Porsche Macan 4S EV 2024 Review

The luxury all-electric SUV market has been gaining popularity in Malaysia in recent years. Balancing the iconic driving pleasure of Porsche with the practicality needed for daily family use is almost the core demand of most potential luxury electric vehicle buyers. As Porsche's first model built on the PPE all-electric platform, the 2024 Macan 4S EV has garnered significant attention since its launch in July, boasting a combined output of 516PS, 0-100km/h acceleration in 4.1 seconds, and an official range of 606km. These figures point to its positioning as a vehicle that combines performance and practicality. In this test drive, we aim to verify whether it can truly maintain Porsche's driving genes while meeting dual demands for both daily commuting and long-distance travel.

At first glance, the Macan 4S EV retains the compact and dynamic silhouette of the fuel-powered Macan, but the details are distinctively indicative of an all-electric vehicle. The front grille is replaced with a continuous LED daytime running light bar, and the illuminated Porsche crest badge in the center enhances its recognizability. The smooth side profile extends from the front fenders to the rear, making the body appear sleeker. The 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels (optional on the test model) paired with red brake calipers clearly signal its performance identity. The rear design is a highlight, with a continuous light strip echoing the front fascia, and a more exaggerated diffuser design under the rear bumper. The absence of exhaust pipes emphasizes its electric nature. The lighting system comes standard with matrix LED headlights across the series, offering excellent illumination range and brightness at night, and it also supports adaptive high beam switching.

Inside the cabin, the familiar Porsche cockpit design retains a significant number of physical buttons, which is more in line with the habits of traditional drivers compared to many new electric car brands. The top of the center console is wrapped in soft leather, while the inner door panels and seats feature a combination of Alcantara and genuine leather for a refined and luxurious tactile feel. The 12.3-inch central touchscreen serves as the information hub and is equipped with the latest Porsche Communication Management system. It is highly responsive and supports wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and can also display real-time charging station information during navigation. The steering wheel features a sporty three-spoke design, with the left side integrating controls for drive mode selection and adaptive cruise control (ACC), offering convenience and ease of use. The seats provide strong support, with 14-way electric adjustments available for the front row, including a heating function, ensuring comfort during long journeys. As for space, the vehicle's dimensions are 4784mm in length, 1938mm in width, and 1622mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2893mm, making it significantly longer than the fuel-powered Macan. With the front seats adjusted to a comfortable position, the rear legroom offers about two fist widths of space, and the headroom is ample, too. The nearly flat floor ensures that even three passengers in the back won't feel cramped. The trunk boasts a standard capacity of 540L, which can be expanded to 1348L with the rear seats folded down (while this number isn't listed in the specs, the actual experience matches the performance of SUVs in this class). It easily fits two 28-inch suitcases and a few backpacks. The rear seats also include independent air conditioning vents and Type-C charging ports, reflecting thoughtful attention to detail.

Powertrain-wise, the Macan 4S EV is equipped with dual permanent magnet synchronous motors in the front and rear, delivering a combined power output of 380kW (516PS) and a total torque of 820Nm, with an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.1 seconds. During actual driving, switching to Sport mode and stepping on the accelerator instantly provides a strong push-back sensation; the power response is nearly instantaneous. Overtaking requires just a light press on the pedal, and its ability to accelerate further at high speeds is more than adequate. Even when switching to Normal mode, the power output remains smooth and is suitable for daily commuting. The steering wheel provides a firm feel, has minimal play, and is highly accurate — a typical Porsche-calibrated driving style that inspires confidence when driving. The chassis is equipped with a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension. The suspension offers strong support, keeping body roll well under control during cornering and maintaining stability during high-speed lane changes. When dealing with bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most of the minor vibrations, and the rebound after passing a speed bump is crisp without unnecessary wobbling, striking a balance between sportiness and comfort.

Range and charging performance are critical for pure electric vehicles. During a test in mixed driving conditions (60% urban roads and 40% highways) with air conditioning running, the average speed was approximately 60km/h, and the final range completion rate reached about 85%, achieving an actual range of approximately 515km, which aligns with expectations. The battery capacity is 100kWh and supports fast charging, requiring only 0.35 hours (around 21 minutes) to charge from 10% to 80%. Given Malaysia’s current fast-charging network, refueling during long trips is relatively convenient. In terms of energy consumption, the average in mixed driving conditions is about 18kWh/100km, while on highways it increases to about 22kWh/100km. Noise control is well handled, with tire and wind noise barely noticeable at high speeds; only a faint motor noise can be heard during rapid acceleration. Overall, the car retains a level of quietness in line with the positioning of a luxury vehicle. The seats provide excellent support and cushioning, ensuring comfort even on long drives. The regenerative braking has three adjustable levels, and even the highest recovery level isn’t overly abrupt. The drag effect when releasing the pedal is mild, making it well-suited for daily driving.

In summary, the 2024 Macan 4S EV has some clear core advantages: Firstly, it retains Porsche's signature driving DNA, delivering powerful performance and precise handling; secondly, it offers more space compared to the petrol-powered version, enhancing practicality; thirdly, its range and charging capabilities meet the needs for both daily commuting and long-distance travel. Compared with same-tier models like the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz EQC, the Macan 4S EV has an edge in terms of power performance and handling, with a larger interior space. However, its price is slightly higher (BMW iX3 starts at around RM 450,000, while the Mercedes-Benz EQC starts at around RM 480,000).

This model is suitable for two types of customers: those who enjoy driving and pursue performance but also need a luxurious SUV for daily family use; and those transitioning from fuel-powered vehicles to electric ones but wanting to retain the driving pleasure Porsche is known for. If you have the budget and prioritize a balance between performance and practicality, the Macan 4S EV is an excellent choice.

Overall, the 2024 Porsche Macan 4S EV is a "versatile" luxury all-electric SUV that not only inherits Porsche's sporty DNA but also caters to the practical needs of family users. Its range and charging performance can meet daily usage demands. For consumers who seek driving pleasure and a sense of luxury, it is worth considering.