Porsche looks to the future with a new compact SUV

In some markets Porsche is still offering the existing ICE power Macan model, like here. However, with slowing EV sales it is looking at new combustion options.

So far Porsche has sold just under 20,000 electric Macans. While some markets will take the existing ICE powered alternatives until the end of 2026, Macan was only ever meant to be an EV. 

No surprise then that Porsche CEO, Oliver Blume, has just announced a new model to fill that hole, though details are sparse, including size.

“We will be developing an SUV, a typical Porsche SUV” Blume said. “For the future it gives us extra flexibility,” he added. It will not use the Macan badge. 

For the new model, Porsche is sure to tap into Volkswagen Group architectures. Macan shares its mechanicals with Q5, including the PPE platform, so the new model is likely to as well. Development will probably be hastened given the timeline of the current ICE power Macans. They are no longer available in Europe for cybersecurity reasons.

Blume says “World regions are developing at different speeds in that [electric] transformation. 

“We need to…adjust according to regions.” It will sell the new model into North America, among other markets.

Others under development

Porsche has learnt from Macan and will continue to offer ICE powered Cayennes when the electric model launches.

It is also working on another new electric SUV, codenamed K1, that will offer seven seats and sit above the Cayenne. 

And it is developing a new flagship 911 variant, likely the 911 GT2 hybrid, that should “raise the bar” in the sports car segment. Another heritage edition 911, the third limited edition release, is also in the works.

At the same time Porsche is finalising details on new electric versions of the 917 Boxster and Cayman.

Profit drop and cost cutting

The company also released its annual financial results recently, saying 2025 would be another tough year. Last year sales fell by three per cent to just over 311,000 units. They grew in most markets but fell by 28 per cent in China. 

Profit was down 23 per cent on the year before and expenses were up following renewal of five of its six product lines. As a result the company is cutting costs, culling almost 4000 jobs by 2029. And it is building more limited edition and customised models which produce a greater profit margin.

Porsche expects electrified vehicles to amount to around one-third of sales this year, and EVs will rise to over one-fifth. However, the firm will continue producing ICE-power vehicles “well into” the 2030s as a hedge to sluggish EV sales. 

Asked specifically about China prospects, Blume hinted that more “in-car intelligence” is demanded and the need will be met.