For decades, Porsche has been known for cars that thrill drivers with rear-wheel power and sharp handling. But now, the brand is preparing for one of its biggest changes ever.
The next-generation Macan SUV, which is expected in 2028, will break its tradition by adopting a front-wheel-biased all-wheel drive system, which is something Porsche has never done in its 91-year history.
What’s Changing?
Until now, every Porsche from the famous 911 sports car to the Cayenne SUV, has either sent power to the back wheels or kept the rear wheels as the main driver. That setup makes the cars feel agile, sporty, and more fun to handle.
According to Autocar UK, in 2028, the new Macan (code-named M1) will use Audi’s Quattro Ultra system. This setup keeps the front wheels driving most of the time, only sending power to the rear wheels when the car senses it’s slipping. It simply means that the new Macan will feel less like a pure performance Porsche and more like a practical luxury SUV.
Why Is Porsche Doing This?
The reason is simple: money and demand.
- Sales of the Macan EV haven’t matched expectations, as the brand sold only 26,000 units in early 2025.
- Porsche’s profits dropped by 67% in the first half of 2025.
- With slowing EV demand worldwide, plus U.S. tariffs and weaker sales in China, Porsche needed a more cost-effective solution.
By using the same platform as the Audi Q5, Porsche saves money and speeds up development, which means the SUV will be ready for 2028 without the huge costs of starting from scratch.
What Does This Mean for Porsche Fans?
This move feels like Porsche is following in the footsteps of BMW, Mercedes, and Acura, the brands that have shifted focus from pure driving performance to profitability. Porsche built its reputation on making cars that connect drivers to the road, but with the Macan M1, that philosophy may be changing.
Still, Porsche has surprised us before, with the Cayenne proved that a Porsche SUV could still feel sporty. Maybe the new Macan will do the same, even if it is front-biased. But auto enthusiasts are skeptical of this.