2025 Porsche Macan Turbo EV Review: The Tesla Alternative

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      As someone born in the early '90s, I have truly lost track of the "once-in-a-lifetime" socioeconomic crises we’ve experienced. However, it seems we are on the brink—or perhaps already experiencing—an inflection point. Still grappling with the aftereffects of lockdowns and preparing for "once-in-a-century" financial instability, this is the time when dynasties crumble.

      Companies and entire sectors once considered too big to fail are—believe it or not—failing. Conversations around Apple’s struggle to keep pace with the AI surge suggest it could be the start of the end for the $3 trillion company. Films no longer guarantee profitability. Real estate, once viewed as a foolproof investment, no longer appears so secure. And Tesla, the brand that transformed EVs into desirable items and changed perceptions about cars, is gradually burning out before our eyes.

      Yet, with one foot firmly in the future and the other steadfastly in the past, Porsche presents itself as a well-prepared company for whatever lies ahead. It understands the importance of retaining manual gas sports cars while also producing some of today’s top electric vehicles. On top of that, it has made considerable investments in sustainable e-fuels and continues to offer its gas-powered entry-level Macan crossover alongside the upcoming 2025 Porsche Macan Turbo Electric.

      Staying true to this ethos, the new Turbo Macan is a 2025 electric car that encourages you to drive rather than be driven. This EV still features a volume knob and a physical gear selector. Moreover, it appears to link the gear selector to a mechanism crafted from cast iron. It combines many benefits of modern advancements with selected qualities of traditional designs—the “heritage”-emblazoned crest on the hood has lost its color.

      This may not be your grandfather's Porsche, but it undeniably remains a Porsche.

      The Essentials

      Built on the Volkswagen Group’s PPE electric platform, shared with Audi’s new A6 and Q6 E-Tron, the electric Porsche Macan is technically the “second generation” Macan, despite the original gas-powered Macan still being sold alongside it for the time being. The electric Macan features a wheelbase that is 86 mm longer than that of the gas model, though its overall size remains similar due to relatively small overhangs.

      Visually, the new Macan is quite attractive, particularly in the Frozen Blue Metallic color. It exudes a robust, luxurious, and race-car appearance while unmistakably resembling a Porsche. Its design feels more accessible than the Taycan, appearing less alien, and offers practical advantages such as traditional non-pop-out door handles and a conveniently accessible ride height.

      The interior continues the simplified Taycan theme. Unlike many luxury EVs that rely entirely on touchscreens, the Macan Electric utilizes physical toggles on its dedicated climate control panel. There’s even a volume knob and—making sure you’re seated for this—manual controls for the air vents that require you to adjust small plastic nubs by hand. What a unique concept.

      It’s fortunate that the vent adjustments are physical, as the 10.9-inch infotainment system, despite running a Porsche-customized version of Android Automotive OS, leaves much to be desired. Like the current Mercedes systems, it works best when synced with your personal Porsche account that presumably saves your preferences, but as a “guest,” it is quite glitchy. Every time I started the car, regardless of what I last listened to, it always defaulted to FM radio static. This was before I even had to tap through three large, overly verbose disclaimers that appeared at the start of every journey.

      I’m glad for you, Porsche. Or sorry you had to deal with that. Either way, I’m not reading all of that.

      As part of this press loan, Porsche provided generic login details, but they simply didn’t function when I input them. Can’t say I didn’t try. In conclusion, this infotainment system might be best complemented by connecting to Apple CarPlay (which is allegedly wireless, yet asks for a cable each time) or Android Auto and just leaving it at that. There is also an optional 10.9-inch passenger screen that you might want to skip.

      However, the rest of the Macan is top-notch. Porsche’s quality of construction, both inside and out, is truly unmatched and always a pleasure to experience. Everything feels over-engineered and incredibly sturdy, with buttons responding with a gratifying click. Even opening the door from the inside offers a peculiarly satisfying tactile experience. The Turbonite Gray Porsche badge on the steering wheel (and on the front of this vehicle) is exclusive to Turbo models and certainly looks stunning.

      The standard Bose audio system sounds impressive—guitars seem to be right there with you in the car—and this isn't even the upgraded sound system. There’s a $4,710