2021 Porsche Macan: Next-generation crossover to offer electric power
Due at the beginning of the next decade, the new Macan will complement its internal combustion engines with a selection of pure electric drivetrains.
UPDATE, April 21, 2020: Reports in the past year, including this story, appear to have confused Porsche's plans for the next Macan, with some suggesting Stuttgart had originally intended to make the new model an electric-only proposition.
In fact, its plan all along has been to continue serving those who prefer or need a combustion engine, while engaging those eager to step into a truly next-generation package.
Porsche has confirmed the second-generation Macan will add the Volkswagen Group's new Platform Premium Electric (PPE) to its arsenal, with the new architecture being developed in conjunction with Audi.
Production of the second-generation Macan will take place at the Porsche Leipzig factory, which is being upgraded and turned into the company's centre for electromobility.
Porsche has yet to provide details about the drivetrain options it will offer in the new Macan, but has confirmed it will continue to feature a petrol model for the foreseeable future, while adding at least one variant with the same 800V electric vehicle technology as the Taycan.
Three trims have been confirmed for the Taycan so far: base, 4S and Turbo, which despite its name doesn't feature a turbocharger.
The company has stated the Taycan will be available with two permanently excited synchronous motors, one for each axle, and is capable of blasting from 0-100km/h in "well under" 3.5 seconds, and achieving 200km/h within 12 seconds.
Reports as far back as 2017 suggested the Zuffenhausen-based firm was considering a radical shift for the second generation of its popular crossover.
According to Oliver Blume, head of the Porsche brand, "By 2022 we will be investing more than €6 billion ($9.5 billion) in electric mobility, and by 2025 50 per cent of all new Porsche vehicles could have an electric drive system".
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