The 2025 Porsche Macan 4S Electric is a bold step into the electric vehicle (EV) era for Porsche’s best-selling compact SUV. Designed to evoke the spirit of a hot hatchback while catering to the practical needs of grown-ups, this all-electric crossover promises thrilling performance, refined comfort, and cutting-edge technology. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE), the Macan 4S Electric combines Porsche’s signature driving dynamics with the instant torque and efficiency of an EV powertrain. In this first test review, we explore whether the Macan 4S Electric lives up to its billing as a sporty yet sophisticated SUV that captures the youthful exuberance of a hot hatch while meeting the demands of adulthood.
Design and Styling
The Macan 4S Electric retains the sleek, muscular silhouette that has made the Macan a standout in the compact luxury SUV segment. With a low, sloping hood, prominent fenders, and a 911-inspired window line, it’s unmistakably a Porsche. The electric version introduces subtle tweaks, such as a drag coefficient of 0.26 for improved efficiency, and the optional off-road package increases ground clearance by 10 mm to 195 mm. The design is nearly identical across the Macan EV lineup, with the 4S distinguished only by its badging and available 20- to 22-inch wheels. Our test vehicle, finished in Provence, looked striking, though some may find the proportions slightly bulky compared to the gas-powered Macan.
Inside, the cabin is a blend of familiarity and modernity. The Macan 4S Electric features a 12.6-inch curved digital gauge cluster, a 10.9-inch central touchscreen, and an optional passenger-side screen for games or streaming. The interior is hushed, thanks to acoustic laminated glass and excellent sound absorption, but some materials feel surprisingly cheap for a Porsche, particularly at its $86,895 starting price (our test model ballooned to $122,845 with options). The ambient lighting, which flashes to warn of blind-spot or approaching vehicles, adds a functional and stylish touch. However, rear-seat space remains cramped, and cargo capacity (540 liters, or 480 with the upgraded sound system) trails competitors like the Tesla Model Y.
Performance and Handling
The Macan 4S Electric is powered by dual electric motors, delivering 509 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque with launch control, achieving 0-60 mph in a claimed 3.9 seconds. In real-world driving, the acceleration feels neck-snapping, with instant torque that makes merging or passing effortless. The top speed reaches 149 mph, placing it firmly in performance territory. Compared to the base Macan (355 hp) and Macan 4 (402 hp), the 4S strikes a sweet spot, offering thrilling pace without the overkill of the 630-hp Turbo.
On twisty roads, the Macan 4S Electric shines. Despite weighing over 5,000 pounds, it handles like a much lighter vehicle, evoking the agility of a Volkswagen GTI. The standard air suspension and adaptive dampers, paired with optional torque-vectoring and rear-wheel steering, deliver minimal body roll and exceptional grip (0.93 g on the skidpad). The steering is precise and weighty, though some testers noted it lacks the razor-sharp feel of Porsche’s gas-powered models. The 4S’s ability to adjust cornering attitude with the throttle adds a playful element, though the stability management system quickly reins in any oversteer.
Porsche’s decision to forgo one-pedal driving in favor of a traditional driving experience has sparked debate. While some appreciate the seamless brake pedal modulation, others lament the lack of customizable regenerative braking, which tops out at 0.1 g. This choice makes the Macan 4S feel more like a gas-powered Porsche but may disappoint EV enthusiasts accustomed to stronger regen.
Range and Charging
All Macan Electric models use a 95-kWh (usable) battery. The 4S has an EPA-rated range of 288 miles, matching the Turbo but falling short of the base Macan (315 miles) and Macan 4 (308 miles). In MotorTrend’s 70-mph road-trip test, the 4S achieved 261 miles, a respectable but not class-leading result. Real-world estimates suggest 280-340 miles depending on conditions, with spirited driving or cold weather reducing range closer to 280 miles.
Charging performance is a highlight. The Macan 4S’s 800-volt architecture supports up to 270 kW DC fast charging, allowing a 10-80% charge in approximately 21 minutes. In testing, it reached a peak of 285 kW, adding 100 miles of range in just over 8 minutes. The battery can also split into two 400-volt units for compatibility with 400-volt chargers, maintaining efficiency without the need for a high-voltage booster. AC charging is capped at 11 kW, suitable for home use.
