Tried out Porsche's latest electric SUV model, the Macan, and found it to be an expensive yet flawless piece of machinery.

The Porsche Macan Electric, the latest addition to Porsche's electric vehicle lineup, promises to deliver a blend of performance, luxury, and range. Manufactured in Germany, this electric SUV boasts a battery size of 100kWh and a range of 315 miles (EPA).

The Macan Electric's charging capabilities are impressive, with a maximum charging capacity of 11kW (AC) and 270kW (DC). This allows for a quoted recharge speed of 10% to 80% in around 21 minutes when using a DC fast charger. The charging ports on the Macan Electric are equipped with overdesigned doors that open via rolling motors for added convenience.

In terms of cargo space, the Macan Electric offers 540L of boot capacity and 1,348L including rear seating. For added utility, the Macan Electric features a dedicated bonnet-open button on the keyfob, providing access to the under-bonnet space.

The Macan Electric's interior is digital-first, featuring a big touchscreen and minimalist design. The instrument cluster is a concave design with a curved screen. Some high-end trims even feature a third touchscreen display positioned in front of the front passenger seat.

The Macan Electric competes in the luxury electric SUV segment, facing off against vehicles like the Polestar 3, Polestar 4, Audi Q6 e-tron, and BMW iX. While these competitors offer similar quality, the Macan Electric stands out with its unique features and design. However, it should be noted that the Macan Electric is priced higher than these competitors, with a starting cost of $78,000 / £68,500 / AU$128,400.

It's worth mentioning that in 2024, several Chinese competitors launched electric SUVs that are competitive and priced lower than the electric Porsche Macan. These include the Onvo L60 starting around €24,800, Xiaomi SU7 from approximately €28,500 with over 800 km range and strong performance, MG S5 EV from €37,990 offering good range and family suitability, and Chery's Omoda 5 EV which is entering European markets.

The Macan Electric also offers a heads-up display that shows distance lines and road markings, a feature not commonly found in this price range. However, during testing, the Macan Electric did encounter a critical operating system freeze.

In the electric vehicle landscape, there are several notable mentions. The Lucid Air recently broke the world record for the longest EV journey on a single charge, crossing three countries without stopping. The new electric Mercedes G-Wagen, while expensive and impractical for many, offers a rough-and-ready EV nature that some find appealing. The Zeekr X EV, while offering a premium driving experience without the high cost, has issues that undermine its appeal.

In conclusion, the Porsche Macan Electric is a high-performing, luxury electric SUV that offers a unique blend of features and design. While it faces competition from both established and emerging electric vehicle manufacturers, its quality and performance make it a compelling choice for those looking for a premium electric SUV.

Tried out Porsche's latest electric SUV model, the Macan, and found it to be an expensive yet flawless piece of machinery.