We Lost Control Of A Porsche In Sepang, But Its Safety Systems Were Just Too Good
PSA: Drive safely on public roads.
By Syazwan Bahri — 27 Feb 2025, 10:31 AM
The roar of a combustion engine, once a defining trait of the Porsche Macan, has now given way to the near-silent hum of electric motors
Porsche has officially entered the electric SUV arena with the highly anticipated Macan EV, a game-changer set to redefine the segment.
This isn't just an electric version of its popular predecessor; it's a ground-up reimagining, combining Porsche's renowned performance DNA with cutting-edge EV technology. But can it live up to the hype, and more importantly, can it capture the hearts of both loyal Porsche enthusiasts and the burgeoning electric vehicle market?
Porsche Malaysia recently invited SAYS to the Sepang Driving Experience Centre to put the electric Macan to the test and see if it upholds the brand's motorsports pedigree.
Porsche's new Macan EV line-up offers a range of choices
Our convoy consisted of two versions: the Macan 4 and the Macan Turbo.
The Porsche Macan 4 sits comfortably between the base model and the 4S, offering a balanced all-wheel-drive experience. It features the same 100kWh battery pack and rear motor as the entry-level Macan, but adds a front motor to provide all-wheel traction. This setup delivers a combined power output, offering a noticeable performance upgrade over the base model while maintaining a respectable range.
It's designed for those who desire the added security and performance of all-wheel drive without necessarily needing the top-tier power of the Turbo or 4S.
At the pinnacle of the Macan EV range sits the Macan Turbo, built for raw performance. While it shares the same 100kWh battery, it boasts significantly more powerful electric motors and advanced electronics. This translates to blistering acceleration, propelling the vehicle from 0 to 100km/h in a very short time.
The Turbo exemplifies Porsche's ability to infuse its sports car DNA into an electric SUV, offering a thrilling driving experience with instant torque and precise handling. While the Turbo prioritises performance, its range remains competitive, though naturally lower than the base model due to the higher power consumption.
It's the Macan EV for those who demand the pinnacle of electric performance.
The Macan is an absolute beast to drive on the road
Porsche wanted us to experience the Macan EV just like regular owners would, starting with Kuala Lumpur's everyday traffic before hitting the highway right after.
Even at low speeds, the Macan is incredibly quiet, but it's far from boring. Thanks to its electric powertrain, the car responds instantly when you press the accelerator. You can also feel a sense of firmness in the car's body, reminding you that this isn't just a soft, cushy EV. The Macan Turbo's advanced air suspension smooths out bumps and potholes without making the drive feel disconnected.
The ride was comfortable, but you could still feel the road beneath you, just as you'd expect from a Porsche. It struck a fine balance — smooth and pleasant, but never too soft.
On the highway, reaching breakneck speeds was effortless. The Macan felt confident cruising at highway speeds, staying planted and composed as it turned miles into smiles.
Having driven many electric cars from newer brands, it became obvious why a Porsche EV feels different. Porsche has really nailed the art of making a car that's both comfortable and handles well. It's firm enough to feel sporty, but not so harsh that it's uncomfortable, and comfortable without feeling floaty.
As we reached the Sepang Driving Experience Centre, we were greeted by a slalom course and the daunting skid plate
A sports car isn't defined by its straight-line speed. It needs to be able to negotiate bends and turns at respectable speeds. That's why Porsche Malaysia took us to the Sepang Driving Experience Centre to really see what the Macan Turbo could do.
We kicked off our session with a slalom course. The Macan felt really stable and easy to control. The steering was super responsive, meaning the car turned exactly where we wanted it to. A system called Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV) helped keep the car gripping the road and feeling nimble. We darted through the slalom course at high speeds yet managed to come out the other end, beaming with joy.
A lot of electric SUVs try to be sporty, but the Macan actually delivers on that promise. It felt really connected to the road, something even some sporty petrol cars struggle to do.
We also tested how well the car could handle a sudden loss of control.
They used a special machine called a kick plate to make the back of the car slide, just like hitting a patch of standing water. This was where Porsche's clever electronic system truly shined. In the blink of an eye, the electronic Porsche Traction Management (ePTM) system shifted power around to stop the car from spinning out. For drivers in Malaysia, where we often face heavy rain, this is a really good safety feature. It doesn't just react when things go wrong, it also works to prevent accidents before they happen.
One of the big problems with electric cars is they're often heavy because of the batteries, which can make them feel slow and clumsy. But in the Macan, that weight seemed to vanish. It felt light and nimble, always ready to respond to what we wanted it to do.
After a thoroughly exhausting afternoon, we hit the highways again to return home
Even though the Macan showed us how sporty and responsive it could be on the challenge course, it still delivered that classic Porsche comfort on the road. Despite the spirited drive on the obstacle course, we weren't anxious on the range either.
The journey back was incredibly smooth and relaxed. Thanks to the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), the Macan Turbo never felt lazy or unresponsive. It always felt ready and eager, like it was waiting for the next opportunity to show off its capabilities. And that's really what a Macan is all about: a perfect blend of performance and everyday usability.
The Porsche Macan EV lineup is a great car for everyday driving and occasional travelling
You can now order the latest Porsche Macan models in Malaysia, with prices starting at RM435,000.
Porsche Malaysia provides a comprehensive maintenance and warranty package for the initial two years of ownership. Additionally, the high-voltage battery in the Macan is covered by an eight-year or 160,000km warranty, whichever comes first.
For added peace of mind, customers can also choose to extend their vehicle's warranty through Porsche Malaysia for up to 15 years.
