Porsche tends to reveal a new model in a long, slow drip. A new Porsche appears in just one or two trims. Then, month by month, the Stuttgart-based automaker unveils new trim levels until, a few years down the line, Baskin-Robbins tells the manufacturer, “That’s too many flavors.”
Cayenne buyers — we’re not making this up — can choose from 28 different wheel designs.
So when Porsche unveiled its new all-electric Macan SUV in just two trim levels, we figured this was an amuse-bouche before the appetizer menu came out.
The evening has started in earnest: Porsche expanded the Macan Electric range with two more trim levels this week, which brings the current number to four. Leave room for eight or 12, though.
The Low End: Macan RWD
The new set includes a particularly welcome development — a new base model that lowers the cost of entry.
The biggest news is a new base model. Just called Porsche Macan Electric in the configurator, it’s the only rear-wheel drive (RWD) version of Porsche’s smallest SUV, gas or electric.
The new base model starts at $77,295, including the mandatory $1,995 destination fee, making it the least expensive Macan electric. It uses a single motor on the rear axle, which is good for 335 horsepower in daily driving. A temporary boost mode adds 20 more horses and lets it claim a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds.
Porsche says it’s also the lightest version of the electric Macan, which could give it the longest range. The company has yet to release range figures.
The High(er) End: Macan 4S
A new Macan 4S Electric appears higher in the lineup, just under the top-of-the-line Macan Turbo Electric. It uses two motors — one per axle — for all-wheel drive (AWD) balance.
Those two motors combine to make 442 hp in daily driving, surging to 509 with the boost function. The 4S Electric’s 0-60 time clocks at 3.9 seconds.
Porsche’s adaptive air suspension and electronic damping control systems, as well as a torque vectoring system, come standard on this one. Rear-wheel steering is available. It starts at $86,895, including the destination charge.
The earlier announcement included a 402-hp Macan 4 Electric and a top-of-the-line Macan Turbo Electric boasting up to 630 hp. Prices push into the low six figures — a lot to pay for a compact SUV.
Other announcements this week include new colors, an off-road design package, and — you know it’s coming — more wheel choices.
