Without a doubt, the electric Porsche Macan is faster and has more torque than its gasoline counterpart. But that doesn’t mean it’s better. In looking at an outstanding video comparison of these two Macans on the YouTube Channel Drive Steady, they pointed out the one word that makes the gas version superior: soul.
-
- Base Trim Engine
-
2L I-4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
PDK 7-speed auto-shift manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
261 HP @5000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
295 lb.-ft. @ 1800 RPM
-
- Base Trim Engine
-
Electric
- Base Trim Transmission
-
Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Other
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
335 HP
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
-
Porsche
The electric Macan, with all its torquey goodness, has no soul. It doesn’t even have exhaust pipes or an engine tune. That seems sacrilege for a Porsche. The gas-powered Macan remains a great choice for those who prefer the traditional engine feel, sound, and a lower entry price, too. Here’s what makes the gas Macan better than the EV.
To provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, this article uses data sourced from Porsche, as well as various trusted sources and our experts’ experiences.
Classic Porsche Driving Experience
The EV Macan Doesn’t Have The Soul The ICE Model Does
Look beyond the performance numbers, and you’ll see a significant difference between these two versions of the 2025 Macan. From a purist standpoint, the gas-powered Macan with the base 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder is better. Sure, there’s only 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. And when compared to the 335 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of the electric Macan, the numbers don’t support us. But there’s so much more than just output numbers, especially when it comes to Porsche.
Small details, like the actual turn of the ignition, are visceral and wonderful for enthusiasts. The EV Macan has a push-button start, which is dull and unengaging. The same goes for the gear shift. The seven-speed transmission in the gas version is located in the traditional spot near the center stack, while the EV version is a tiny joystick that doesn’t even feel like it’s shifting.
Refueling The Tank Versus Recharging The Battery
Range Anxiety Is Real In The Macan EV
With any EV, there’s the very real concern of range anxiety. The EV Macan has a total range of 315 miles. Then you have to recharge it. Meanwhile, the gas version has a driving range of 416 miles. However, it takes mere minutes to refuel the Macan, and then you can hit the open road. But to charge the Macan, the times can vary drastically.
At a Level 2 charging station (which is what most homes would have installed), a full charge from empty takes around 11 to 11.5 hours at home. At a high-powered DC fast charger, the Porsche Macan EV can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in approximately 21 minutes. That’s not bad, but it requires finding an open and functional fast charger along your route. In this regard, gas is better than EV in all regards.
The Macan EV Doubles Down On Tech
If Tech-Forward Isn’t Your Thing, Choose The ICE
When looking at the interior of the two Macans, this will come down to personal preference. Are you old school and like more analog things and a more traditional layout? If so, then the gas version will scratch your itch. The Porsche Macan EV features a significantly updated, screen-heavy interior with a large, digital instrument cluster and an available passenger screen, running on a new Android-based infotainment system.
In contrast, the gasoline Macan maintains a more traditional dashboard with analog gauges, supporting Apple CarPlay only.Other things of note regarding the interior of the gas-powered Macan. There’s a traditional analog tachometer. Also, the infotainment system of the gas version uses Porsche’s older system and does not support Android Auto, which is hard to believe. There’s a higher seating position in the gas version, while the electric version sits lower to the ground. In short, the EV Macan seems to show where Porsche might be heading with their interiors, while the gas version is more traditional. Change is hard for some people.
Storage Remains Fairly Identical
Surprisingly, the numbers are nearly equal when comparing the storage space of the gas version against the electric version. While the gas Macan has a maximum rear cargo space of 53.1 cubic feet, the electric version is a little less at 47.6 cubic feet. However, the Macan has a frunk (front trunk), which offers three more cubic feet of space — nearly matching the ICE’s total cargo area.
Additionally, frunks can be quite useful for groceries or daily errands, so in this regard, the comparison is neck-and-neck and comes down to personal preference. It is fun to say frunk, though.
The Price Varies Drastically From ICE To EV
Price Difference Could Be The Deciding Factor For Buyers
EV technology is always more expensive, and that includes the Macan. The electric Porsche Macan has a higher starting price than the gasoline version, with the gasoline Macan starting at $62,900 and the electric Macan starting at $75,300 for the entry-level “Macan 4 Electric” in 2025 models, resulting in a price difference of about $12,000 for the base models. The electric Macan does seem to have more standard features, including an air spring suspension system, resulting in a slightly smoother ride.
Personal Preference Plays The Biggest Role
It truly comes down to your outlook, perhaps your age, and definitely your personal preference. Nothing drives like a gas-powered Porsche. I’m in this camp. A Porsche, regardless of output and engine displacement, is full of personality. It’s always fun to drive, and the Macan is no exception.
Now, I’m not knocking the electric Macan. It’s an incredible feat of engineering technology. It’s blisteringly quick off the line, so quiet you could hear a pin drop inside, and probably the most sophisticated piece of electrical hardware on the road. But that’s just it—it’s hardware. It’s a tool. It’s like comparing a finely crafted acoustic guitar to a digital synthesizer. Both make music, but one has a warmth, a character, a history that the other can’t replicate. The electric Macan may be the future of Porsche, but the gas version is the present and certainly represents the rich heritage of the Porsche brand.