Porsche Macan Petrol Return Confirmed for 2028, EV-Only Strategy Reversed

Porsche has confirmed plans to introduce a new internal combustion engine (ICE) SUV in 2028, marking a shift in its earlier strategy of moving the Macan towards an electric-only future. The upcoming model will be offered with internal combustion and plug-in hybrid powertrains and will be sold alongside the electric Macan.

The announcement is part of Porsche's revised product strategy, under which the German carmaker will continue developing electric vehicles while retaining combustion-engine and hybrid technology in its portfolio.

The new combustion powered SUV is scheduled to enter production in 2028. Porsche has not yet revealed detailed specifications, including the engine options, power outputs or performance figures. The company has confirmed that the new model will be developed in cooperation with Audi. The partnership is part of a wider effort within the Volkswagen Group to increase platform and technology sharing while reducing development costs. Porsche expects the new SUV to make a larger contribution to sales from 2029 as production ramps up.

Unlike the current electric Macan, the new SUV will be available with both an internal combustion engine and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Porsche has not disclosed details about the petrol engine or the plug-in hybrid system yet. The company is also yet to confirm whether the model will retain the Macan name in all markets. The new SUV will be positioned alongside the electric Macan rather than replacing it.

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Porsche's decision to bring back a combustion powered SUV does not mean the company is abandoning the electric Macan. The German carmaker plans to offer both models in parallel, giving customers a choice between different powertrain technologies.

The move represents a change from Porsche's earlier approach to the Macan. The second-generation Macan was developed exclusively as an electric vehicle, with the company previously indicating that the combustion-powered first-generation model would not have a direct successor. The revised strategy will now see Porsche retain multiple powertrain options in the segment.

The return of a combustion-powered SUV comes as Porsche adjusts its electrification strategy in response to changing market conditions. The company has faced weaker-than-expected demand for some electric models and has now adopted a broader product approach covering combustion engines, plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles.

Porsche says it will continue investing in electric vehicle technology and battery development while also retaining combustion and hybrid powertrains. The company is targeting a medium-term operating return on sales of 10-15 percent as part of its revised strategy.

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The upcoming SUV will be developed alongside Audi, with Porsche increasing cooperation within the Volkswagen Group. The collaboration is expected to help Porsche reduce development costs while allowing the brand to retain control over areas such as vehicle design, engineering and driving characteristics.