Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Smooth electric operator
The Porsche Macan EV Turbo is an SUV with a sports car feel. It tackles sharp corners and coarse terrains with finesse
The Porsche Macan has long been the handling benchmark in the SUV world, and the new Macan EV aims to uphold that reputation despite the shift to electric power. Built on Porsche’s advanced PPE (Premium Platform Electric) architecture, it features a 100 kWh (95 kWh usable) battery and an 800V system. Does it drive like a true Porsche?
To find out, I put the Macan EV Turbo through the ‘Maha’ test—a Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar run, via the demanding Poladpur Ghat. This stretch, with its high-speed corners, tight hairpins, and undulating surfaces, is my favourite testing ground for agility, steering, and ride quality.
From the get-go, the Macan EV Turbo’s performance is staggering. With 639 hp and 1,130 Nm of torque, it launches from 0-100 kph in a claimed 3.3 seconds, though it feels quicker. Despite a hefty 2,405 kg kerb weight, the dual-motor setup delivers power with an organic, fluid response, keeping the thrill alive.
On the ghat, the Macan EV’s handling prowess is evident. Its near-perfect 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution and a strong rear motor allow it to rotate beautifully into corners. The steering is one of the best in any EV—sharp, precise, and with a level of feedback most electric cars lack. It’s on the heavier side at parking speeds, but that’s a small price to pay for its dynamic edge.
Porsche has also nailed the braking feel. Unlike many EVs with an artificial, grabby “regenerative” braking sensation, the Macan EV’s system feels natural. There’s no aggressive “one-pedal” driving mode, in which lifting off the accelerator immediately slows the car. Instead, it’s tuned to drive like a Porsche, maintaining smooth and predictable deceleration while still recovering energy.
Despite rolling on massive 22-inch wheels and low-profile tyres, the ride is impressively composed. Never crashy or brittle. The only downside is noticeable road noise, especially on coarse surfaces. Range anxiety is often a concern with EVs, but after a full day of spirited driving—including high-speed runs and a 4,500-foot elevation climb—it still had 31% charge remaining.
Inside, the minimalist yet functional layout is unmistakably Porsche: 12.6-inch curved digital instrument cluster, 10.9-inch central touchscreen, optional passenger display. Importantly, Porsche has retained physical controls for essential functions.
The sports seats, particularly with the optional 18-way adjustment, offer excellent support for spirited driving but are comfortable on long journeys. Rear-seat space is adequate, though the sloping roofline slightly impacts headroom for taller passengers. There’s a useful front trunk (frunk) in addition to the rear luggage area.
This isn’t just another fast electric SUV—it’s a true Porsche. The Macan EV Turbo feels natural, intuitive, and engaging in a way that many EVs don’t. It’s not so much an electrified SUV but rather sports car engineered into an SUV body. It delivers the same thrilling experience as its petrol-powered predecessor—and in some ways, even better. Like most Porsches, the electric Macan Turbo is overpriced, at ₹1.6 crore. But that won’t stop many Porsche afficionados from queuing up for one.
From HT Brunch, March 01, 2025
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