Is the Macan EV a true Porsche or an Audi in disguise? Here’s an in-depth review

Porsche’s Macan has long stood out in the compact luxury SUV segment. From the moment it debuted, it set performance, design, and driving pleasure benchmarks. However, it faced a unique challenge in India: it was often viewed as a reimagined Audi Q5 rather than a scaled-down Cayenne, raising questions about its value proposition. Now, with its fully electric iteration, the Macan EV promises to rewrite its narrative. But does it have the quintessential Porsche DNA, or is it just an Audi Q6 e-tron wrapped in Stuttgart styling?

At first glance, the Macan Turbo EV screams Porsche. Its design philosophy leans towards understated elegance, exuding confidence without being ostentatious. Hallmark Porsche elements such as the low-slung front, iconic quad LED headlights, and the clean, minimalist rear fascia are all present.

The silhouette, with its precise lines and refined proportions, reinforces its Porsche identity. Yet, it isn’t just about aesthetics. The subtle changes to the bodywork—designed to enhance aerodynamics—have a practical impact, increasing range by 80-90 kilometres compared to a more traditional shape. A drag coefficient of just 0.25 ensures the Macan EV looks sleek and is highly efficient, edging out its sibling, the Audi SQ6.

Step inside, and you’re greeted with a quintessentially Porsche cabin. The meticulous craftsmanship, premium materials, and attention to detail immediately make you feel at home. Every surface feels thoughtfully curated, offering a luxurious experience regardless of the options chosen.

A panoramic sunroof adds to the airy ambience, while the rear seats impress with their surprising levels of comfort and spaciousness. Despite the coupe-inspired roofline, headroom remains ample, and legroom is equally commendable, making it a true luxury SUV for all passengers.

Where the Macan EV truly shines is on the road. Unlike the dual-step transmission of the Taycan, the Macan EV employs a single-step transmission, ensuring seamless power delivery. The electric motors are tuned differently from their Audi counterparts, delivering sharper torque vectoring and a more dynamic driving experience.

Accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.3 seconds, the Macan EV outpaces the SQ6 by a full second, reaffirming its performance credentials. The retractable spoiler, which activates during sportier driving, adds a touch of flair while hinting at its powerful capabilities.

For an in-depth review and a look at other exciting features, including an exclusive visit to Yohan Poonawalla’s garage and the review of the Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350, check out the accompanying video.