Porsche Macan 4 EV 2024 Review

In recent years, Malaysia's luxury pure electric SUV market has been heating up. Consumers want both Porsche's iconic driving dynamics and the smoothness and technological experience brought by electric vehicles. Against this backdrop, the 2024 Macan 4 EV has entered the market. As Porsche's first mid-sized SUV built on the PPE pure electric platform, it not only inherits the sporty genes of the gasoline-powered Macan but also aims to secure a position in the luxury electric vehicle segment through upgrades in electric driving and intelligent configurations. In this test drive, our focus is to evaluate: can it balance Porsche's driving pleasure with the daily practicality of an electric vehicle while meeting the detailed demands of luxury users?

From the front, the Macan 4 EV retains Porsche's family-style design. A continuous LED daytime running light connects the headlights on both sides, while the closed grille, paired with a large front lip, exudes a sporty and distinctive style. The side profile of the body features smooth lines, with a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, complemented by 20-inch alloy wheels (optional on the test vehicle), offering a compact visual effect. At the rear, the design adopts continuous taillights, with the Porsche lettering centrally placed within the taillight structure. The small spoiler at the upper edge of the trunk enhances the sporty look, and the diffuser shape on the lower rear bumper echoes its performance orientation. Both front and rear lights are LED sources; automatic headlights and daytime running lights are standard, with high recognition when illuminated.

Inside, the interior adopts Porsche's classic T-shaped layout. The center console tilts toward the driver for easier operation. In terms of materials, the seats and the inner sides of the door panels are wrapped in genuine leather, while the top of the center console uses soft-touch materials, aligning with its luxury positioning. The 12.6-inch full LCD instrument panel provides clear displays and can switch interface styles across various driving modes, including essential information like range and power output. The 10.9-inch central control screen is positioned to the right of the instrument panel, supports touch operation, runs smoothly, and displays functions such as navigation, multimedia, and vehicle settings. The front seats support electric adjustment, including lumbar support adjustment. They offer good cushioning and support, ensuring comfort even during extended drives. The rear seats are manually adjustable, with the seat cushion being of moderate length. Legroom is decent, with about a two-fist distance between a 175cm tall passenger's knees and the back of the front seat. Regarding storage space, the central armrest box is relatively spacious, the front door pockets can hold two bottles of water, and the trunk has a capacity of 540L. Folding down the rear seats expands the space to meet daily family needs.

In terms of power, the Macan 4 EV is equipped with dual front and rear permanent magnet synchronous motors, delivering a combined system power of 300kW (408PS) and a peak torque of 650N·m. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 5.2 seconds. During actual driving, the power response is quick at the start, and pressing the accelerator provides a noticeable thrust. Mid- and high-range acceleration is also strong, instilling confidence during overtaking. The driving modes include Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus, each offering different power output and chassis tuning characteristics: in Eco mode, power output is relatively smooth, suitable for daily commuting; in Sport mode, throttle response is more sensitive, and power delivery is more immediate, fitting for scenarios where driving enjoyment is a priority.

In terms of handling performance, the steering wheel is precise, with minimal slack. The steering feels light at low speeds and progressively heavier at high speeds, providing the driver with clear road feedback. The chassis uses a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension setup, tuned for sporty dynamics. The body roll is well controlled in corners, ensuring high stability. On bumpy roads, the suspension can filter out most minor vibrations, and it handles larger potholes with ease, delivering a balance between handling and comfort. In terms of braking, the brake pedal feels linear, with stable braking force output. Although the official braking distance is not provided, actual experience shows the vehicle remains stable during emergency braking.

In terms of range, the official pure electric range is 613km, with a battery capacity of 100 kWh. During our test drive — half on city roads and half on highways, with the air conditioner turned on and driving mainly in Normal mode — the achieved range was about 85% of the claimed figure. The energy consumption was approximately 20 kWh/100 km during highway cruising and approximately 18 kWh/100 km in urban driving, which meets expectations. The fast charging time is 0.35 hours (from 10% to 80%), and the slow charging time is 10 hours, catering well to daily charging needs.

In terms of driving comfort, the vehicle's noise control performs well. At high speeds, wind and tire noise are minimal and do not disrupt conversations among passengers inside the cabin. The regenerative braking has three adjustable levels. At the highest level, releasing the accelerator produces a noticeable deceleration, suitable for one-pedal driving. At the lowest setting, the deceleration feeling is weaker, resembling the driving experience of an internal combustion engine vehicle. The seat comfort is excellent, with good support and wrapping on the front seats. The rear seats offer proper cushion and backrest angles, which ensure long-distance comfort for passengers.

Overall, the 2024 Macan 4 EV's core strengths lie in Porsche's signature driving experience, decent range performance, luxurious interior quality, and rich configurations. Compared to peers like the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz EQC, the Macan 4 EV has an edge in terms of power performance and handling, with relatively more abundant configurations, though it comes at a slightly higher price. It is suitable for consumers who prioritize driving pleasure, pursue luxurious quality, and need the practical functionality of an electric vehicle in their daily lives, such as young business professionals or families with preferences for brand recognition and performance.

In conclusion, the 2024 Macan 4 EV is a luxurious electric SUV that balances driving pleasure and daily practicality. It carries forward Porsche's sporty DNA while delivering commendable performance in terms of electric vehicle range and features, making it a notable choice in the luxury electric SUV market.