2027 Porsche Macan ICE

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Spy photographers recently caught a prototype undergoing cold weather testing. However, there appears to be more to the situation than meets the eye. As you can see, the Q5 is the odd man out as it was part of a larger Porsche testing group that included the Cayenne EV and a 911. Spy photographers also said the entourage included a Boxster and a Macan.

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Porsche Developing New ‘M1’ SUV As ICE Macan Successor – With A Surprising Front-Drive Bias

Porsche isn’t ready to abandon combustion just yet. Despite pulling the ICE Macan from sale in Europe last year due to new cybersecurity rules, the brand is preparing a direct successor internally known as M1. Production of the outgoing model for other global markets will wrap up next summer, making way for the newcomer.

A Q5 Twin Under The Skin

The new SUV will share its bones with the third-generation Audi Q5, riding on the Volkswagen Group’s PPC (Premium Platform Combustion) architecture. It will also adopt Audi’s Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive system, but unlike the first Macan, Porsche won’t heavily re-engineer it for a rear-biased setup. Instead, the system will remain largely unmodified, meaning power will go primarily to the front wheels, with the rears engaging only when needed. That’s a radical departure from Porsche’s long-standing engineering philosophy.

Combustion Power, No EV Option

While the Macan EV continues to cover Porsche’s electric SUV ambitions, the M1 will stick strictly to petrol power, paired with mild-hybrid assistance. Plug-in hybrid and diesel versions aren’t on the table. Entry models are expected to feature the VW Group’s 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder, while higher-performance S, GTS, and Turbo trims are planned, complete with stronger engines and adaptive chassis tuning.

Why The Shift?

The move comes as Porsche faces falling sales and profits, including a 67% drop in pre-tax profits in H1 2025 and weakening demand for the Macan EV. The cost savings from leaning heavily on Audi’s Q5 are also significant, with Porsche admitting the three-year development cycle is one of the shortest in its history.

Sources say management has already seen early designs for the SUV, which will target rivals like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Production sites under review include Audi’s plant in Mexico and Porsche’s own facility in Leipzig, Germany.

A Break With Tradition

For a company that has always engineered its cars with rear-driven dynamics in mind, the M1’s front-biased 4WD marks a historic turning point. But with buyers in the US and China now prioritizing comfort and space over razor-sharp handling—and with emissions rules tightening—Porsche appears willing to bend tradition in order to secure its future.

Source: Autocar