The first electric SUV from Porsche is the upcoming Macan Electric. But if you’re worried that switching from a gas-fueled Macan to the electric version will take away the Porsche driving experience, fear not. The Macan Electric goes beyond the typical EV with the option to emit theatrical, synthetic acceleration sounds for added excitement.
The “Porsche Electric Sport Sound” option will cost an additional $490 on top of the Macan Electric’s starting price of $78,800 (excluding delivery fee). Other add-ons can push the total price north of $160,000.
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Fake engine sounds, coming to an EV near you
Several car companies, including Porsche, are incorporating artificial acceleration noises into their electric cars to make the driving experience more familiar and dramatic.
The “Porsche Electric Sport Sound” option, found under “Performance” in the Macan Electric’s online configurator, “enhances the vehicle’s own sound and makes it sound even more emotional—both outside and inside the vehicle,” according to Porsche. Owners can toggle the sound on and off using the Macan’s central screen.
The “Porsche Electric Sport Sound” option creates a futuristic acceleration soundtrack that resembles a mix between an alien spaceship and a combustion engine, adding a dramatic element to the EV driving experience.
Electric vehicles are known for their quiet operation, but some car companies, like Porsche and Hyundai, are adding artificial propulsion sounds to mimic the familiar noise of combustion engines, both inside and outside the vehicle. Additionally, these artificial sounds could potentially improve pedestrian safety by making electric cars more audible.
The new Macan Electric debuts Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric architecture, marking a significant step toward the future of electric mobility. This platform will underpin future EVs from Porsche and Audi, and the success of the Macan Electric will be key in demonstrating how the platform performs.
Furthermore, research has shown that pedestrians have more difficulty judging the approach of electric vehicles compared to traditional internal combustion vehicles, indicating that adding artificial sounds to electric cars could potentially improve pedestrian safety.