2019 Porsche Macan

Next Porsche Macan to be electric-only model

The second iteration of Porsche's mid-size SUV, due in 2021, will continue the brand's electrification strategy

The next-generation Porsche Macan will be offered exclusively with electric drivetrains, in a move that further distances the German car maker from traditional internal combustion engine technology.

In an official announcement, Porsche said: "The Supervisory Board of Porsche AG has decided to manufacture the next generation of the Macan as a fully electric series."

Set for introduction in 2021, the second iteration of the firm’s mid-size SUV is set to become the third electric Porsche, following the Taycan due out later this year and the Taycan Sport Turismo estate, which is planned to go on sale in 2020. The firm had previously revealed that it was working on a battery-electric SUV.

No details have been made about the electric drivelines planned to power to the new Macan, but it's expected to receive a twin motor set-up and standard four-wheel drive, as planned for higher-end versions of the Taycan.

As with the existing facelifted version of the first-generation Macan on sale today, the electric SUV is also set to be sold with a number of different power outputs in a multi-model range.

Commenting on the decision to make the Macan an electric model, Porsche chairman Oliver Blume said: “Electromobility and Porsche go together perfectly, not just because they share a high-efficiency approach, but especially because of their sporty character."

The new Macan, which has been under development at Porsche for over two years, will be the first model to be based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) vehicle platform being developed by Porsche and Volkswagen Group sister company Audi.

A development of the J1 platform used by the Taycan and Taycan Sport Turismo, the more flexible PPE platform has been conceived to support models with both low and high ground clearance, and with varying wheelbase and track widths.

Confirmation that the new Macan will be electric-only suggests Audi may take a similar route with the third generation Q5. The two models currently share similar underpinnings and internal combustion engine drivelines.

A concept of the new Macan is expected to be shown this year, with rumours suggesting it may appear as soon as next week’s Geneva motor show.

In announcing plans to take the Macan electric, Porsche confirmed it will continue to produced in Leipzig, Germany – a decision it says was taken in July 2018. This will mean electric models being produced on existing Porsche production lines for the first time.

The Taycan and Taycan Sport Turismo are planned to be produced on a dedicated production line currently being established at Porsche’s traditional Zuffenhausen manufacturing base on the outskirts of Stuttgart.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/next-porsche-macan-be-electric-only-model
 
Porsche Macan (2019) Launch Review

Summary

The Macan is an attractively priced sports-SUV, particularly so if you attach significant value to the badge on its nose. But thankfully the Macan doesn't come across as a product of badge-engineering at all. In terms of the cabin's look and feel from the behind the steering the wheel, the way the controls respond to driver inputs and, most importantly, the manner in which it delivers both thrilling dynamics and general comfort, this is a very impressive little machine and worthy of the Porsche badge. It's likely to continue its healthy contribution to the company's bottom line.

Pricing

The Macan sells for R849 000 and the "S" for R1 099 000, both inclusive of the 3-Year DrivePlan.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/porsche-macan-2019-launch-review/46392/
 
DRIVEN: Porsche Macan PDK

Driving the new entry-level Macan I was reminded of when Ford introduced its current Mustang coupé. Like the Porsche (including the models to come), the pinnacle of the modern Mustang range offers both more power and more corresponding theatre within its package compared with most affordable models. And yet, despite having to field questions around engine size, straight-line performance and, indeed, exhaust notes, the average 2,3 EcoBoost-powered Mustang owner (as validated by monthly sales figures) still craves the experience of owning a “muscle car”. While the idea of a GTI-powered Macan may not immediately sit well with purists, as an entry point into the otherwise special world of Porsche, the still very capable cheapest Macan makes a compelling argument.

FAST FACTS:

Model: Porsche Macan
Price: R849 000
Engine: 2,0-litre, four cylinder, turbopetrol
Power: 180 kW @ 5 000 - 6 000 r/min
Torque: 370 N.m @ 1 600 - 4 500 r/min
0-100 km/h: 6,5 seconds
Top Speed: 227 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 8,1 L/100 km
CO2: 185 g/km
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Maintenance Plan: Three-year/100 000 km

https://www.carmag.co.za/car-reviews/driving-impressions/driven-porsche-macan/
 
The only design issue I have with the "recent" Porsches is the infatuation with the rear lighting strip that always appeared on the C4S but they're wonderful cars to drive.
 
