Porsche's shift away from an EV-heavy model rollout seems to be gaining momentum, with spy photos surfacing of a camouflaged Audi Q5 test mule in Europe. This sighting fuels speculation that Porsche is preparing a petrol-powered version of the next-generation Macan, despite launching the second-generation as an electric vehicle (EV).
U-Turn on EV Strategy
Reports from Europe last month suggested that Porsche's popular Macan nameplate would continue with petrol power, marking a significant departure from its initial EV-only plans.
Audi Q5 Connection
The new petrol-powered Macan would be based on the new Audi Q5, which recently entered its third generation using the Volkswagen Group’s new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture.
The spy photos show a camouflaged Q5 undergoing cold weather testing. The presence of electric Porsche vehicles (Macan EV and Cayenne EV) nearby suggests this Audi is being used as a test mule for Porsche.
Underpinnings and Engine Options
While the PPC architecture is currently exclusive to Audi, the Q5 and Macan have historically shared underpinnings. The electric Q6 e-tron, an electric alternative to the Q5, also shares the same Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform as the Macan EV.
If the Macan adopts the Q5's platform, it could offer a range of turbocharged engines, including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol, a 3.0-liter V6 petrol, and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel, all with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance.
Petrol Macan Axed Due to Cybersecurity Laws
The combustion-powered Macan was removed from European showrooms in April 2024 due to cybersecurity regulations. The cost of updating the 10-year-old model to comply with these laws proved prohibitive.
This decision also impacted Australia, where production of the Macan ceased around the same time. The Macan has been a key model for Porsche in Australia, accounting for almost half of all sales.
Financial Implications
Porsche will incur an US$831 million (A$1.33 billion) charge due to its EV strategy U-turn, as well as costs associated with expanding its combustion engine and plug-in hybrid models.
