Porsche's Upcoming 'M1' SUV Model Adopts Front-Focused All-Wheel Drive Setup
In a bid to counter stalling sales and profits, luxury car manufacturer Porsche has announced plans to launch a new production car in 2028, replacing the combustion-engined Macan with the M1. The new SUV will share the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture with the third-generation Audi Q5, its twin.
The M1's development is influenced by a general softening in the global uptake of electric cars, and as a result, the M1 will not be offered with an electric option. Instead, it will have a drive bias towards the front wheels, a radical shift from the outgoing ICE Macan's Porsche Traction Management system, which sent most power to the rear wheels.
The M1 will primarily send drive to the front axle, with the rear wheels engaging only when sensors detect impending traction loss. This drive setup is similar to the Quattro Ultra drive system from the Q5, but with minimal modifications for cost reasons. The M1 and the third-generation Audi Q5 will continue to share this drive system.
The M1's arrival comes as the Macan, the predecessor of the M1, is being pulled from sale in mainland Europe in July 2024 due to failing new cybersecurity rules. Global sales of the electric Macan were 25,884 in the first half of 2025, which was weaker than expected. This tie-up with the Audi Q5 will help fast-track the development of the M1 in response to this weaker demand for the electric Macan.
Production of the Macan for other global markets, including the UK, will end next summer. The space for an electric option in the market segment similar to the first-generation Macan will continue to be filled by the Macan EV, which was launched last year.
It's worth noting that the first Macan, launched previously, was heavily re-engineered to offer a rear-biased four-wheel drive system. However, the M1 will not be heavily re-engineered like the first Macan in this regard.
The M1 and the third-generation Audi Q5 share a common parent company, the Volkswagen Group. The exact personnel responsible for the development of Porsche's new SUV M1 remain unidentified at this time.
The launch of the M1 marks an exciting new chapter for Porsche, as they aim to regain their position in the competitive SUV market. With its unique drive system and focus on front-wheel drive, the M1 is poised to make a significant impact.
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