I drove the new Porsche Macan and it could convince you ditch petrol for good

The Porsche Macan has been a massive hit for the deluxe German car maker and it's not hard to see why. Ever since its first model rolled onto roads back in 2014 it has offered all the practicality of a compact SUV while still providing the feel and fun of a high-performance sports car. Those have been the magic ingredients to its success but Porsche is now tinkering with things and not in a subtle way.

The all-new 2024 Macan not only gets a refreshed appearance but has also ditched petrol power in favour of batteries. Yes, the new Macan is now fully electric. It's a big move from Porsche but has it paid off?

I've spent some time in this premium new SUV and there's a lot to like. The exterior now looks far more futuristic without losing any of its identity - you still know it's a Porsche when it pulls up in the car park - and it's been made to slice through the air with less drag in a bid to extend its all-important electric range.

Hop inside and things feel luxurious with lashing of leather, chrome and comfort seats which do exactly what they say on the tin - you can even get a relaxing massage when cruising from A to B.

There's also an abundance of technology in the new Macan with the option to add three giant displays including one for the front seat passenger. That means family members can watch movies as they glide down the motorway with clever filtering stopping the driver from seeing what's on the screen.

If you happen to be the one behind the wheel don't worry about getting FOMO as the new Macan also features a main curved screen along with a huge head-up display that's equivalent to viewing an 82-inch telly. It's a nice addition as you get loads of space for information such as speed and augmented reality Sat Nav directions right in front of your eyes.

There are ambient LED lights that change colour to suit your mood and they will even flash to warn you not to open doors or change lanes if danger is spotted. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibly are both included and you can dig into endless settings to change the entire setup of the car. There's even the ability to download additional apps and games to play on the central infotainment panel.

There's a lot going on that might seem a little overwhelming for the less tech-savvy motorist. Luckily things get back to basics when turning up the temperature or demisting the windscreen thanks to good old-fashioned physical buttons. So many other manufacturers are hiding these much-used controls within the screens and we applaud Porsche for not copying that really daft idea.

You can also boost the audio to include Bose or Burmester surround sound systems and there are added extras such as a heated steering wheel, glowing Porsche logo embedded in the seats and full voice controls.

When heading away there's also plenty of room for your luggage thanks to a decent boot and even some extra space - that's easily big enough for an overnight bag - under the bonnet.

Of course, this is a Porsche so what's it like to drive?

This car is definitely a tale of two halves. Take a gentle trip into town or hit the motorway and it's very serene - dare I even say that it's a tiny bit boring. This is an electric car so, unless you switch on the fake engine noise, things are totally silent and you don't get the same buzz of an engine roaring into life.

It pretty much drives itself thanks to Porsche's InnoDrive with Active Lane Keeping technology and the Macan features smart suspension for a supremely comfy ride. It's all very pleasant.

If that's got you worried that Porsche has lost its way, is going vanilla and is turning into a bland car manufacturer don't panic.

I was also lucky enough to put the Macan through its paces on the Porsche Experience track at Silverstone and there's plenty of driving fun to be had from this SUV. In fact, it will put a massive smile on your face.

The Turbo model can hit 62mph in just a smidge over three seconds and it genuinely feels like a sports car when you start pushing things to the limit. With a couple of twists of the power mode button on the steering wheel, the Macan quickly turns from a sensible SUV into a thrill-seeking sports car. It's actually got more horsepower and speed than its petrol-powered equivalent and the acceleration is instant which adds to the joy.

So what about the all-important range?

Porsche claims you can get almost 400 miles from a single charge although that's likely to be more like 300 if you're enjoying yourself and not driving with efficiency in mind. It's a decent distance and there's also the bonus of fast charging which get things from 10 percent to 80 percent in under 25 minutes - that's if you can find a rapid charger of course.

It's still way longer than a splash and dash at the petrol station but EVs are definitely improving.

The new Macan looks and feels very different from its petrol-powered predecessor and I'm sure its appearance - and all-electric power - will divide opinion.

Whatever you think of it, this a great car that not only offers bucket loads of space and practically but also huge amounts of fun when you fancy it. Start pushing things to the limit and it's guaranteed to pop a giant smile on your face.

Range is decent, rapid charging should mean less time at the service station and there's plenty of technology inside to keep you safe, comfortable and fully entertained.

Prices start from £68,500 although this can push to well over £110,00 if you opt for the mighty Turbo model and start adding extras.

The new Macan is not playing it safe and time will tell if this EV can replicate its petrol-powered sibling's monumental success.