With the Taycan, Porsche added the unthinkable to an electric vehicle: Soul.

Their first EV was every inch a Porsche, transitioning the brand’s DNA into the EV motoring space easily. Once soul was electrified, they turned their attention to their best-seller, the Macan SUV.

EXTERIOR

The Macan 4 Electric is exactly that. There’s no petrol-powered version, making the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) that it is built on bespoke for the model. It is a pure electric design, taking advantage of things like shorter front and rear overhangs. Overall proportions are very sporty, ticking both the form and function boxes to maintain enough connection not only to the original, but Porsche as well.

The active aerodynamic aids flow invisibly into the body lines that contain the unmistakable flyline, retaining that 911 connection.

The classic Porsche proportions have been further developed and optimally adapted to the challenges of an electric vehicle. (Photo: Rory Daley)

INTERIOR

The new dimensions of the Macan Electric are not wasted. Upon entry, keyless on all four frameless doors with lit handles and puddle lamps, it manages to feel both spacious and sports car comfortable at the same. This is likely due to the similarity of the cabin to other Porsche vehicles. If it isn’t broke, no need to fix it.

Drop into leather seating, featuring the Porsche crest embossed into the headrests, which is now 28 millimetres lower. Front passengers will feel right at home, especially if they have owned any Porsche before. Drivers can set their seat from SUV high to sports car low. Rear passengers have more legroom because of the increase in wheelbase, and now sit lower as well, but not as low as the front pair.

The rear passengers sit up to 15mm lower with increased legroom. At the same time, large windows give a light and airy feel to the interior space. (Photo: Rory Daley)

Space and storage solutions abound as the Macan 4 Electric has more interior volume for cargo, including a front trunk. Several of them are soft-lined to stop their contents from rattling around and potentially becoming a disturbance in what is a very refined cabin, or interfering with the excellent audio from the Bose surround sound system.

The material quality, fit and finish are unquestionable, as leather covers every meaningful surface inside the Macan 4 Electric. The main functions are either powered or can be automated in a manner befitting an EV. For example, the dual climate control is exactly that: Two separate systems, allowing the passenger side to be turned off completely for energy savings.

With the rear seat backrest is folded down completely, the rear luggage compartment capacity increases to up to 1,348 litres.(Photo: Rory Daley)

The triple screen set-up is obvious, as Porsche flexes its technology muscle. Drivers get a 12.6-inch curved instrument cluster designed to mimic the original analogue Porsche units. A 10.9-inch screen handles infotainment duties. Front passengers get another 10.9-inch screen all to themselves in the Macan 4 Electric. It’s off when no one is sitting in the seat and is not visible to the driver during operation. There are knurled physical buttons for the most used and important functions. While Auto’s unit wasn’t equipped with the panoramic sunroof, the ambient lighting at night provided a soothing feel to the cabin.

The Macan 4 Electric is equipped with the latest-generation display and operating concept with up to three screens, including the free-standing 12.6-inch curved-design instrument cluster, a 10.9-inch central display, and optional for the passenger their own 10.9-inch screen.(Photo: Rory Daley)

ON THE ROAD

It wouldn’t be a Porsche if it didn’t drive well, and while a lot of the drama is usually surrounding the Macan’s turbocharged V6, the electrified version does things a bit differently.

The basics first: The 4 at the end of the name indicates that it is all-wheel drive. PPE is an 800-volt architecture. This gives the Macan 4 Electric the ability to charge its 100kWh battery at up to 270 kWh using DC fast charging, with AC charging at up to 11 kWh.

The vehicle also has a small trick up its sleeve for even better performance, as it can split the battery into two while charging. There are motors in the front and rear for a total power output of 408bhp when using the Overboost function. There is a massive 480lb/ft of torque. Top speed is limited to 220km/h. Range is a listed 613 km.

The frunk, with a capacity of 84 litres, gives the Macan 4 Electric 136 litres more than the previous petrol model. (Photo: Rory Daley)

In real-world terms, the Macan 4 Electric has more than enough range for even the most demanding user. Auto was able to easily squeeze 6.2 kWh out of the Porsche. At charging stations of 200 kWh and higher, the charging performance was fast enough to satisfy the least patient of personalities.

Driving performance is unquestionable. This is a Porsche, after all. The Macan 4 Electric doles out power however the person behind the wheel wishes. From activating the neck-snapping Launch Control in SPORT+ mode to just cruising around normally. Steering is sharp. The standard suspension still delivers a smooth ride on any surface type and control at often unreasonable velocities.

There is no user-selectable one-pedal driving, but the brakes do an excellent job of both regenerating energy and providing confident stopping power under spirited driving.

DC fast charging is up to 270 kW, making 10 per cent to 80 per cent battery charge within approximately 21 minutes possible. (Photo: Rory Daley)

VERDICT

The Macan 4 Electric is not the old petrol Macan, nor does it try to be. It exploits the duality of an electric vehicle. The original Macan combined elements of luxury, utility, and performance into one; its electrified sibling does the opposite. It doesn’t blend them, but holds them separately to be used as necessary.

Operated within measure, the Macan 4 Electric plots a line of comfort, refinement, and usability without ever hinting at what it can do when the road gets fun, as that portion of its EV soul focuses on smooth, quiet functionality.

For those willing to explore the speed on hand, the Porsche performance elements come forth in spades, feeding that energy into whoever is behind the wheel. It has the speed, handling, and control to excite. It may not be soul electrified like the Taycan, but it can electrify the soul, and that is probably enough. Just remember that SPORT+ mode has to be manually engaged on the screen.