Porsche acknowledges ending the gasoline‑engine Macan was a misstep and reveals plans for a new combustion‑engine SUV. Learn more now!
Porsche has openly admitted that discontinuing the gasoline‑engine version of its popular Macan SUV was a misjudgment. In a recent interview, Oliver Blume – CEO of the Volkswagen Group and former Porsche chief – explained that the automaker’s expectations about the speed of the global shift to electric cars were too optimistic.
Why the Gas‑Powered Macan Was Pulled
Earlier this year, Porsche announced it would stop developing new internal‑combustion engines for the Macan, betting that an all‑electric Macan would quickly fill the gap. The plan assumed that buyers worldwide were ready to abandon petrol and hybrid powertrains.
Reality proved otherwise. Many markets, especially in North America and parts of Asia, continue to favor gasoline or mild‑hybrid SUVs for reasons ranging from range anxiety to price sensitivity. In Europe, the gasoline Macan was already withdrawn because it could not meet the EU’s new cybersecurity standards.
Impact on Porsche’s Portfolio
The Macan has been one of Porsche’s biggest revenue drivers for years. Its abrupt exit creates a noticeable void in the brand’s lineup, prompting senior executives to rethink their product strategy.
Blume confirmed that Porsche is now developing an entirely new SUV that will run on a conventional gasoline engine, with a hybrid option likely available. The model is slated for launch around 2028 and will sit in the same segment that the Macan once dominated, though it will carry a different name.
What the New Combustion‑Engine SUV Will Offer
The upcoming vehicle is expected to be built on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), a shared architecture used by several Audi models within the Volkswagen Group. Leveraging a common platform helps keep development costs down and speeds up time‑to‑market.
Key features are anticipated to include:
- Advanced turbocharged gasoline power unit delivering strong performance.
- Optional plug‑in hybrid system for improved efficiency and lower emissions.
- Modern infotainment and driver‑assist technologies aligned with Porsche’s premium standards.
Strategic Shift: A Balanced Electrification Roadmap
Rather than racing head‑first into a fully electric lineup, Porsche appears to be adopting a more measured approach. The brand will continue to offer a mix of powertrains—internal combustion, hybrid, and battery‑electric—tailored to the preferences of each market segment.
This admission of a strategic slip is rare for Porsche, but it underscores the challenges luxury automakers face as they navigate the fast‑changing automotive landscape.
Stay tuned as Porsche rolls out its next‑generation SUV and redefines its role in the evolving era of electric and hybrid mobility.