India, Feb. 27 -- The Porsche Macan has long been the handling benchmark in the SUV world, and the new Macan EV aims to uphold that reputation despite the shift to electric power. Built on Porsche's advanced PPE (Premium Platform Electric) architecture, it features a 100 kWh (95 kWh usable) battery and an 800V system. Does it drive like a true Porsche?

To find out, I put the Macan EV Turbo through the 'Maha' test-a Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar run, via the demanding Poladpur Ghat. This stretch, with its high-speed corners, tight hairpins, and undulating surfaces, is my favourite testing ground for agility, steering, and ride quality.

From the get-go, the Macan EV Turbo's performance is staggering. With 639 hp and 1,130 Nm of torque, it launc...