Porsche Deutschland GmbH
Interview with Michael Mauer

Red Dot: With the terms “Focus”, “Tension” and “Purpose”, you have established a brand compass for Porsche design. Which of these three terms played the biggest role in the design of the new Macan?

Basically, our aim is always to realise all three themes. This brand compass is essential to ensure consistency. The all-electric Macan came onto the market with a completely redesigned interior. The topic of “Tension” can be explained particularly well here. The entire industry is currently focusing on digital user interfaces and the largest possible screens. However, we are convinced that this does not suit our brand. Instead, we are consciously focusing on a mix of classic operating elements and digital interfaces – ergonomics are crucial and must be typical of a sports car. This also creates a visual tension that makes the interior particularly attractive.

The new, coupé-like roofline and the striking rear of the Macan cite the iconic flyline of the 911. What was the incentive to transfer this feature to the Macan electric SUV?

The 911 is and remains the model that decisively characterises our design language. That is why there is a piece of 911 in every Porsche – the dramatic width-to-height ratio is a striking example. Such details ensure that even a sporty SUV is recognised as part of the Porsche family. Due to the battery packaging, a fully electric SUV has different requirements than a classic sports car with a combustion engine. That is precisely what makes it so appealing: We have worked hard to give this derivative a sporty, brand-typical design. A thoroughly challenging task for sure – but I am convinced that we have succeeded very well.