The Porsche Macan Electric vs. the Tesla Model Y—what promises to be one of the most competitive battles in the electric SUV market can only have one winner. In this article, we analyze both vehicles to compare their technical characteristics and help you make the best purchase decision.
Electric SUVs have become increasingly popular. Although the selection is still more limited compared to internal combustion engine models, in 2023, the best-selling car in the world was an electric SUV, making them a smart consideration for many buyers.
Today, we compare last year’s best-selling vehicle, the Tesla Model Y, with one of its main competitors, the new Porsche Macan Electric. We will explore the technical features of both models, and by the end, we’ll highlight the strengths of each vehicle to help you decide which one is better for you.
Dimensions
The new generation of the Porsche Macan debuted as a 100% electric vehicle just a few months ago and will coexist with its predecessor, which has a combustion engine, until 2026. The electric Macan offers a body length of 4,785 mm, a width of 1,940 mm, and a height of 1,625 mm, all built on a platform with a wheelbase of 2,895 mm.
On the other hand, the Tesla Model Y remains the most successful product from Elon Musk’s brand. This electric SUV has exterior dimensions of 4,750 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,625 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,890 mm.
Trunk Space
Trunk space is a key factor when purchasing an SUV. The Porsche Macan Electric offers a cargo capacity of 540 liters (480 liters in the Turbo model), which can be expanded to 1,350 liters (1,290 liters in the Turbo) by folding down the rear seats. Additionally, there is a secondary trunk in the front with a capacity of 84 liters.
In contrast, Tesla has not disclosed the exact trunk capacity of the Model Y with the rear seats up. However, with the second row folded down, it can hold up to 2,158 liters of cargo.
Engines
The Porsche Macan Electric comes with four different engine configurations. The first option features a single motor with rear-wheel drive, producing 360 hp. The second and third versions have two motors, offering all-wheel drive and producing 408 hp and 516 hp, respectively. The Turbo version also has two motors and all-wheel drive but with a higher output of 639 hp.
The Tesla Model Y offers three versions. The base model produces 299 hp, followed by the Long Range model with all-wheel drive that delivers 514 hp. The top-tier Performance version offers up to 534 hp.
Battery and Range
The Porsche Macan Electric is equipped with a 100 kWh battery, offering a range of 512 to 641 kilometers per charge, depending on the version.
Meanwhile, the Tesla Model Y has two battery options. The base model features a 60 kWh battery, providing a range of 455 kilometers. The other versions are fitted with a 75 kWh battery, offering a range between 514 and 600 kilometers per charge, depending on the model.
Standard Equipment
The standard equipment of the Porsche Macan Electric includes 20-inch wheels, heated seats, an electric parking brake, LED headlights, electric mirrors, ambient lighting, a sports steering wheel, traffic sign recognition, a parking assistant with a rear camera, a lane-keeping assistant, a digital instrument cluster, and a touchscreen.
The Tesla Model Y, in its base model, comes equipped with 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, a central touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, Sentry Mode, a panoramic glass roof, wireless charging for mobile devices, electrically adjustable front seats, heated seats, navigation, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Prices
The starting price of the Porsche Macan Electric is €82,310 for the entry-level model, which offers 360 hp, a 94.9 kWh battery, and a range of up to 641 kilometers per charge.
The Tesla Model Y starts at €44,490 for the 299 hp version with a 60 kWh battery and a range of up to 455 kilometers. With the aid of the MOVES III Plan and the Tesla Boost discount, the final price can drop to as low as €29,990.
Conclusion
After reviewing the technical characteristics of both electric SUVs, let’s evaluate their strengths. In terms of size, the Porsche Macan Electric is 35 mm longer and 20 mm wider than the Tesla Model Y. Both vehicles share the same height, while the Porsche offers 5 mm more wheelbase.
Although we can’t compare the trunk capacity with five seats up due to Tesla’s undisclosed figures, we know that with the rear seats folded, the Tesla Model Y offers more cargo space than the electric Macan.
In terms of performance, the Porsche Macan Electric has a broader range of engine options and greater power, offering up to 105 hp more than the Model Y Performance.
Regarding range, the Porsche Macan Electric features a larger 100 kWh battery, which allows it to achieve up to 41 kilometers more per charge compared to the Tesla Model Y. However, Tesla is more efficient, as it manages to achieve similar range numbers with a smaller battery.
Both models offer comprehensive standard equipment that meets modern expectations.
However, all these premium features come at a cost for Porsche, making the Macan Electric almost €38,000 more expensive than the Tesla Model Y—and that’s before considering official discounts and incentives. With additional savings, the price difference could soar to €52,000.
