Test-Driving The 2025 Porsche Macan 4S Electric

Forbes

a day ago

2025 Porsche Macan Electric 4S in "Provence."
The Porsche Macan compact sport crossover has been on sale with a combustion-only powertrain for more than a decade. Now, the German automaker is complementing the popular five-passenger internal combustion engine (ICE) model with a pure electric vehicle (EV) variant. While they share the same surname and most would be hard-pressed to tell them apart from a distance, the all-new 'Macan Electric' EV, built on VW Group's Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform, offers a roomier passenger cabin and more standard features than the gasoline-burning models. And, in typical Porsche fashion, the all-new EV doesn't give up an ounce of its celebrated driving dynamics or performance despite its emission-free powertrain.
Porsche is currently selling four variants of the Macan EV: Macan, Macan 4, Macan 4S, and Macan Turbo. The base Macan is fitted with a single motor on the rear axle (rear-wheel drive), while the Macan 4, Macan 4S, and Macan Turbo boast a second motor on the front axle (all-wheel drive). The automaker tunes the output of the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PSM) for different power levels, ranging from 335 hp to 630 hp (with Launch Control). All models share the same 95.0 kWh battery, which supports DC fast charging at up to 270 kW. In a unique move, the platform's 800-volt architecture allows charging speeds of up to 135 kW by splitting the pack into two separate 400-volt units when hooked up to a high-powered charger—Porsche says it can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 21 minutes. Range varies from 288 miles (Turbo and 4S) to 315 miles (base Macan).
The interior of the Porsche Macan Electric 4S
Putting the new EV through its paces, I added about 500 miles to the odometer of a Macan 4S during a recent week in Los Angeles. I drove like a commuter (crawled in bumper-to-bumper traffic), trekked across the LA Basin for lunch meetings, and took friends out to dinner in the evenings. I also zoomed up my favorite canyon roads—obligatory for a driving enthusiast—and cruised Pacific Coast Highway. I like to believe I drove the Macan like an actual owner would (on that note, I'll mention that I'm a current owner, with a 2018 Macan currently parked in my home garage, which I've owned since it was new).
The new Macan EV platform is a visual ringer to its predecessor—the four-door hatchback retains its sporty appearance and aggressive stance. Still, a keen eye will note that Porsche moved the headlights down to a lower position while leaving the daytime running lights (DRLs) in their familiar spot. Most exterior dimensions remain about the same, but the wheelbase has been slightly stretched, providing second-row passengers more room. It's not unusual for a vehicle to grow with each refresh, but thankfully, Porsche kept the Macan's dimensions true to the original design—concise and visually appealing.
Those familiar with the previous generations of Macan will feel right at home within the redesigned cabin. The EV features more technology and innovation, along with a long list of additional standard features compared to the ICE variant. However, Porsche hasn't compromised the intimate sports car feel that makes the Macan popular among driving enthusiasts. The automaker hasn't gone overboard with luxury—the theme is 'sporty with an emphasis on premium materials' (step up to the Porsche Cayenne if you are interested in being pampered with luxury features). The front seats are very comfortable, and the view outside is good (Macan models have always had a restricted view out the rear, and the EV makes no exception). As mentioned, the rear seats of the EV offer a couple of extra inches of legroom compared to the ICE model, which my six-foot, two-inch frame appreciated.
The 4S is neck-snapping quick—the motors deliver up to 509 hp during Launch Control. Porsche claims the benchmark 0-60 mph sprint takes a mere 3.9 seconds, but their numbers are always conservative—take another few tenths off that time if you want the real-world number. Unlike the power delivery in an ICE vehicle, which often requires a second or two for the engine to 'catch up,' electric motors deliver instant torque at any throttle position, regardless of temperature or altitude. Merging into traffic, passing other vehicles, or just zipping ahead to avoid a collision with a car in a blind spot is effortless. It's also plenty fast—Porsche says it will top out at 149 mph if you find asphalt where it's legal.
The Porsche Macan Electric 4S in "Provence."
On the road, the cabin is hushed—credit low drag (Cd of .26 on the 4S), acoustic laminated glass, and excellent sound absorption. The ride is impeccable, thanks to standard air suspension with adaptive dampers coupled with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). The dampers feature innovative dual-chamber air springs with separate valves for compression and rebound. Variable ride height offers ground clearance between 6.7 and 8.8 inches, depending on driving mode.
Don't get into a dogfight with the Macan 4S in a twisty canyon, as chances are you won't win. Gobs of torque from a pair of electric motors, coupled with electronically controlled active all-wheel drive with Porsche Traction Management (ePTM), a pavement-kissing low center of gravity, and 52 percent of the vehicle's mass over the rear axle, is a recipe for agile handling and dynamic prowess. While the 5,269-pound curb weight is nothing to boast about (it's a bit heavy), body roll is negligible, and it's fun to toss playfully—you can even get the tail to kick out. The wide staggered contact patch wrapped in Michelin EV-tuned summer performance tires (235/55-20 and 285/45-20, front and rear, respectively) delivers enough grip to challenge even a low-slung sports car—according to the Porsche Sport Chrono display, I pulled an impressive 1.12 G's while cornering.
Braking is also one of the Macan's strengths. Porsche fits 6-piston calipers to 14.8-inch front rotors (complemented with 4-piston calipers on the rear), but traditional hydraulic brakes are only part of the equation. Digital brake regeneration—or 'recuperation' as Porsche calls it—also occurs. Seamlessly blending a hydraulic system with an electronic system is as much a challenging art as it is a science—most automakers fail. Porsche put the time, effort, and engineering prowess into polishing the system to perfection—it's nearly faultless, as even the most discerning driver will be challenged to feel the handoff through the brake pedal, even when pushed to the limit.
Many shoppers for electric vehicles are hyper-focused on range. Thankfully, Porsche is conservative in its range estimates. I was easily able to squeeze more miles out of each charge, with the actual miles exceeding displayed estimates (even when I was pushing hard), giving plenty of peace of mind. Of note, the range instantly updates when the drive modes are altered—switch out of 'Sport Plus' to 'Normal' and the remaining range recalculates.
2025 Porsche Macan Electric 4S in "Provence."
As I've stated many times, it's best to think of the Macan as a compact five-passenger crossover version of the 911—the all-new Macan EV legitimately continues the theme. The Macan Electric, which starts at $75,300, targets driving enthusiasts seeking a pure-EV crossover with 300 miles of range, quick on-the-go charging capabilities, and Porsche's celebrated chassis tuning and vehicle dynamics. It's fast, comfortable, efficient, and it has the engineering prowess to effortlessly keep up with everything else if the road turns twisty.