2025 Porsche Macan EV Review: Redefining the Sporty SUV for the Electric Age

Under the Hood: Powertrain, Performance, and Practicality

The most significant change for the 2025 Macan is under the skin. Porsche is launching this second generation exclusively as an electric vehicle, a clear signal of its future direction.

Front Trunk (Frunk) and Storage

With no traditional engine, the space under the hood is put to good use. The Macan EV features a generously sized front trunk (“frunk”) offering 2.9 cubic feet of storage. It’s a well-carpeted and finished area, providing a deep and useful space for charging cables or groceries. A dedicated compartment at the rear is perfect for storing the included mobile charger.

Powertrain Specifications (Base Model)

The initial U.S. launch models will all feature the high-capacity Performance Battery Plus, a 100 kWh lithium-ion pack (95 kWh usable). The base model we’re focusing on is a rear-wheel-drive configuration.

The Macan EV utilizes an 800-volt architecture, shared with the Audi Q6 e-tron on the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE). This allows for exceptionally fast charging.

Exterior Styling: A Bold, Aerodynamic New Direction

The 2025 Macan EV retains classic Porsche design cues but wraps them in a highly aerodynamic shell with a drag coefficient of just 0.26. The styling, however, is a point of discussion.

• Front Fascia: The signature four-point LED daytime running lights remain, but they are part of a trendy split-headlight design. The main LED low and high beams are positioned lower in the bumper. While functional vents and active grille shutters aid cooling and aerodynamics, the split-headlight design and the use of unpainted black plastic on the base model may not appeal to all traditionalists.
• Recommendation: The optional Off-Road Design Package is highly recommended, as it replaces the black plastic with body-colored or gray trim, significantly enhancing the front-end appearance.

Side Profile and Dimensions

The new PPE platform has resulted in a larger vehicle:

The side profile features a sportback, coupe-like silhouette. Standard 20-inch aerodynamic wheels are functional but can look underwhelming for a Porsche; upgrading to the available 22-inch wheels dramatically improves the stance. The vehicle features iconic “side blades,” which are unpainted on the base model. The standard adaptive air suspension allows the driver to adjust ground clearance from a low 6.7 inches up to 8.8 inches for light off-roading.

Rear Design and Charging

The rear end features a full-width LED light blade and a deployable spoiler that significantly improves the aesthetics when raised. A key functional element is the dual charge ports:

• Driver’s Side: CCS Combo (DC Fast Charging)
• Passenger Side: J1772 (AC Level 1/2 Charging)

Charging Performance:

• DC Fast Charging (350 kW): 10-80% in approximately 21 minutes.
• DC Fast Charging (150 kW): 10-80% in approximately 33 minutes.
• AC Onboard Charger: 11 kW (standard). A full charge on a Level 2 (48-amp) charger takes about 11 hours.

Interior: A High-Tech, Modern Cabin with Porsche Flair

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a driver-focused cockpit that modernizes the Porsche experience, though material quality depends heavily on the options chosen.

Seating and Comfort

The standard 14-way power-adjustable seats are supportive and comfortable, featuring standard heating and optional ventilation and massage functions. An 18-way sport seat is also available but forgoes the massage feature. The step-in height is easy, and the doors close with a solid, reassuring “thunk.”

Dashboard and Technology

The interior is dominated by curved screens and a minimalist design.

• The steering wheel is thick and grippy, featuring a drive mode selector on the spoke. The base wheel is functional, but the optional GT sport steering wheel adds a more premium look and feel.
• Materials can be a mixed bag on the base model. The standard interior uses a mix of soft-touch plastics and piano black trim, which can feel underwhelming for a vehicle in this price segment.
• Recommendation: The $1,300 full leather interior package is a worthy upgrade, adding leather stitching to the dashboard and door panels, elevating the cabin’s luxury feel considerably.

Cargo Space

The move to a dedicated EV platform has yielded more practicality:

• Cargo Space (Rear Seats Up): 19 cubic feet (an increase of about 1.5 cubic feet over the gas model).
• Cargo Space (Rear Seats Folded): 47 cubic feet.

The rear seats can be folded easily via release handles in the cargo area, which also features underfloor storage and an optional 150-watt power outlet.

Driving Impressions and Final Verdict

While a full road test requires getting behind the wheel, the specifications and engineering point to a compelling driving experience. The rear-wheel-drive base model, with its 5.4-second 0-60 mph time, promises to be plenty quick for daily driving. The standard adaptive air suspension should provide a blend of comfort and sharp handling that Porsche is known for, effortlessly switching between a comfortable cruiser and a sporty SUV at the touch of a button.

The electric powertrain delivers instant torque, ensuring responsive acceleration in any driving situation. The inclusion of an “Off-Road” drive mode, which raises the suspension for added ground clearance, adds a surprising layer of versatility.