Porsche to Bring Gas Engines Back to Compact Segment: Macan Successor Coming in 2028

German automaker Porsche is rethinking its strategy of full fleet electrification. The company has begun road testing a new compact crossover featuring traditional internal combustion engines and hybrid powertrains. The vehicle is designed to fill the gap left by the classic gas-powered Macan, which was discontinued in the summer of 2026.

Testing in Spain and the PPC Platform

As reported by automotive outlet Carscoops, prototypes of the new model are already undergoing tests on European roads under an Audi Q5 test mule body. The production crossover will feature distinct design styling characteristic of the Stuttgart brand, but will share Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture with its sibling model.

However, brand leadership has not yet confirmed whether the historical nameplate will remain. Porsche previously announced that the Macan name is officially reserved for its fully electric lineup, meaning the gas-hybrid successor will likely carry a standalone nameplate.

Engine Lineup: Turbo Four, Powerful V6, and First Compact PHEV

According to preliminary technical data, the new SUV’s powertrain lineup will include three key options:

• a base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine;
• a flagship 3.0-liter V6 engine for performance variants;
• a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with an enlarged traction battery.

The hybrid variant will mark a first for the brand’s compact crossover lineup: shared architecture with the Audi Q5 e-hybrid will enable an electric-only range of up to 100 km.

Why Porsche Is Returning to Internal Combustion Engines

The primary driver behind the shift in direction is a slower-than-expected global transition to electric power among car buyers. According to Porsche’s financial report, first-half sales of the classic gas Macan (19,695 units) noticeably outpaced those of the new Macan Electric (15,620 vehicles).

Production of the original gas-powered Macan ended in late July, leaving a two-year vacuum in the company’s lineup until the new vehicle debuts.

Parallel Development Alongside EVs

Bringing back internal combustion engines does not mean winding down the battery EV program. According to Porsche Newsroom, the electric Macan Electric will continue to be produced and updated in parallel.

The company is transitioning to a long-term strategy of a flexible multi-energy portfolio, offering customers pure EVs, plug-in hybrids, and gas engines simultaneously. The market launch of the production gas-powered Macan successor is scheduled for 2028.