Every year, the Enrique Zobel Memorial Polo Cup brings together the country’s finest polo players—a rather distinguished crowd, and just as reliably, an exquisite parade of Porsche vehicles. This long-standing tradition has become a hallmark of the event – where the unmistakable sounds of Stuttgart’s finest machines complement the earthy hooves on the field. But this year, the automotive excitement wasn’t so much about the sounds. It was about the silence.
Several units of the all-new, all-electric Macan Turbo and Macan 4 rolled onto the Manila Polo Club field, showcasing the future of high-performance electric SUVs in the county. The Macan has long been one of Porsche’s staple models, blending everyday practicality with sportscar DNA. Now available exclusively in pure-electric form, it promises the same dynamic driving experience but with zero emissions, showing that sustainability and performance can sometimes go together.
This latest iteration of the Macan takes a revolutionary step forward by embracing electrification without compromising Porsche’s signature driving dynamics. At its heart is Porsche’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, which is a cutting-edge kind of foundation that allows the brand to push the boundaries of EV performance. Both the electric Macan Turbo and electric Macan 4 utilize Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) on each axle, delivering instant torque and precision handling, showing off what an electric SUV can do.
The Macan Turbo leads the charge with 639 hp and 1,130 Nm of torque, rocketing from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds – figures that firmly place it in the realm of high-performance sports cars. Meanwhile, the Macan 4 offers a balanced 408 hp and 650 Nm of torque, making it an engaging but still highly practical daily driver with a 0-100 km/h time of 5.2 seconds.
Powering these exhilarating machines is a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery that is strategically placed under the body for a low center of gravity and optimal weight distribution. Thanks to its special 800-volt fast-charging technology, owners can replenish a battery that is down to 10%, back up to 80% in just 21 minutes, using a DC fast-charging station. Meanwhile, AC charging at home remains seamless with up to an 11 kW capacity, via household wall boxes. Range anxiety is also hardly a concern, as the Macan Turbo promises up to 591 km of range, while the Macan 4 stretches it further to 613 km (WLTP-rated).
As Porsche’s design DNA is unmistakable, the all-electric Macan stays true to its lineage, while introducing fresh, modern refinements. A longer wheelbase, shorter overhangs, and a more sculpted stance amplify its road presence while details such as frameless doors, a coupe-like silhouette and the signature Porsche ‘flyline’ add to its sleek appeal. The split-headlight design, with four-point LED daytime running lights seamlessly integrated into the fenders ensures that the Macan remains instantly recognizable, even from a distance. At the rear, a 3D sculpted taillight strip proudly carries the Porsche name. And of course the Macan Turbo ups the ante with Matrix LED headlights, adaptive sport seats, 22-inch wheels and exclusive Turbonite accents.
The new, all-electric Macan also stays true to its ethos with its low seating position, precise steering, and real-time torque distribution via electronic Porsche Traction Management (ePTM). As a matter of fact, the system reacts to wheel slip five times faster than the conventional all-wheel drive, ensuring unparalleled grip and control. Complementing this are adaptive air suspension, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), and drive modes that fine-tune the Macan’s character – be it for comfort, efficiency, or spirited driving.
Inside , the cockpit blends analog inspiration with modern digital functionality. A 12.6-inch curved digital instrument cluster, a 10.9-inch central touchscreen and an optional 10.9-inch passenger display provide a seamless interface between driver and machine. Ambient lighting with a communication light feature adds a layer of sophistication, delivering visual cues for functions like charging and driver assistance alerts.
There is another all-electric Macan set to arrive in the Philippines a bit later – featuring a single electric motor producing 360 hp and 563 Nm of torque. It will offer the longest driving range in the lineup at 641 km (WLTP-rated).
What I think makes the all-electric Macan truly special is its ability to balance pulse-raising performance with real-world usability. While it delivers the kind of exciting acceleration and dynamic handling expected from a Porsche, it also excels as a versatile daily driver. Oh, and the electrification of the Macan hasn’t just enhanced efficiency – it has also increased practicality in that it now offers 540 liters of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,348 liters when folded. And when you add to that the 84-liter ‘frunk’ (front trunk), the Macan proves that a high-performance SUV doesn’t have to compromise on convenience.
The new, all-electric Macan Turbo and Macan 4 are now available for viewing at Porsche Philippines showrooms in Greenhills, BGC, Westgate Alabang and SM Seaside City Cebu.
