Here’s How Porsche Plans To Add The ICE Spirit To Its Macan EV

In the automotive industry, few automakers stand out more than Porsche. The Munich-based veteran is an emblematic figure of mechanical prowess and the roaring sound of its powerful, gas-powered engines has cradled the ears of many aficionados over the decades. Not willing to let such a defining asset disappear into an all-electric future, the company is working on keeping that same vivacity in its EV line-up. For 2024, the transitioning carmaker is introducing the Porsche Macan Electric. To celebrate its new powertrain, the latter is equipped with a sound generator that mimics the familiar symphony of an internal combustion engine.

This initiative is not a first for the high-end manufacturer, which has been honing its experience-enhancing technology for nearly a decade at this point. “No other manufacturer has spent as much time working on the sound both inside and out as Porsche,” says Active Sound Design Manager Tobias Hills, who first started working on the Porsche Taycan’s acoustics back in 2015. More than a mere gimmick, simulated noise on an EV is a legal requirement.

Since electric vehicles are remarkably silent on the road, due to the lack of clutter and moving parts in their powertrain, they are less likely to be heard by pedestrians. The newly electrified Macan accounts for that in its own way, hence why we’ve decided to explain the ins and outs of this new sound generator, which might very well make EVs that much cooler.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Porsche, BMW, and Auto Express.

The Macan Electric Is Not The Silent Type

The company paints a most flattering image of its rhythmic tech. “[The] Porsche Electric Sport Sound enhances the vehicle’s own sound, making it sound even more emotional, both outside and inside the vehicle. This feature can be activated or deactivated via Porsche Communication Management.”

Simulated Engine Noise: Between Luxury And Legality

The “Porsche Electric Sport Sound” costs an additional $490, on top of the Macan’s hefty price tag of $78,000. The sound simulator is available on the base Macan 4 Electric and the Macan Turbo Electric in the United States. Once the mode is on, the Macan churns out a gritty, yet soothing sound that blends in perfectly with the calm and sophisticated demeanor of the SUV.

If you wish to enjoy the quietness of the electric powertrain instead, you can simply turn off the “Porsche Electric Sport Sound” via the Porsche Communication Management infotainment system. Or, you can simply deactivate it using the configurable “joker” buttons on the steering wheel.

On the other hand, the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) is a permanent fixture and cannot be turned off, as it is legally required. The AVAS emits noises to warn pedestrians at speeds of up to 31 mph. Such systems in electric cars have been mandatory in the European Union (EU) since July 1, 2019. The EU prescribes that the AVAS warns pedestrians at up to 20 kmh (12mph), while the U.S. is slightly more exigent, and requires an increase in the noise level until a speed of 20mph is attained.

Other Automakers Are Also Trying To Put A Soul In Their EVs

Porsche does not stand alone in its ambitions to invigorate EVs with some good old acoustic panache. Other manufacturers have designed similar systems for their EVs, in hopes of making them more alluring, and more exciting to drive.

Fellow German automaker, BMW collaborated with Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer to enliven the all-electric BMW i4 with a unique drive sound. Academy Award-winning Zimmer, whose works include iconic pieces such as The Lion King and Gladiator, aimed to transpose the vast array of emotions that are usually conveyed by the company’s engines. To that end, the BMW i4 features five “My Modes”, each covering a different area of the driving experience. For instance, My Mode Comfort provides a soothing cabin atmosphere, while My Mode Sport is naturally more vehement.

Last year, Hyundai introduced a racetrack version of its flagship, all-electric SUV, called the IONIQ 5 N. With 641 horses under the skin, the latter rampages through the racetrack, to the rhythm of an artificial vroom-vroom symphony. This audio enhancement comes courtesy of the “N Active Sound+”, which emulates the sound of the 2.0-liter turbo four found on the Elantra N. The setup works through eight internal speakers and two external ones. When the IONIQ 5 N attacks a corner, a speaker emits a sound inspired by twin-engine fighter jets.

