Porsche may have bid farewell to the original Macan in Europe, but the brand isn’t quite done with internal combustion just yet. In a notable shift from its recent EV-forward strategy, the German automaker has confirmed that a brand-new gasoline-powered SUV is in the works, with a launch targeted for 2028.
A Forced Farewell to the First-Gen Macan
The discontinuation of the original Macan in Europe wasn’t a voluntary move. Stricter EU regulations—specifically the second phase of the General Safety Regulation (GSR2) that took effect in July 2024—meant the aging crossover no longer met compliance standards. Despite its enduring popularity, especially in Europe, Porsche was compelled to end sales across the continent. For now, the original Macan continues to be available in other global markets, but its production run is set to conclude in 2026.
The Macan name, however, isn’t going away entirely. It will live on exclusively as an electric model, with Porsche positioning the next-generation Macan EV as a cornerstone of its emissions-free future.
A New Player in the Same Segment
During the H1 2025 earnings call, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume confirmed that a new combustion-engine SUV will arrive by 2028. The yet-unnamed model will be sized similarly to the Macan but offer a distinct identity, both from the original Macan and the upcoming electric version.
Blume described the upcoming vehicle as a “very, very typical Porsche for this segment,” hinting at a driving character and design DNA that aligns closely with brand expectations, despite shifting market conditions. Importantly, this vehicle won’t just be a holdover for ICE fans—it’s being developed with urgency. Porsche is expediting development timelines in a bid to bring it to market quickly.
Platform Sharing with Audi: A Logical Shortcut
Although no technical specs have been confirmed, it’s widely expected that the new SUV will ride on the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC)—the same architecture underpinning the latest Audi Q5. This strategic alignment would echo Porsche’s earlier playbook; after all, the outgoing Macan shares its MLB platform with the previous-generation Q5.
The PPC architecture supports a range of powertrains, including four-cylinder gasoline engines, plug-in hybrids, and a potent V6 mild-hybrid found in the SQ5. While it’s uncertain if Porsche will mirror the Audi lineup directly, a diesel variant is almost certainly off the table. Porsche exited the diesel segment in 2018 in the wake of the Dieselgate scandal and has shown no signs of reversing that decision.
EV Reality Check
What makes this new ICE crossover especially interesting is the context in which it’s being developed. Initially, Porsche had no plans to offer a new combustion SUV. The electric Macan was expected to fill the void, anchoring the brand’s electric SUV portfolio alongside the Taycan and the upcoming electric Cayenne.
But EV adoption has been slower than Porsche projected. Consumer hesitation, infrastructure limitations, and rising development costs have all contributed to a recalibration of Zuffenhausen’s strategy. The company is now allocating part of its “significant additional expenditures” to gasoline and hybrid development—an admission that the EV-only play may have been premature.
What Comes Next?
While design details are still under wraps, Blume promised a “characteristic Porsche profile” for the new SUV. Its name remains a mystery, but one thing is certain: it won’t wear the Macan badge. That moniker is being reserved for Porsche’s electric SUV moving forward.
With a release date penciled in for 2028 and early development just now underway, we can expect to see camouflaged prototypes hitting the road in the coming year or two. Until then, enthusiasts can take comfort in knowing that Porsche’s combustion legacy isn’t over—it’s simply evolving.
Source: Porsche
