Porsche admits it mis‑read market demand for the gasoline‑powered Macan, prompting a comeback of ICE and hybrid options. Read the full story now.
Porsche has made a rare public admission: its decision to discontinue the gasoline‑powered first‑generation Macan was a strategic misstep. In an exclusive interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, former Porsche CEO Oliver Blume said the move was “a mistake” and outlined how the brand is recalibrating its SUV lineup amid a slowing electric‑vehicle (EV) market.
Background: Phasing Out the Gasoline Macan
When Porsche first announced plans to retire the internal‑combustion (ICE) Macan, the aim was to replace it with a fully electric version and to position the brand as a leader in the EV transition. However, the gasoline variant was slated for elimination by the end of 2024, and no direct successor was announced, leaving a gap in the compact‑luxury SUV segment.
Blume’s Admission
Oliver Blume, who stepped down as Porsche CEO on 1 January after a decade at the helm, reflected on the decision during his final interview. He noted, “Our strategy was to offer ICE, hybrid and pure‑electric powertrains across every segment, but we applied it inconsistently. The Macan was a clear example where we got it wrong.” Blume added that market data at the time seemed to support the shift, but the landscape has since changed, prompting Porsche to reinstate both ICE and hybrid options for the model.
New Internal‑Combustion Crossover Under the Cayenne Umbrella
To correct the course, Porsche is developing a new crossover that will sit below the Cayenne. While it won’t carry the Macan badge, the vehicle—targeted for a 2028 launch—will compete directly with the original Macan’s market segment. According to Blume, the new model will be “very, very Porsche” and will differ markedly from the upcoming all‑electric Macan.
The upcoming SUV is expected to sit on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) and retain Porsche’s renowned Quattro Ultra four‑wheel‑drive system, likely using a front‑biased architecture. The project may share components with the next‑generation Audi Q5, leveraging platform synergies while avoiding a costly redesign of the Q5 itself.
Broader Implications for Porsche’s Line‑up
Beyond the Macan, Porsche confirmed that the Boxster and Cayman will also return to gasoline powertrains, reversing an earlier pledge to go fully electric. At the group level, Volkswagen Group has extended Blume’s contract as its CEO until 2030, giving Porsche the backing needed to balance ICE, plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) and battery‑electric vehicle (BEV) offerings.
These adjustments come after a period of strong growth: Porsche sold 225,121 cars in 2015, climbing to a record 320,221 units in 2023. The recent strategic hiccup underscores the challenges luxury brands face as they navigate the electrification wave.
Market Outlook
Analysts see Porsche’s course correction as a pragmatic response to a market that is not yet ready to abandon internal‑combustion engines entirely, especially in the premium SUV segment. By reinstating ICE and hybrid variants, Porsche aims to retain customers who value performance and range while still investing heavily in its electric future.
Stay tuned for further updates on Porsche’s evolving SUV strategy and the rollout of the new crossover slated for 2028.