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Find out how the entry-level rear-wheel drive all-electric Macan fares when it comes to driving range and standard features
by Amreetam Basu on September 8, 2024, 13:00Porsche’s Macan, the brand’s popular compact SUV, underwent a major transformation in 2024. We’re not talking about a simple nip and tuck here; this is a whole new animal, ditching the internal combustion engine for a fully electric powertrain (you can still get the old Macan ICE versions before 2026). Porsche initially rolled out the all-wheel-drive Macan 4 and the range-topping Macan Turbo EVs, but the carmaker quickly realized it needed to expand the lineup to cater to a wider range of buyers.
Enter the rear-wheel-drive Macan, the newest addition to the electric Macan family. This base model is designed to be the gateway to Porsche’s electric model range, offering a more accessible price point without sacrificing the core values of a Porsche: performance and luxury. Porsche also added a mid-range 4S model, slotting in between the 4 and the Turbo, giving buyers even more options to choose from. If you’re familiar with the Taycan’s naming scheme, you’ll feel right at home with the Macan EV lineup.
Today, we’re putting the spotlight on the rear-wheel-drive electric Macan. This model is crucial for Porsche’s electrification strategy, as the cheapest Porsche EV on sale today. It’s certainly a tempting proposition: an all-electric Porsche SUV with a $75,300 price tag, zero emissions, and all the luxury you’d expect from the German brand. But is it the right choice for you? Let’s dive into the details and see if this rear-drive wonder lives up to the hype.
The base Macan EV is the range king and isn’t slow either
Built on the brand-new EV platform called PPE (Premium Platform Electric), the 2025 Porsche Macan EV can be specced in both rear-drive and all-wheel drive formats. However, our focus here is the newly unveiled single-motor variant. Unlike the base Taycan, which also features a single rear-mounted e-motor, the base Macan EV doesn’t pack a two-speed gearbox.
The rear-mounted motor produces a respectable 355 horsepower, which is about 50 horsepower less than the base Taycan. However, the torque available is not so punchy, at 415 pound-feet. So, as you’d expect, the acceleration is relatively slow by EV standards, with a claimed 5.4 seconds to 60 mph, and a 137 mph top speed. Compared to the gas-powered base Macan, the new RWD Macan electric is still two-tenths of a second quicker to 60 mph, despite the former being an all-wheel-drive by default.
A 100 kWh battery pack (95 kWh usable) under the floor powers the electric motor. It supports an 800-volt charging architecture, allowing the battery to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes. However, finding a 270 kW DC fast charging station could be challenging. Having said that, Porsche EV owners will soon be able to tap into Tesla’s Supercharger Network. This alone should vastly improve the ownership experience.
So, if you’re worried about the performance of the base Porsche Macan electric, it shouldn’t be a problem within the city and should be more than adequate. But then e-drives are better in power delivery, compared to their gas-powered counterparts.
When it comes to the Porsche Macan EV’s range—this is where it gets interesting claims a whopping 398 miles on the hyper-optimistic WLTP cycle, over in Europe. We’re certain that the EPA figures will be close to 320 miles or more, depending on driving habits. Edmunds reviewed the pre-production Macan prototypes for extensive highway range tests, possibly the Macan 4 and the Macan Turbo. Among these, the "less powerful model" achieved 325 miles on a single charge!** That’s commendable for a compact luxury SUV.
| Category | Porsche Macan Specification (Base) |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Single e-motor |
| Gearbox | Single-speed automatic |
| Power | 355 HP |
| Torque | 415 Lb-Ft |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.4 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 137 MPH |
| Starting MSRP | $75,300 |
The entry-level Porsche Macan EV comes pretty well-equipped
If you think the base Macan EV lacks the bells and whistles you expect from a Porsche, think again. Here’s the list of equipment:
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20-inch alloy wheels
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Panoramic sunroof
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LED headlights and taillights
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Adaptive air suspension
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Eight-way power-adjustable front seats
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Full leather interior
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Heated front seats
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Leather-wrapped heated steering wheel
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12.6-inch driver information display
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10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display
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Dual-zone automatic climate control
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Ambient lighting
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10-speaker audio system
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Adaptive cruise control
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Lane-keeping and lane-change assist
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Auto parking system
If you want to add more features, things like the rear-axle steering system are available for $2,030, a handy feature that reduces the turning radius by about 39 inches. The 10.9-inch passenger display, available for $1,570, is a neat add-on as well. Head over to the configurator to check out all the optional features available on the Macan EV RWD.
Amreetam Basu
While Amreetam hustles during the week, free time means one thing: hitting the open road. He dreams of cruising the Alps in a German masterpiece – a Porsche 992 911 GT3 RS or an F87 BMW M2 would be ideal! This 26-year-old automotive journalist loves every part of the job. Read full bio
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