# First Drive: The 2025 Porsche Macan EV – A New Era for the Compact SUV
**STUTTGART, Germany**—Porsche has been famous for its rear-engine sports cars for many years, but lately, its SUVs have kept the brand vibrant. Among them, the Macan has emerged as a compact SUV that combines utility with Porsche’s hallmark driving experience. Now, the Macan has embarked on an exciting new phase, becoming fully electric. We had the opportunity to experience two versions of the 2025 Porsche Macan EV: the rear-wheel drive (RWD) Macan and the all-wheel drive (AWD) Macan 4S. Here’s what we discovered.
## A Brief History of the Macan
The Macan has consistently represented a distinctive option within Porsche’s offerings. Since its launch, it has been viewed as Porsche’s response to the hot hatch segment, delivering a compact, agile, and sporty SUV experience. With the transition to electric drivetrains, Porsche aims to uphold the Macan’s reputation for exhilarating driving dynamics while stepping into the next era of transportation.
The 2025 Macan EV is constructed on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), a platform co-produced with Audi, which also supports other electric models in the Volkswagen Group. This architecture enables various configurations, such as rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, and facilitates rapid charging due to its 800-volt system.
## The Rear-Wheel Drive Macan
The entry-level Macan EV is the sole model in the collection that features a single electric motor powering the rear wheels. This motor generates 335 horsepower (355 hp with launch control) and 415 lb-ft of torque. Although it’s the least potent Macan, it is also the lightest and most efficient, boasting an EPA-estimated range of 315 miles with its 100 kWh battery pack (95 kWh usable).
### Driving Impressions
Though labeled the “base” model, the RWD Macan still impresses. Its reduced weight, particularly over the front axle, lends it a sprightly and responsive feel. The steering is described by some as “Alfa Romeo-like,” delivering precision and engagement, making the Macan feel more akin to a sports car than an SUV. The rear-wheel drive configuration also imparts a playful nature to the vehicle, particularly when powering out of turns.
On highways, the Macan’s aerodynamic shape (featuring a drag coefficient of 0.27) enables smooth coasting, a feature Porsche terms “sailing.” The throttle is easily adjustable, making it a pleasure to drive in both spirited and relaxed environments. However, unlike many electric vehicles, the Macan does not have a one-pedal driving feature. Instead, Porsche has chosen a more conventional brake-by-wire system that feels familiar and responsive.
### Charging and Efficiency
With its 800-volt system, the Macan can charge at levels up to 270 kW, allowing it to go from 10% to 80% charge in as little as 21 minutes. Porsche asserts that the battery can sustain charging rates above 200 kW until it hits a 55% charge, enhancing long-distance travel convenience. For those utilizing a Level 2 charger at home, a complete charge from 0% to 100% will require roughly 11 hours.
## The Macan 4S
For those desiring enhanced power and all-wheel drive, the Macan 4S is the ideal choice in the range. It boasts two electric motors—one on each axle—delivering a combined 442 horsepower (509 hp with launch control) and 578 lb-ft of torque. This configuration enables the 4S to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in merely 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 149 mph.
### Performance and Handling
The Macan 4S offers a noticeable speed advantage over the RWD version, especially during initial acceleration. The dual-motor arrangement grants exceptional traction, ensuring the car remains stable even during spirited cornering. The 4S also comes equipped with more grippy Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires, enhancing its handling prowess without sacrificing ride quality.
A standout aspect of the Macan 4S is its air suspension, which is standard across all U.S. models. This feature allows drivers to modify the suspension stiffness regardless of the driving mode, enabling the full performance of the powertrain without giving up ride comfort. The 4S is anticipated to have an EPA-estimated range of 288 miles.
## Interior and Technology
The Macan EV’s interior marks a considerable improvement over the gasoline model, providing increased space for both front and rear occupants. The dashboard displays a sleek, contemporary layout, featuring physical controls for the climate system and tactile rubber grips for vent adjustments—a welcome
