerodynamics.
  We couldn’t drain its battery in our short stint with it, but realistically you’ll be looking at high 400~km figures in real-world driving, which is plenty for most.
  800-volt architecture means the Macan can also be topped off in roughly 20 minutes. That is, if you can find a suitable 270kW charger.
  but does it drive like a Porsche?
  Yes – an electric Porsche, but a Porsche nonetheless.
  The Porsche Macan 4 is a bit more laid-back, delivering power in a smooth, responsive drive that hides its 2,330kg weight remarkably well.
  Steering is sharp, throttle response immediate, and the brakes feel solid. One thing that immediately catches your attention is just how stable it is around tight corners. It’s an impressive blend of comfort and power.
  Adjustable suspension modes let you switch up the fun on the fly. For urban drives, the Macan feels luxuriously cushioned over speed bumps and rough roads, while Sport+ mode sharpens the suspension and tightens everything up, allowing the Macan to show off its sporty side.
  but the noise…
  Or rather, a lack thereof. Electric doesn’t mean silent, at least not in the Macan.
  Porsche’s engineers have crafted a sci-fi-like sound profile that hums in the background, adding a bit of character to the otherwise quiet cabin.
  Otherwise, thick insulation prevents the cabin from receiving much road noise, so you get a refined experience whether you’re cruising or putting your foot down.
  at least it’s conducive in here.
  Inside, the Macan has grown up. There’s more space without increasing the overall size, a proper 480-litre boot, and for the first time in a Macan, a frunk. It’s small, but useful for stashing your charging cables or a bag.
  The seats are surprisingly positioned 28mm lower than the ICE model, giving you that snug, driver-focused feel without compromising on headroom.
  The cabin tech is polished, complete with a curved 12.6-inch driver’s display, central touchscreen, and an optional passenger screen.
  The new system is the reason why the Macan was slightly delayed, but it was well worth it. Android is baked in, and it’s a smooth and clean interface. You can run Google Maps or Apple Maps directly off the instrument cluster too. The integrated app centre also gives developers new freedom to work on future Porsche apps.
  The wireless charging pad is now cooled, to keep your phone from overheating on long drives.
  And as always, Porsche’s added their unique design touches, including their sunlight-glare-inducing haptic touch panel for your air conditioning controls.
  electric is here to stay (for now).
  If you’re after a versatile daily driver that handles every aspect of life with ease, the electric Porsche Macan 4 makes a compelling case.
  It’s fast, comfortable, and well-built, with the practicality to suit both urban life and weekend adventures. Where other electric SUVs seem to run out of steam, the Macan just gets better.
  Porsche’s leap into the electric future hasn’t dulled the Macan’s charm. Instead, it’s turned it into one of the most well-rounded EVs on the market.
  Porsche Macan Electric
  Powertrain: Dual Electric Motors, All-Wheel Drive
  Power: 285 kW (381 bhp)
  Torque: 650 Nm
  Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
  0-100km/h: 5.2 seconds (claimed)
  Top Speed: 220 km/h
  Battery Capacity: 100 kWh
  Drive Range: 511 km
  Energy Consumption: 5.3 km/kWh (claimed)
  Price: S$254,599 without COE (accurate at the time of this article)
  Contact: Porsche Singapore
  Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)