Report: Next Porsche SUV Will Be Front-Drive Biased
There's a huge hole in Porsche's lineup where the combustion-powered Macan used to live. Stuttgart is scrambling as luxury EV sales slow in Europe and the U.S., and demand collapses in China. The gas-powered Macan isn't coming back, but word has it Porsche is fast-tracking a quick and dirty solution to bring a successor to market.
Key Points
- Porsche is developing a new gas-powered SUV, codenamed M1, to replace the struggling electric Macan after sales faltered globally.
- The M1 will share architecture with the next Audi Q5 and use Audi’s front-biased Quattro Ultra all-wheel drive system—a first for Porsche.
- CEO Oliver Blume says the SUV will launch within three years as Porsche faces falling Taycan sales, U.S. tariffs, and weakening demand in China.
According to a report from Autocar, the new SUV—codenamed M1—will share bones with the next-generation Audi Q5. That means it will ride on Audi’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture— remember, the OG Macan also started life as a Q5 before Porsche spent billions to heavily reengineer it into something worthy of the badge.
In practice, what this all means is that the upcoming SUV will be the first front-wheel-drive biased Porsche. The model is expected to plug and play Audi’s Quattro Ultra all-wheel drive system, which is front-wheel-drive-based and shifts torque rearward only when needed.
In certain configurations, the setup can send up to 70 percent of torque to the rear axle and even shuffle power side-to-side with an electronic rear differential. It’s a more efficient system, but it represents a major philosophical shift for a brand that has always put driving dynamics first. From a consumer standpoint, it may become difficult to justify the additional "Porsche tax" for what is effectively a Q5 wearing a different skin.
CEO Oliver Blume confirmed the project earlier this year, adding that Porsche aims to launch the SUV in just three years. The fast tracking comes as sales of the Taycan EV plunge, U.S. tariffs eat into margins, and Chinese buyers increasingly turn away from foreign luxury brands.
Meanwhile, the delayed electric 718 Boxster and Cayman face an uncertain market, as enthusiasm for EV sports cars has proven lukewarm.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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