LANDMARK SUV STARS IN 10-CAR PORSCHE REVAMP

Radical line-up rethink includes new EVs, extending model cycles for ICE cars and an all-new junior SUV

-  GREG KABLE AND WILL RIMELL

Porsche is gearing up to launch and refresh at least 10 models before the end of the decade as it embarks on the most significant lineup overhaul in its history. Notably, there will be a renewed focus on combustion-engined cars as the German marque looks to balance the books amid the ongoing slowdown of EV sales and the effects of new trade tariffs in the US - one of its biggest markets.

At the heart of the renewal is a new entry-level SUV that will indirectly plug the gap left by the outgoing combustion Macan. Porsche is also readying life-extending refreshes for the Panamera and Cayenne, a major Taycan overhaul, electric 718s and a new range-topping SUV.

NEW SUV TO MARK A PORSCHE FIRST

Porsche is set to break with 94 years of tradition in 2028 when it launches its first production car with drive biased towards the front wheels.

The new SUV, known as M1 within Porsche circles, is a successor to the combustion Macan, which was pulled from sale in mainland Europe in July 2024 after it failed to meet new cybersecurity rules. Production of the ICE Macan for other global markets, including the UK, will end next summer.

The M1 will be twinned with the third-generation Audi Q5 and sit on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture of the pair's Volkswagen Group parent.

It will also adopt the similarly sized Q5's Quattro Ultra drive system. But instead of heavily re-engineering it to offer a rear-biased four-wheel drive system - as Porsche did with the first Macan - it will instead be used largely unmodified for cost reasons.