Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
@ytimesmotoring
1:00 AM 12th March 2025
cars
As I approached the sleek silhouette of the new Porsche Macan Turbo Electric, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of excitement mixed with a dash of trepidation. After all, this is Porsche’s bold step into the world of all-electric SUVs, and expectations are understandably high. Would it live up to the storied Porsche name? I was about to find out.
Design and Interior
At first glance, the Macan Turbo Electric retains the familiar sporty stance of its petrol-powered siblings, but with a distinctly futuristic edge. The front end, devoid of a traditional grille, sports a clean and aerodynamic look that’s both striking and purposeful. The flowing lines and muscular haunches leave no doubt that this is a Porsche through and through.
Stepping inside, I’m greeted by a cockpit that blends luxury with cutting-edge technology. The driver-focused layout is quintessentially Porsche, with a new curved digital instrument cluster taking centre stage. The steering wheel, a work of art in itself, feels just right in my hands – not too thick, with a slim rim that imparts a sense of connection to the car.
The cabin is a masterclass in premium materials and build quality. Soft-touch surfaces abound, and the optional 14-way power-adjustable seats (part of the recommended Premium package) offer sublime comfort and support. There’s ample space for five adults, and the boot, while not cavernous, provides a respectable 19 cubic feet of cargo space.
Performance and Handling
Now, onto the meat and potatoes – how does it drive? In a word: phenomenally. The Macan Turbo Electric boasts a whopping 584 horsepower from its dual electric motors, one on each axle. This translates to neck-snapping acceleration that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. Porsche claims a 0-62 mph time of just 3.3 seconds, and I have no reason to doubt them.
But straight-line speed is only part of the story. What truly impresses is how the Macan Turbo Electric handles. Despite its not-insignificant weight (estimated at around 2,400kg), it feels remarkably agile and composed through corners. The low centre of gravity, courtesy of the floor-mounted battery pack, gives it a planted feel that inspires confidence.
The steering is quick and precise, though I must admit it doesn’t quite match the tactile feedback of Porsche’s best petrol-powered offerings. However, the optional rear-wheel steering system (which I highly recommend) adds an extra layer of nimbleness, especially noticeable in tight urban environments. Worth the £1,445 outlay.
Range and Charging
Of course, the elephant in the room with any electric vehicle is range. The Macan Turbo Electric utilises a 95.0-kWh battery pack, which Porsche claims will deliver up to 336 miles of range. In real-world driving, expect this figure to be somewhat lower, especially if you’re prone to exploiting the car’s prodigious performance. Fully charged, an indicated 259 miles seemed to be more the order of the day.
Charging capabilities are impressive, with the Macan Turbo Electric supporting DC fast-charging at up to 270 kW. This means you can juice up from 10 to 80 percent in around 21 minutes – perfect for a quick coffee break on long journeys.
Driving Modes and Technology
The Macan Turbo Electric offers four driving modes: Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Off-road. Each mode alters the car’s character significantly, from relaxed cruiser to track-ready athlete. I found myself leaving it in Normal for most of my time with the car, only dipping into Sport Plus for the occasional burst of excitement.
The infotainment system is a tour de force, with crisp graphics and intuitive controls. However, I was pleased to see that Porsche has retained physical buttons for key functions, avoiding the all-touch interfaces that can be distracting while driving.
Verdict
The Porsche Macan Turbo Electric is a remarkable achievement. It successfully translates the Porsche driving experience into the electric age, offering blistering performance, engaging handling, and a premium feel that justifies its hefty price tag (starting at £96,900).
Is it perfect? Not quite. The range, while respectable, falls short of some competitors, and the steering could use a touch more feel. But these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise an exceptional package.
For those who can afford it, the Macan Turbo Electric offers a tantalising glimpse into the future of performance SUVs. It’s a car that proves electric vehicles can be every bit as thrilling and desirable as their petrol-powered counterparts. Porsche has taken a bold leap into the electric future, and on this evidence, that future looks very bright indeed.
Porsche Macan Turbo Electric
Price £96,900
As tested £118,761
Copper Ruby Metallic (£2,250)
584hp (639hp with launch control)
Torque 1100Nm
0-62mph in 3.3 seconds
Top speed 162mph
WLPT range 336 miles
10-80% charge from 21 minutes
