Porsche Macan to be pulled from EU market due to rising cybersecurity costs

This year celebrates a decade since the introduction of Porsche's compact SUV. The Macan, which debuted in 2014 as the younger and smaller sibling of the Cayenne, quickly became a bestseller. Despite the passage of ten years, it hasn't undergone significant changes. From 2024, the second generation will be sold exclusively with an electric power drive.

Although, until 2026, the "electric" and the gasoline-powered first generation can be bought simultaneously in other markets, this will not be the case in the European Union. The market withdrawal of the Macan isn't due to emission standards, but regulations relating to cybersecurity.

Changes to the EU regulations concerning electronic systems in cars come into effect on June 1, 2024. These changes aim to thwart hacker activities aimed at stealing cars. According to the autokult.pl website, Porsche deemed it too costly to implement these changes in the older Macan, and thus decided to discontinue the sale of the gasoline variant in the EU.

Introducing the Porsche Macan T: "The slowest Porsche"

The T is the touring version of the Porsche Macan, equipped with a weaker engine and improved suspension. It features a two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that churns out 265 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds, with a maximum speed of 144 mph. Despite being the "slowest Porsche", these speeds are still quite respectable.

The T variant caters to those who prioritize comfort in a premium class SUV and appreciation for the brand over speed and acceleration. There's no denying that this is a genuine Porsche. The silhouette of the Porsche Macan is immediately recognizable, and it seems far from just a supersized 911.

The interior exudes a premium finish. Lavish seats adorned with the brand's logo on the headrests, pleasant leather touch, and characteristic Porsche detailing stand out. Noteworthy features include a "key" instead of a Start/Stop button and an analog clock in the dashboard center. Two additional analog clocks and a digital display sit in front of the driver, and a separate, tastefully-sized screen occupies the dashboard middle.

Two updates have subtly arrested the passage of time. Even the plethora of physical buttons offering access to various functions remain, although in a more subdued form. Characteristic of new Porsche models is a panel surrounding the automatic gearshift lever, enabling adjustment of various settings without resorting to the touchscreen menu, thanks to touch controls (without haptics). Of course, physical knobs also feature.

While it may be the "slowest Porsche" Macan, it does not compromise on dynamic driving ability. The Start&Stop system can be somewhat irksome when bolting from traffic lights, but this car was not designed purely for speed. Its 265 horsepower and 295 pound-feet are more than sufficient for winding roads.

You can opt for one of three suspension stiffness levels, ranging from comfortable for uneven city roads and leisurely rides to sportier settings, reinforcing that you're dealing foremost with a Porsche, and secondly, an SUV.

City driving fuel consumption is approximately 23-26 miles per gallon, though expect higher values in gridlock. On country roads, consumption can drop below 30 miles per gallon, while expressways will yield about 26 miles per gallon. On highways, it echoes city values. The fuel tank holds 17 gallons of gasoline, providing a decent range even with higher consumption.

The tested Porsche Macan T was listed at catalog prices of $79,596, an excess of $5,568 over the most economic, basic Macan. In 2024, the prices are higher. Currently, the Macan configurator starts at $78,905 and the Macan T at $84,489 (the price difference remains unchanged). The more potent Macan S begins at gross $100,649.

Marcin Walków, journalist and publisher at money.pl