From the Two-Wheel Drive Macan I Used to Drive to This 4WD Version

I had the chance to drive the EV version of the Macan—this time in the all-wheel-drive model.

Previously, I test drove the standard EV Macan, the rear-wheel-drive 2WD version, and shared my impressions in an article.

ポルシェ マカンEVはいかに？！タイカンオーナーが語るその違いとマカンの魅力

My takeaway back then was that it was a truly easy-to-handle Macan. It lacked any harshness, and the EV characteristics were tastefully muted, leaving a strong impression of an EV you could drive just like a gasoline-powered Porsche. Many imagine EVs as having instant torque bursting aggressively forward—the Taycan certainly fits that mold. However, the 2WD Macan I drove had a motor tune that gradually built acceleration at higher revs, reminiscent of an internal combustion engine. That memory remains vivid to this day.

This time, I drove the Macan 4—a model combining the base Macan with all-wheel drive.

The test car was a luxury-oriented trim with leather interior, 14-way adjustable seats, and even seat ventilation. It wasn’t equipped with air suspension or PASM, but rather a standard, conventional suspension setup. I was eager to experience how such a raw suspension would feel on the road.

Initial Acceleration and Brake Feel: A First-Time Experience

From the moment I started driving, the smoothness was unmistakable.

The car glided forward effortlessly. Experiencing this makes it hard to imagine going back to a gasoline engine; this is one of the true virtues of an EV. But what surprised me even more was the brakes. Porsche’s brakes across all models are outstanding, and their hallmark is adjusting brake force by the amount of pressure on the pedal rather than pedal travel. This results in a firm, solid brake feel—not the squishy, “soft to the floor” feel common in many Japanese vehicles.

Among them, the Macan 4’s brake pedal was exceptional. It had the precise, tactile firmness reminiscent of 911 or Boxster/Cayman models equipped with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB). You could truly feel you’re driving a Porsche, transmitted directly through the pedal. As a side note, I find the brakes on later Taycan models—including my own Taycan Turbo GT—too soft compared to earlier models. In contrast, this Macan 4’s brake feel is excellent.

The Truth Behind Regenerative Braking and What the Standard Suspension Revealed

There seems to be some misunderstanding about how regenerative braking works, so let me clarify.

Many think of regen braking as similar to engine braking when you lift off the accelerator. However, that’s not the case with Porsche. While there is a slight regen effect when releasing the accelerator, the system primarily adjusts regen strength based on how much you press the brake pedal. For the driver, pressing the pedal feels like the brake pads gripping the rotors, but in reality, the pads barely do any work—the deceleration comes mostly from motor regeneration. This means brake pad wear is minimal. Even when pushing hard before a corner on a mountain road, regen braking alone provides excellent slowing power. Of course, during full stops, the pads engage thoroughly, ensuring confident braking performance.

How about handling? The Macan 4 sits relatively high and has a firm but not overly stiff suspension, so body roll is noticeable.

Yet the car maintains composure mid-corner. The body leans to a certain angle dictated by outside weight transfer, then faithfully holds that angle through the turn. Many cars wiggle or shift mid-corner, but the Macan doesn’t. If it can do this on standard suspension, I imagine PASM or air suspension would bring an even more refined ride. The steering is neither too quick nor too slow—it’s significantly sharper and more responsive than most SUVs in its class, delivering a strong sense of tire contact with the road.

The Mysterious Lack of Weight and the Electric Sports Sound

Coming out of corners, the benefit of having all-wheel drive became crystal clear.

The Macan 4’s traction is excellent. While the 2WD version I had driven didn’t feel as powerful, this 4WD model feels slightly livelier due to no power loss through the drivetrain. When switching to Sport Plus mode and flooring it at corner exit, the tires audibly chirp as the car launches. If the standard Macan runs this well, the 4S or Turbo versions must be even more thrilling. What startled me most, though, was how it doesn’t feel heavy at all. It’s hard to believe this EV weighs over two tons. Even when consciously trying to detect its weight, I found almost no negatives.

This test car was also equipped with the optional Electric Sports Sound feature. When activated, its volume feels a notch quieter than the Taycan’s but is still more than enough to heighten the driving excitement. Unlike the Taycan’s pure electronic hum, this sound layer carries a subtle V6-like texture beneath the digital tones, faintly echoing an engine’s heartbeat. If you’re buying an electric Porsche, I’d strongly recommend this sound option. It brings an authentic Porsche character to the EV experience.

Who Is This Macan 4 Really For?

Overall, this isn’t the fastest or most aggressively athletic Porsche.

It’s not showy, but it’s a very well-bred car. Many auto journalists praise the EV Macan’s quality, and I wholeheartedly agree. On the flip side, those looking for the raw, visceral edge typical of a Porsche might find this model a bit too polished—truly an honor roll student of the Macan lineup. My wife also noted that the final internal combustion Macan models were finely refined, but this EV version is a step or two above in chassis sophistication, nearly perfecting the direction the last gas models were headed. For those who adore the rough-and-tumble early Macan’s wild spirit, this might feel a tad too tame. Those drivers might prefer the 4S or Turbo trims.

Incidentally, the owner of this test car is a seasoned Porsche enthusiast and a woman who told me she truly enjoys how easy and comfortable the Macan 4 is to drive after switching. She praised its exceptional high-speed stability, effortless cornering at high velocities, ample power delivery, and overall reassuring driveability. I completely agree—if you want a car that’s slightly sporty yet places comfort above all else, and merges drivability with refinement, the Macan 4 is one of the best choices you can make.