A Smaller Porsche SUV Is On the Horizon — And It’s Packing Petrol Power!

An AI-enhanced image of EV Macan showing what the M1 may look like

Porsche is shifting gears once again — literally. After making a bold move toward an all-electric future (and then tapping the brakes on that idea), the German automaker has thrown over R1.4 billion back into good old-fashioned internal combustion tech. And the result? A brand-new compact SUV, set to bring petrol power and Porsche flair back to the streets.

Meet the “M1” – Porsche’s Next Big (Small) Thing

Codenamed “M1”, this upcoming SUV is being fast-tracked to succeed the current petrol-powered Macan. But here’s where it gets interesting — for the first time in 94 years, Porsche will launch a front-biased all-wheel-drive system. That’s right, a front-driven Porsche!

While purists may raise an eyebrow, this move signals a clear response to global market trends. Demand for EVs is cooling off, and Porsche is answering the call with a more traditional — yet high-tech — SUV. The M1’s development is being turbocharged, following a three-year cycle instead of the usual five, thanks to a close partnership with Audi.

The Audi Q5 Connection

The new M1 will share its bones with the upcoming third-generation Audi Q5, built on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture. That means Porsche will be adopting Audi’s Quattro Ultra drive system — a setup that runs primarily on front-wheel drive, only engaging the rears when extra traction is needed.

Sure, it’s a departure from Porsche’s classic rear-biased performance DNA. But if there’s one thing Porsche knows how to do, it’s tuning a chassis to feel just right. Expect that signature engaging drive, just with a new twist.

No EV Macan for Mzansi — But This Fills the Gap

South Africans still love their internal combustion engines, and with the EV rollout hitting a few speed bumps locally, the all-electric Macan won’t be landing on our shores anytime soon. That’s where the M1 steps in — ready to take the spotlight as Porsche’s next everyday performance SUV.

When it hits showrooms, it’ll take on heavyweights like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3, adding some extra firepower to the premium compact SUV game.

The Bottom Line: Porsche’s M1 proves that petrol power isn’t going anywhere — at least, not yet. And if this new SUV drives anything like we expect, it could be one of the most exciting “small” Porsches ever built.

Source: AutoTrader