Porsche Macan Electric gets cheaper rear-drive option

Porsche has announced two new additions to its electric Macan range, including a new single-motor variant.

Known simply as Macan Electric, the new entry-level model uses the same rear motor as the Macan 4 but ditches the front power unit, saving 110kg. This variant still produces a healthy 335bhp, which can be temporarily boosted to 355bhp using an overboost function. With launch control engaged it is capable of hitting 62mph in 5.7 seconds.

The £67,200 Macan uses the same 100kWh (gross) battery as other variants but its lower power and lighter weight give it an efficiency advantage, offering up to 398 miles on a single charge, compared with 380 for the Macan 4.

Also joining the Macan EV range is the Macan 4S, which sits between the regular 4 and the Macan Turbo Electric. This uses the same front motor as both those models but upgrades the regular 4’s rear motor with a new unit. In total, that gives the Macan 4S 442bhp, with 509bhp available in short bursts via the overboost function.

That conveniently places it perfectly in the middle of the other two models, with a 0-62mph time of 4.1 seconds and a maximum range of 376 miles. Priced from £75,400, the Macan 4S also gets the advanced Porsche Active Suspension Management electronic damping control as standard. Customers can also spec adaptive air suspension, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and rear-axle steering for even more adjustability.

For any owners who feel the need to take their sports SUV off-roading, Porsche has also launched a new off-road design pack. This features a reprofiled front bumper for an improved approach angle, and a 1cm increase in ground clearance when used in conjunction with the adaptive air suspension. Buyers can opt to have the additional trim painted in the car’s body colour or in ‘Vesuvius Grey’, as well as opting for specific 21-inch alloy wheels.