The Macan EV is Porsche's second all-electric SUV in Vietnam. With a starting price of 3.63 billion VND, the Macan extends Porsche's electrification strategy.

The Macan 4 embodies Porsche's DNA but refined for the electric age. The upper grille is closed for aerodynamics, while the lower part remains open. The hood features muscular contours. The rear retains the familiar Porsche identity with a full-width LED light strip.

Porsche Macan 4 on Highway 15C, Thanh Hoa. Photo: Tran Thang

The Macan 4 measures 4,784 mm long, 1,938 mm wide, and 1,622 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,893 mm. This is slightly larger than the gasoline version, which measures 4,726 x 1,922 x 1,621 mm with a 2,807 mm wheelbase. According to the manufacturer, the Macan EV has a drag coefficient of just 0.25 Cd, quite good for an SUV, thanks to a flat underbody and a spoiler that can be raised or lowered with a touch on the touchscreen.

Thanks to its larger size compared to the combustion engine version, the Macan 4 offers a more spacious interior. The flat floor and ample legroom provide a more comfortable seating position for rear passengers, especially on long journeys or trips through mountainous terrain, such as from Hanoi to Pu Luong, Thanh Hoa.

The Macan 4 has more storage space than the gasoline-powered Macan. In addition to the increased legroom, the trunk capacity has increased by 124 liters to 540 liters and can be expanded to 1,348 liters with the rear seats folded. Furthermore, the absence of a combustion engine allows for an 84-liter front trunk, adding to its practicality.

The Macan 4's cockpit shares a similar design language with its electric sibling, the Taycan, showcasing a minimalist yet technologically advanced style. The dashboard is the focal point, featuring three screens: a 12.6-inch display behind the steering wheel, a 10.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.9-inch passenger display. Notably, the Macan 4's driver's seat is 28 mm lower than the gasoline version, a significant change that contributes to a sportier driving position.

Three Porsches on the Ho Chi Minh Highway during the Hanoi - Pu Luong, Thanh Hoa experience. Photo: Tran Thang

The Macan EV's cockpit is packed with technology, featuring three prominent screens: a 12.6-inch instrument cluster, a 10.9-inch central infotainment display, and a 10.9-inch passenger display. Photo: Thanh Nhan

The driver's instrument cluster provides comprehensive vehicle information.

The pair of 10.9-inch screens includes the infotainment display and the passenger display.

The climate control panel.

Porsche has equipped the Macan 4 with all-wheel drive, with one electric motor on each axle, a configuration not possible with gasoline engines. The vehicle boasts 402 horsepower and 648 Nm of torque. In tests, the Macan 4 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds with Launch Control and reaches a top speed of 219 km/h. Notably, this luxury electric vehicle can switch to rear-wheel drive, offering a diverse driving experience.

Powering the electric motors is a 100 kWh, 800V battery pack, providing a range of 516-613 km according to the manufacturer, consuming approximately 16-19 kWh/100 km. The integrated battery management system allows for fast DC charging up to 270 kW. Charging from 10% to 80% takes 21 minutes, as tested at the Porsche Charge+ station at the Xuan Khiem Rest Stop, Ninh Binh (formerly Ha Nam) with a 180 kW Turbo Charge DC charger.

Electric vehicles typically feature regenerative braking and one-pedal driving, allowing the car to stop at low speeds. However, this isn't entirely the case with the Macan. Porsche has retained a traditional braking feel rather than focusing solely on regenerative braking. While regenerative braking is present, it primarily slows the vehicle rather than bringing it to a complete stop.

Like the Taycan, the Macan 4 is equipped with air suspension, allowing the driver to select various modes to suit different road conditions. In Normal mode for city driving, the suspension is softer, and the steering is lighter. The accelerator and brake pedals also have a softer response, unlike the stiffer feel of the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo. However, switching to Sport mode transforms the driving experience: the suspension stiffens, the steering becomes firmer, and the accelerator and brake pedals require more pressure.

Driving the Macan, even the 4, is exhilarating. Descending hills in an electric vehicle is effortless. With the regenerative braking set to high, releasing the accelerator allows the electric motor to effectively slow the car, recovering more energy for the battery.

For those who have driven or currently own a gasoline-powered Macan, the transition to the electric version feels seamless, especially in terms of the driving experience, a characteristic that Porsche has successfully preserved.

The standard Macan 4 is priced at 3.63 billion VND. The version tested on the Hanoi - Pu Luong, Thanh Hoa route included a personalization package worth 1.455 billion VND, bringing the total price to 5.085 billion VND.

Porsche believes the Macan EV's biggest competitor is the gasoline-powered Macan. In the Vietnamese market, the recently launched Audi Q6 e-tron, priced at 3.199 billion VND and sharing the PPE platform with the Macan EV, will also be a strong contender.

The Macan EV represents a significant step in Porsche's electrification strategy. This electric crossover not only retains Porsche's signature sporty spirit but also introduces notable improvements in technology, interior space, and a pure electric driving experience comparable to a gasoline car. With its premium price and unique Porsche experience, the Macan EV promises to be an attractive option for enthusiasts of the German marque who value luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology.

Minh Vu