Bizz Buzz Explainer: Porsche Macan, Taycan go electric in India

Hyderabad German luxury car maker Porsche has launched all-new, fully electric Taycan range and the latest Macan compact SUV in India. The company bets big on these supercars as their market traction would influence its future electric vehicle prospects.

The Macan

The company's fully electric premium SUV Macan offers increased performance and sharper styling in three variants comprising the Macan, Macan S and Macan GTS along with a range of 14 colours newly available for the Macan.

The SUV features a neatly designed front with a colour-coded inlay to emphasise its width, while the GTS centre nose section and other elements are finished in black. LED headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) and Sport Design exterior mirrors are standard while the rear now includes a striking new diffuser.

The head turner is powered by new 195 kW (265 PS) turbocharged, four-cylinder engine, which gets the SUV to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds with a top speed of 232km/h while the GTS variant cuts that time down to 4.3 seconds from its 324 kW (440 PS), 2.9-litre V6 biturbo engine offering a top speed of 272km/h. In the middle lies the Macan S variant which is powered by the same 2.9-litre V6 developing 280 kW (380 PS) engine which speeds at 100km/hr in 4.6 seconds.

Along with this fast engine, the SUV is coupled with Porsche's seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and the company's Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel-drive system.

The Taycan

With the all-new Taycan, Porsche presents its first ever, fully electric model, setting another important milestone for the future of the company. Available in four models comprising the Taycan, Taycan 4S, Turbo and Turbo S, it's accompanied by the exciting Cross Turismo in 4S, Turbo and Turbo S versions that add the versatility of extra ground clearance, Gravel Mode and 1,200 litres of rear cargo space.

The Taycan Turbo S sports saloon is the most powerful sports car in the Porsche range generating up to 560 kW (761 PS) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, while the entry-level Taycan with rear-wheel drive delivers up to 484 km of range with the Performance Battery Plus (according to WLTP).

With the standard, single-deck 79.2 kWh Performance Battery, the entry-level model delivers up to 300 kW (408 PS) in overboost mode with launch control which increases to 350 kW (476 PS) with the optional two-deck 93.4 kWh performance battery plus.

The Cross Turismo

Combining the strengths of Taycan's superior performance and long battery life with mild off-road versatility, increased rear headroom, luggage space and all-wheel drive supported by height adjustable air-suspension, the Taycan Cross Turismo is the all-rounder among electric sports cars.

The car is available in three variants which feature Porsche's performance battery plus as standard, offering up to 456 km of range from its 93.4 kWh battery. Like the Taycan sport saloon, the Cross Turismo range uses the same 800-volt architecture and two-speed transmission. The Taycan 4S Cross Turismo offers 360 kW (490 PS) and 420 kW (571 PS) in overboost mode that gives it a 240 km/h top speed and a 0-100 km/h time of 4.1 seconds. The Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo offers 460 kW (625 PS) with a further 40 kW (55 PS) using overboost that brings the acceleration time to 100 km/h downto 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h, while the Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo with overboost delivers 560 kW (761 PS) and a 0-100 km/h time of just 2.9 seconds.

The Taycan Cross Turismo comes as standard with the additional Gravel mode driving programme for journeys on light off-road terrain such as gravel tracks or muddy road surfaces. The new mode alters the power delivery and drive characteristics for light off-roading and raises its ride height by 30 mm. Coordinating the assisting systems as well as the rear-axle transmission, Gravel Mode adjusts the shift pattern of its two-speed transmission and adapts the throttle behaviour for greater control and better power delivery on slippery surfaces.

Pricing

The basic retail price for the new Macan starts at Rs 83,21,000 while the all-new Taycan is available from Rs 1,50,28,000 (ex showroom)