Since its debut a decade ago, the Porsche Macan has been a major success for the automaker, consistently ranking as one of its best-selling models. Even in 2024, when it was discontinued in Europe due to cybersecurity regulations, the crossover still managed to sell 64,517 units globally. Only the larger Cayenne SUV outperformed it. However, the future of the internal combustion engine (ICE) Macan seemed sealed, with production set to end in 2026. Now, that timeline may be in doubt.
According to a recent report by Autocar, a senior Porsche insider revealed that the company is not entirely confident the new all-electric Macan can fully replace its gas-powered counterpart. “The reception to the new Macan Electric has been positive, but we are yet to see its long-term performance, given uncertain market conditions,” the source said. Porsche has reason to be cautious, as Taycan sales dropped by 49% in 2024, highlighting the challenges of transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs).
The same insider emphasized that the decline in Taycan sales reflects shifting market dynamics. “We cannot rely solely on traditional assumptions about consumer behavior,” they noted. While Porsche has declined to comment officially, the company has already hinted at the possibility of future EVs sharing the lineup with gasoline-powered models. In November 2024, Porsche CFO Lutz Meschke stated, “We are currently evaluating whether originally planned all-electric vehicles could also offer hybrid or combustion engine options. Conceptual decisions are underway, but it’s clear that we will continue producing combustion engines for much longer.”
Porsche has already taken steps to extend the life of its Cayenne SUV. While an all-electric Cayenne is expected later this decade, the ICE version, including a V-8 model, will remain in production into the 2030s. The Autocar report suggests that a similar strategy could be applied to the Macan, with the gas-powered version potentially continuing beyond 2026. This is reportedly one of several “product scenarios” under consideration.
If the ICE Macan remains in production, it will likely require significant updates. The current model, first launched in 2014, has received several updates over the years but is now showing its age. It remains unclear whether Porsche would opt for another facelift or invest in an entirely new generation. Such a move would strain the company’s resources, as it is already developing three new EVs: the 718 Boxster/Cayman, the Cayenne, and a three-row SUV. Additionally, Porsche has hinted at an electric Panamera that would coexist with its gas-powered counterpart and the Taycan.
From a technical perspective, a next-generation ICE Macan would likely share its platform with the new Audi Q5, which uses the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture. This platform has already been introduced in the latest A5 models and the Q5 Sportback, with the updated A7 lineup expected to follow later this year.
As Porsche navigates the transition to electrification, the potential extension of the gas-powered Macan’s life cycle underscores the challenges automakers face in balancing consumer demand, regulatory pressures, and technological advancements.