Alfa Romeo is yet another juggernaut looking to conserve the phonetic ethos of its vehicles. When talking about the upcoming, all-electric Alfa Romeo Giulia, CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato said that his innovation team was working on enhancing the driving experience of its EVs with real sensations, vibrations, and noises in lieu of artificially generated ones.

The Most Potent Macan Ever Made

The 2024 Porsche Macan EV has a few things going for it. For one, it is the most powerful version ever released, with up to 630 horses at its disposal on the Turbo variant. But, that’s not all. Much like the Audi Q6 e-tron and the Audi A6 e-tron, the freshly electrified Macan will be built on Volkswagen Group’s latest platform, the Premium Platform Electric (PPE).

The 100 kWh battery, available on both models, offers up to 367 miles of range per WLTP rating on the Turbo trim-level. Naturally, the EPA estimates will be more moderate, but this figure is still respectable nonetheless. The range on the Macan 4 is way less satisfying, with only 247 miles on a full charge.

On the other hand, the Turbo variant will also offer slightly quicker DC Fast Charge rates than the Taycan, effectively allowing you to go from 10 percent to 80 percent in 21 minutes, which qualifies it as one of the fastest-charging EVs on the market today. The 2024 Porsche Macan EV is currently open for orders. You can either choose the introductory Macan 4, which starts at $78,800, or the more potent Macan Turbo, for a fee of $105,300. Deliveries will not begin until later this year.

Porsche Macan Electric Performance Specs

(Specs sourced from Porsche)

The All-electric Macan’s PPE Platform Is Abundantly Resourceful

The PPE platform will be pinned on an 800-volt battery system, allowing for 270 kW DC Fast Charging on the Turbo variant, which is a noticeable improvement over the Taycan. However, since DC Fast Chargers of that capacity can be scarce, the company has integrated a bank charging feature into the Macan. This system splits the 800-volt battery into two batteries with a nominal voltage of 400 volts each that can be charged in parallel with one 400-volt charging station without the need for a high-voltage booster.

The chassis is all the more resourceful with an Adaptive Air Suspension, which includes Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM). The latter has been supplied with new two-valve dampers to maximize comfort. To gain space and reduce costs for the Macan Electric (and other EVs), Porsche is using its patent-pending “Integrated Power Box”. The latter combines the on-board AC charger, the high-voltage heater, and the DC/DC converter.

The Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus Takes Agility To The Next Level

The $105,300 all-electric Macan Turbo ups the ante with rear-axle steering, which helps keep the vehicle firmly planted as you further push the pedal to the metal. This rear-axle steering increases stability by 40 percent, and virtually shortens the wheelbase during corner attacks to increase versatility. This also facilitates maneuverability around tight parking spots, which is always welcome with a vehicle of this size.

Also included in the higher trim level is the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), which relies on an electronically controlled, fully variable differential lock. The system essentially uses targeted braking interventions on the inside rear wheel to optimize the vehicle’s steering accuracy during tight and fast turns.

The Cockpit Is A Paragon Of Class And A Parade Of Screens

Inside the cabin, the Macan exudes a high-end feel, with integrated ambient lighting and a parade of wide screens. Although simplistic, the interior manages to capture the aura of luxury that has long distinguished the brand. With inspiration from the new Cayenne, the Macan includes new analog controls instead of physical ones. To add a layer of old-school appeal, the center of the dash has been equipped with an analog clock that serves as a lap timer.

An Interior That Covers All The Bases

The middle of the cockpit is occupied by a 10.9-inch central touchscreen that complements an even bigger, 12.6-inch digital instrument cluster. The latter can be customized and made simpler by selecting only the crucial driving elements that you wish to see displayed. You can also add a 10.9-inch Passenger Display, for an extra fee of $1,570. With this third touchscreen, the person riding shotgun can access core functions, play music, or stream YouTube. The head-up display system uses augmented reality to assist the driver with essential information.

• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Wi-Fi hot spot
• Satellite Radio
• Four USB-C ports
• A 10-speaker audio system
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• A universal garage door opener