Not gonna lie, the Porsche Macan EV looks like a fairly appealing selection within the $80,000-ish ballpark, especially now that Porsche has announced a gaggle of digital goodies coming to SUV for the 2026 model yr. But there’s also something for fans of the Macan’s versatility: the all-wheel-drive trims — 4, 4S, and Turbo — are getting a substantial 1,100-pound bump in towing capability, taking the full to five,500 kilos.
We’ll get to all the brand new stuff in a moment, but first a little bit of housekeeping. You will have to purchase a 2026 Macan to benefit from the varied enhancements; they will not be available as over-the-air updates on prior model years. “Unfortunately, there are hardware differences that do not allow the functions to be carried over to the present cars,” a Porsche spokesperson told us. EV buyers are steadily getting used to this case: over time, hardware compatibility issues do emerge, and sooner or later the fun of OTAs are exhausted. You simply need to upgrade.
In fact there’s now some AI
Porsche said in an announcement that the Macan’s Voice Pilot feature is now a “real conversation partner,” due to increased AI integration. The system will apparently find a way to parse more complex vocal inputs, and given the long and bumpy ride that voice assist has had in cars, Macan owners should welcome this. The Porsche Digital Key will enable a lock/unlock and vehicle start, using an iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android device even when those gadgets require a charge. The feature leverages NFC, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) tech so that you may simply position your device near a reader. It’s also possible to share the “key” with seven users and unlock the truck. In the event you use the My Porsche App, you possibly can unlock the frunk.
The camera-powered 360-degree parking feature gets updates in order that owners can tap right into a “Transparent Hood,” enhancing the front view, particularly below the driving force’s line of sight. “Trained Parking” does what it appears like: the Macan can learn five frequent parking maneuvers and reenact them mechanically. “Reversing Assist” enables the vehicle to backtrack over 160 feet — a feature I might have welcomed recently on a visit to a tiny mountain town in Italy when GPS sent me down a narrow passageway that dead-ended.
In-car gaming for the gamers who need their games
My kids routinely berate me for celebrating pinball and Galaga arcade machines as the head of gaming, but even I can appreciate how all-in Porsche goes so that individuals have something to do when their Macan is charging. Porsche is bolstering what’s included within the infotainment suite, from video streaming to podcasts, and said within the press release for the 2026 Macan that Gameloft and Obscure Interactive are going to affix the AirConsole setup so that you may play video games. You should utilize a Bluetooth controller or phone, or fiddle with the touchscreen. The optional passenger display could be used when the Macan is being driven, and everybody within the vehicle can play game together when the Macan is parked.
The 2026 Macan EV also has improved customization, specifically regarding the door sill guards and puddle lights. Within the infotainment system it’s also possible to dive into picking and selecting the charging locations and providers you like when taking a road trip. If that seems extra, it is not: I’ve endured a reasonably checkered experience with charging on long-distance hauls.
These all sound like useful upgrades to the Macan EV, going a bit beyond bells and whistles for probably the most part. The Macan EV has been a winner for Porsche — 60% of Macan sales in the primary half of the yr were the fully electric version, the corporate recently reported — so leaning into improvements is critical to sustain that momentum. And to persuade some owners to maneuver as much as the brand new model yr. Porsche said the order book is now open, with the 2026 Macan hitting the market next spring.
This Article First Appeared At www.jalopnik.com
