The end of a major mechanical era is now here. In a move that has stirred wide debate across the automotive world, Porsche is preparing to permanently stop production of the gasoline powered Macan, closing the chapter on one of its most successful models after 12 years.
Gas Powered Porsche Macan Bows Out Despite Strong Demand
After a remarkable 12 year run as one of the world’s most successful luxury crossover SUVs, the first generation Porsche Macan with internal combustion engines is officially approaching the end of the road. By the end of July 2026, the final gasoline powered Macan is set to leave Porsche’s production line in Leipzig, Germany, bringing an end to a model long known as the sports car of the SUV world.
The Macan had already been effectively removed from European markets nearly two years ago after it no longer met the region’s General Safety Regulation 2 (GSR2) cybersecurity requirements. Now, Porsche’s decision makes the move global, leaving the fully electric second generation Macan as the only model carrying the name forward.
Sales Figures Tell a Different Story
Porsche’s original plan to retire the gasoline Macan was built around the belief that customers would move smoothly into the new electric version. In reality, market demand has told a different story.
Oliver Blume, CEO of both Volkswagen Group and Porsche, later admitted that the company had misjudged the Macan situation. He explained that the decision had been made using the data available at the time, but that today’s market looked very different, which pushed Porsche to bring gasoline engines and hybrid powertrains back into its future product plans.
Sales figures from the first half of 2026 show how clear that gap has become:
- Total Macan sales through June 2026: 35,315 units worldwide
- Gasoline Macan: 19,695 units
- Electric Macan: 15,620 units
Industry analysts believe the difference would have been even larger if the gasoline Macan had remained available in Europe during this period.
To respond to continued demand, Porsche has reportedly built up a large supply of gasoline Macans in the United States, with inventory expected to last into early 2027.
A New Gasoline SUV Is Coming, But Not Soon
Because Porsche did not prepare a direct combustion powered successor for the Macan, its showrooms are now facing a clear gap in one of the brand’s most important segments.
A new compact crossover with gasoline and hybrid powertrains is already under development, but it is not expected to arrive before 2028.
The upcoming model will share its platform with the Audi Q5, as previous Macans have done. Still, Porsche’s leadership has made it clear that the vehicle will not simply be an Audi with a different badge. Instead, it is expected to receive Porsche specific chassis tuning, engineering, and performance technologies.
The bigger surprise is that this future model will not use the Macan name, as Porsche has chosen to keep the badge exclusively for its electric models going forward.
ArabGT Opinion
Forcing the gasoline Macan into retirement may become one of Porsche’s most controversial strategic decisions. The Macan has been a major profit pillar for the company for more than a decade, and leaning too heavily toward full electrification has left Porsche exposed in a highly valuable market segment.
With the gasoline 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman also gone, competitors now have a strong opportunity to attract buyers who still want premium performance models with combustion engines. At the same time, used gasoline powered Macans may become more desirable in our markets, with prices potentially rising as they turn into rare modern performance SUVs.
