Porsche has officially confirmed that it will cease manufacturing the internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the Macan this summer. However, car enthusiasts should not expect an immediate disappearance of the model from showrooms. Thanks to substantial inventory buffers, the combustion-powered SUV will remain available in key markets, including the UK, well into 2027.
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A Strategic Wind-Down, Not an Abrupt Halt
During the company’s first-quarter earnings call, Porsche CFO Jochen Breckner clarified the timeline. While production lines for the ICE Macan will shut down by mid-2026, the company is leveraging existing supplier parts to maximize output before the final switch-off.
“We will stock as much as we can based on the supplier parts that we have,” Breckner stated. “We will even see some sales in some regions in 2027.”
This strategy ensures a smoother transition for customers who are hesitant to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) immediately. Once the existing stock is depleted, the Macan lineup will consist exclusively of the electric variant. Looking further ahead, Porsche is already preparing a spiritual successor to the combustion Macan, scheduled for launch in 2028.
The US Market: A Critical Factor
The decision to extend the availability of the ICE Macan is heavily influenced by market dynamics in the United States, which remains one of the model’s strongest strongholds. Breckner highlighted that demand for the gas-powered SUV in the US is robust, particularly after the federal government eliminated the $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicles.
This policy shift has created significant pressure on the sales of the electric Macan in the US. Consequently, Porsche is prioritizing the allocation of remaining ICE Macan units to American buyers, where the price advantage of the combustion model is now more pronounced.
Sales Figures Tell a Complex Story
The financial data from the first quarter of 2026 reveals a nuanced picture of Porsche’s transition strategy:
- ICE Macan Resilience: Sales of the combustion Macan rose to 10,130 units, up from 9,370 in the same period last year. This indicates sustained consumer preference for traditional engines despite the industry’s electrification push.
- EV Slowdown: Conversely, sales of the electric Macan dropped significantly to 8,079 units, compared to 14,185 in the first quarter of 2025. Breckner described this decline as “largely expected,” attributing it to the massive production ramp-up in early 2025 and the aforementioned loss of US tax incentives.
- Overall Brand Strength: The Porsche Cayenne remains the brand’s best-selling model with 19,183 units, followed by the iconic 911 at 13,889 units.
Geopolitical Headwinds
Beyond market preferences, external factors are complicating supply chains. Breckner noted that ongoing conflicts in Iran have disrupted key shipping lanes, affecting the delivery of all Porsche models. These logistical challenges, combined with broader economic uncertainty, have made some customers more reluctant to visit dealerships and place orders.
Conclusion
Porsche’s decision to halt ICE Macan production marks a definitive step toward its all-electric future, yet the brand is pragmatically managing the transition. By maximizing current inventory and targeting markets like the US where ICE demand remains high, Porsche aims to mitigate the impact of lost EV incentives and geopolitical supply chain disruptions. The ICE Macan may be leaving the assembly line, but its presence on the road will persist for several more years.
