Porsche's Chief Financial Officer, Jochen Breckner, announced last week during a revenue report that the lifecycle of the internal combustion engine (ICE) Macan is coming to an end. Production is scheduled to cease in 2026, with remaining inventory potentially distributed in certain markets until 2027.

This move marks a significant transition for one of Porsche's most successful models. Despite the planned discontinuation, the Macan maintains strong global sales, with over 10,000 vehicles delivered to customers in the first quarter of 2026, an increase compared to the same period in 2025.

As the Macan ICE recedes into the past, the German automaker's electrification strategy continues to accelerate, with the Macan EV established as a strategic product. Concurrently, Porsche is developing a new SUV, internally codenamed "M1". Expected to launch in early 2028, the M1 is positioned as a spiritual successor, not a direct replacement.

The internal combustion engine Macan is set to be discontinued in 2026. *Photo: Porsche*

The upcoming M1 SUV is based on the premium platform combustion (PPC) platform, a chassis system shared with the latest generation Audi Q5. This collaboration is expected to optimize development costs. However, Porsche affirms it will implement in-depth refinements to maintain the brand's inherent sporty driving DNA.

The most notable change in this new SUV lies in its drivetrain. Contrary to the tradition of prioritizing rear-wheel power, the new platform will likely adopt an all-wheel drive system biased towards the front axle. According to experts, this marks a departure from the traditional mechanical engineering philosophy that has defined the Porsche brand since its founding in 1931.

Detailed performance specifications for the new M1 remain unknown. The vehicle is expected to feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine, similar to the Q5, producing an output of 200 horsepower. Familiar high-performance variants such as S, GTS, or Turbo will also be developed, accompanied by chassis system upgrades to reinforce Porsche's position as a sports car manufacturer in the segment.

Former CEO Oliver Blume previously indicated that the new model would be distinctly different from the Macan EV. This allows the company to simultaneously serve both loyal internal combustion engine customers and those favoring new energy vehicles (NEVs) during the technology transition phase. The M1's development process has been accelerated, with a cycle of just three years from concept to commercial production.

Porsche's journey towards carbon neutrality requires a balance between electrification and the engineering heritage of internal combustion engines. The discontinuation of the Macan ICE not only closes one chapter but also opens a promising new one for the German automaker's SUV product range.

Minh Vu (via MotorBeam)