Porsche Macan 4 EV First Drive Impressions: A Proper Porsche?

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The new all-electric Macan is as far removed as a typical traditional Porsche as possible, but it still very much as the essence of a true Stuggart Stallion.

When thinking of Porsche, one hardly ever envisions a mid-sized all-electric SUV. And yet, here we are in 2025 with the all-new, all-electric Porsche Macan, which is exactly that…

But before purists — who believe the German automaker should manufacture the 911 forevermore — dismiss this all-electric SUV as not being a proper Porsche, let’s just say that a quick drive in the latest Macan 4 has proved (to Automacha at least) that this tailpipe-less crossover still has what it takes to merit the Stuttgart Stallion badge on its nose.

To Drive

Now kicking off with how it is like in the driver’s seat first, this fully-electric twin-motor SUV is expectedly Porsche fast. Step on the go pedal and the speedo of this all-electric Macan 4 will easily reach triple digits from a standstill in just a little over 5 seconds. Press on it that little a little more too and it’ll even allegedly see the first of three digits on the speed readout get up into the 2s with barely any effort at all.

Though perhaps slightly more interesting in the way this Macan goes down the road is that, at least in this mid-range Macan 4 tested here, the power delivery is more linear than the typical explosive blast of speed that is typically associated with EVs. The sensation of acceleration in this particular trim of e-SUV is really more akin to how an old school naturally aspirated V8 picks up speed, not unlike the original Porsche 928 incidentally.

As for bringing proceedings to a halt on the other hand, the brakes on the Macan 4 provide a similarly linear feel, with Porsche masterfully blending regenerative braking and traditional steel stoppers into one seamless action. It should also go without saying that its braking system has more than enough stopping power to confidently bring this hefty (2.4-tonne) Porsche to a swift standstill — comforting, given how effortlessly it piles on speed.

In terms of how it tackles the twisties meanwhile, the Macan 4’s steering is also, for the lack of a better word, Porsche-like in its directness and feel, to the point that the whole car feels like it has shrunken down to a size smaller than it actually is when chucked around a corner.

However, where the Porsche engineers truly deserve kudos is in how the Macan’s (optional) dual-valve air suspension system manages to nearly completely negate the weight of this rather hefty EV when it is tossed into a turn. The all-electric SUV somehow manages to tackle corners with remarkable composure and poise that few EVs could match, all the while simultaneously remaining resolutely stable and solid too, even at speeds well above what could be legally permitted in Malaysia.

One slight criticism though as to how this Macan goes down the road for the massive 22s fitted on this particular test car did generate quite a bit of road roar when in motion, and wind noise is somewhat subpar for a premium automobile at (or above) highway speeds. But hey, all these traits are somewhat fitting for sporty Porsche too.

To Sit In

Now for the makers of a four seat supercar and a sports car with two boots, the Macan handily retains Porsche levels of practicality for what is a mid-sized SUV.

Despite its coupe-esque sloping roofline for instance, this Macan comfortably accommodates a six-footer in the rear row. And though its massive 95 kWh NMC battery is housed beneath the floor, there remains a decent amount of footwell space under the front seats. This twin-motored EV also offers a surprisingly sizeable frunk, complementing its admittedly average-sized trunk.

And expectedly for a Porsche too (not to mention a car that costs from RM 445,000 in this particular Macan 4 trim here), this Macan does look and feel decently premium within. Material quality is undoubtably high within its cabin, and need it even be mentioned that everything feels well screwed together?

Blessedly, the Macan is a proper Porsche when it comes to cabin ergonomics as well. It offers near-infinite adjustability for the steering wheel and seating position to ensure a comfortable driving posture. Proper physical climate toggles and a volume knob are also present in the center console of this EV, a welcome feature in an age of touchscreen dominance.

To Pay For

In taking the good Porsche bits with the bad, it would be remissed not to highlight that, much like any other Porsche these days, nearly anything and everything in the Macan is pretty much an optional cost extra…

Among the standard kit for a Macan 4 in Malaysia are a set of 14 BOSE speakers, four-zone climate control, leather upholstery, and the twin-screen display setup (a 12.6-inch curved instrument display and a 10.9-inch infotainment touchscreen). Rather interestingly too, a power-opening charging port cover is standard for Malaysian Macans, as is a 230V power outlet in the boot.

However, a panoramic sunroof, a third front-passenger display, and ventilated seats remain costly options on what is nearly a half-a-million-ringgit car. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot assist are also somehow not standard, nor are the rather cool augmented reality (AR) heads-up display and retractable rear side window blinds.

Heck, even the rear wiper is relegated to the options list… Just Porsche things, amirite?

To Look At

Finally, ending this short review with a quick address on how this new Macan looks — while beauty is undoubtedly in the eye of the beholder, this writer is nevertheless of the opinion that the overall blobby silhouette of this SUV is not exactly the most appealing shape ever.

Then again, being slightly aesthetically challenged is practically a Porsche tradition by now. This is, after all, the same company that gave us the fried-egg-headlight 996-generation 911 and the first-generation Cayenne…

Odds & Ends

Being a Porsche, the button to turn off traction control is prominently located in the centre of the dashboard—almost as if it’s begging the driver to press it for some fun.

The Porsche Macan has a charging port on both rear quarters: the left side accepts only AC, while the right supports both AC and DC charging.

The hood release is by the driver’s door on the window switch panel, and automatically pops up on its gas struts. No more faffing around with hood latches to access the frunk, like in many other EVs.

The Macan features frameless doors, a first in a Porsche SUV. And with the Taycan also sporting frameless doors, it can therefore be said that 100% of Porsche EVs have frameless doors.

In the boot of the Macan EV is the aforementioned household-style outlet. But in this German-made car the outlet is for Euro-style plugs, and not the UK type we use in Malaysia.