Porsche Is Putting Its Most Attainable Models To Bed Earlier Than Expected

Porsche has confirmed its timeline to kill off its entry-level models, revealing that its most attainable combustion-powered cars will end production earlier than previously anticiapated. The company’s Head of Production confirmed that the ICE-powered Macan will be killed off in non-European markets in 2026. Albrecht Reimold told the German publication Automobilwoche that the platform had reached its end.

The Macan is by far and away the most successful Porsche in the North American market. Despite its starting price of $62,900, the automaker sold 5,671 examples in Q1 2024. Even with these strong sales, the Macan will reach the end of the line in 2026.

• 2024 Porsche Macan

  Base MSRP

  $60,900

  Engine

  2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

  Horsepower

  261 hp

  Fuel Economy

  19/25 MPG

• 

• 

Porsche’s Most Popular Model Isn’t Long For This World

Porsche has already stopped building the Macan for European markets. Last year, the company announced that the compact luxury SUV would be discontinued as it no longer meets the European Union’s cybersecurity standards. Porsche said updating the vehicle to current standards would prove too expensive, so it chose not to offer it instead. Once production of the gas-powered Macan ceases, the Zuffenhausen-based brand plans to focus on the Macan EV.

Add CarBuzz to your Google News feed.

This strategy seems unusual, especially as so many brands have backtracked on their EV ambitions to focus on hybrids and PHEVs instead. It remains to be seen whether the new Macan EV will be as successful as the outgoing model, as it has a higher starting price ($78,800), and electric vehicles still don’t have the global appeal of ICE-powered cars. Then again, the Taycan enjoys strong sales, outselling both the Panamera and 718 in Q1 2024.

718 Boxster And Cayman Will Die Very Soon

Previous reports, based on internal documents from Porsche, suggested that the 718 Boxster and Cayman lines would end production in October 2025, with the all-electric replacements following the year after. Initially, the carmaker had planned to offer the current 718 alongside its electric successor to cater to a wider range of consumers. It would appear this is no longer the case.

Related

The Macan EV Is Porsche’s Biggest Gamble Since The Original Cayenne

EVs are no longer niche models for Porsche, but does high risk equal high reward?

Last year, Dr. Michael Steiner, head of R&D at Porsche, said, “In principle, our strategy is that we try to overlap both [982 and 983], but for current Boxster and Cayman, we’ll run [out of time] due to regulations in Europe.” It’s worth noting that the 718 line has been discontinued in Europe for the same reason as the Macan: it didn’t meet new cybersecurity regulations. Porsche is also working hard on a new electric seven-seater SUV, the K1. It will reportedly be based on the SSP platform and arrive later this decade. Positioned above the Cayenne, this luxury EV will put the automaker in a segment it’s never competed in before.

Source:
Automobilwoche
via
Reuters