Here's why Porsche says it won't build a Macan coupé

A high-ranking Porsche official says the German firm has no plans to offer a coupé-style version of its Macan, despite recently taking the wraps off the larger Cayenne Coupé.

While the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz these days offer their smaller crossovers in a coupé-like shape (think X4 and GLC Coupé), Porsche says it likely won't follow suit.

Speaking at the international reveal of the Cayenne Coupé attended by CARmag.co.za, Detlev von Platen, member of Porsche's board responsible for sales and marketing, explained why the automaker wouldn't likely give the Macan the coupé treatment.

"What we will do for the existing Macan for the moment, we haven’t planned anything because it’s already very coupé-ish, so I don’t think the Macan needs another coupé version because we already have this kind of design language,” he said.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/rumours/heres-why-porsche-says-it-wont-build-a-macan-coupe/
 
Pure Porsche entry SUV

Because it’s harvesting season, the usual free flowing Franschhoek Pass was cluttered with trucks lumbering up and down but who’s complaining if it ends up in a finely crafted bottle of wine. It did however give us an opportunity to test the Macan’s passing ability. It’s sprightly to be sure and even though you’re probably wanting those extra two cylinders for that extra grunt, with deft paddle gear changes and good timing it’s easy enough.

Where we did go in to corners and bends it sits on rails and even close to the limit with slight tyre squeal at no stage did you feel that things would end up out of control. It’s no slouch either and quickly picks up speed easily enough for you to be caught in a speed trap that could see you having to talk yourself out of a tricky situation.

In the unlikely event that things get out of hand, as a premium Porsche SUV, driver aids and safety technology abound as you would expect.

Even if you’re not a Porsche fan, do yourself a favour if you’re in the market for an SUV and make a stop at a dealer. I’m pretty sure it may change your mind and if not, at least the coffee is superb and the metal eye candy is a sight to behold.

Prices:

Porsche Macan S R1 149 000

Porsche Macan R 849 000

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/cars/porsche/pure-porsche-entry-suv-20660004

Macan 1.JPGMacan 2.JPGMacan 3.JPG
 
Porsche Macan S 2019 UK review

Should I buy one?

Honestly, I wouldn't warn you off it - even after all those minor reservations, which do a fine car a bit of a disservice. In any V6-engined form, the Porsche Macan's a very complete and accomplished driver's car; one big enough for a growing family but not so big, perhaps, that it makes you feel unreasonable in your priorities in life, or irresponsible about your preferences.

The better question would be “how should I buy one” – and I hope I’ve answered it. Tick the boxes for the sports exhaust and air springs and a Macan S could be all the performance 4x4 you ever wanted. I’d add PTV Plus torque vectoring, sports seats and a good-sized optional alloy too, just to be sure.

As far as its utility value and practicality goes, the Macan was always better thought of as the compact four-seater Porsche rather than as any conventional mid-sized SUV, and that continues to be the case. In other words, while this could be precisely the Porsche you want, I’d bet few would who’ve owned one would describe it as all the SUV they ever needed.

Some probably wouldn’t think of it as an SUV at all. But then a certain resistance to definition doesn’t seem to have harmed the Macan's sales fortunes much.

Porsche Macan S specification

Where Banbury, UK Price £48,750 On sale now Engine V6, 2995cc, turbocharged petrol Power 349bhp at 5400-6400rpm Torque 354lb ft at 1360-4800rpm Gearbox 7-spd twin-clutch automatic Kerb weight 1865kg Top speed 157mph 0-62mph 5.1sec Fuel economy WLTP figures tbc CO2 WLTP figures tbc Rivals Alfa Romeo Stelvio Speciale, BMW X4 M40i

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/porsche/macan/first-drives/porsche-macan-s-2019-uk-review

Macan S 1.jpgMacan S 2.jpgMacan S 3.jpgMacan S 4.jpgMacan S 5.jpgMacan S 6.jpgMacan S 7.jpgMacan S 8.jpg
 
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