Technology and Features
The Macan 4S Electric is packed with tech, running a Macan-specific version of Porsche’s Android Automotive OS. The infotainment system is responsive, with a built-in app store for programs like PlugShare. The optional augmented reality head-up display projects vivid graphics, such as lane positioning and navigation arrows, enhancing the driving experience. The InnoDrive system, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, performs admirably, offering smooth adjustments without the “locked-in” feel of some competitors. However, the forward-collision warning occasionally triggered false alarms on curved roads.
Other notable features include vehicle-to-load charging for powering external devices and a frunk suitable for small items like the charging cable. The optional Sport Chrono package adds launch control and a steering wheel knob for drive modes (Normal, Sport, Offroad, and optional Sport Plus). While the Macan 4S impresses with its tech, the loss of underfloor storage with the upgraded sound system is a minor annoyance.
Driving Experience
Behind the wheel, the Macan 4S Electric feels like a Porsche, albeit with a different character than its gas-powered sibling. The low center of gravity, courtesy of the underbody battery, enhances stability, while the air suspension smooths out imperfections even on 22-inch wheels. In Sport Plus mode, the 4S comes alive, delivering explosive acceleration and composed handling that belies its weight. Yet, in Normal mode, it’s a refined cruiser, ideal for commuting or long highway drives. The cabin remains quiet, with minimal tire or motor noise, though some road rumble is noticeable on coarse surfaces.
Compared to rivals like the Audi SQ6 e-tron, Genesis Electrified GV70, and Tesla Model Y Performance, the Macan 4S stands out for its sharper handling and Porsche pedigree. However, its steering calibration and lack of one-pedal driving may not satisfy purists, and its price premium over competitors like the Model Y (which offers more cargo space) is a consideration.
Pricing and Value
Starting at $86,895, the Macan 4S Electric is not cheap, and options quickly inflate the price. By comparison, the base Macan Electric starts at $77,295, while the gas-powered Macan begins at $62,550. The 4S’s performance and tech justify the cost for Porsche enthusiasts, but its interior materials and cramped rear seat detract from its value proposition. Competitors like the Tesla Model Y Performance ($54,130) and Genesis Electrified GV70 ($66,450) offer similar performance at a lower price, though they lack the Macan’s brand cachet and handling finesse.
Comparison Table
|
Feature |
Porsche Macan 4S Electric |
Tesla Model Y Performance |
Genesis Electrified GV70 |
Audi SQ6 e-tron |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Starting Price |
$86,895 | $54,130 | $66,450 | $80,445 |
|
Horsepower |
509 hp |
455 hp |
429 hp |
509 hp |
|
0-60 mph |
3.9 seconds |
3.5 seconds |
4.1 seconds |
4.2 seconds |
|
EPA Range |
288 miles |
279 miles |
236 miles |
258 miles |
|
Max Charging Speed |
270 kW |
250 kW |
240 kW |
270 kW |
|
Cargo Capacity |
540 liters |
854 liters |
798 liters |
526 liters |
|
Drive Type |
AWD |
AWD |
AWD |
AWD |
|
Key Features |
Air suspension, torque-vectoring, AR HUD |
One-pedal driving, large touchscreen |
Luxurious interior, fast charging |
Premium Platform Electric, refined ride |
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Porsche Macan 4S Electric is a compelling blend of hot hatchback thrills and SUV practicality, delivering electrifying performance and refined comfort. Its agile handling, rapid acceleration, and advanced tech make it a standout in the luxury EV crossover segment. However, its high price, limited rear-seat space, and lack of one-pedal driving may give some buyers pause. For those seeking a Porsche that captures the spirit of youth while meeting the needs of adulthood, the Macan 4S Electric is a worthy contender, though it falls short of perfection. Whether it’s the fountain of youth or a pricey tribute to Porsche’s legacy, it’s undeniably a driver’s EV.
