What’s Behind Porsche’s Shift to a Front-Biased 4WD SUV?
If you’ve followed Porsche for any length of time, you know the brand has always had a thing for rear-wheel drive. It’s practically in their DNA. So, when news broke that Porsche’s upcoming M1 SUV will be their first production model with a front-biased four-wheel-drive system, it raised more than a few eyebrows. Let’s dig into why Porsche is making this move, what it means for drivers, and how it fits into the bigger picture of the automotive world.
What’s Replacing the Combustion Macan, and Why Now?
Porsche’s Macan has been a staple in their lineup, consistently ranking as their second-best-selling model after the Cayenne. But with evolving regulations and shifting market demands, the combustion-engine Macan’s days were numbered—especially after it was pulled from sale in mainland Europe in July 2024 due to new cybersecurity rules. Production for other markets will wrap up by next summer.
So, what’s next? Enter the M1. Internally dubbed as such, this new SUV is Porsche’s answer to filling the gap left by the outgoing Macan. But here’s the twist: instead of developing a completely new platform, Porsche is teaming up with Audi, sharing the underpinnings of the third-generation Q5. This move isn’t just about saving time and money—it’s a direct response to softer-than-expected demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and a broader slowdown in global EV uptake.
Why Is Porsche Abandoning Its Rear-Drive Roots?
For nearly a century, Porsche has engineered its cars to send power to the rear wheels—either exclusively or predominantly. Even when sharing platforms with other Volkswagen Group brands, Porsche has traditionally gone the extra mile to rework the architecture for a rear-biased feel. The first Macan, for example, featured Porsche’s own Traction Management system, which prioritized the rear axle for sharper handling.
But the M1 is different. Instead of heavily modifying Audi’s Quattro Ultra system, Porsche will use it largely as is. That means most of the power will go to the front wheels, with the rear axle only kicking in when sensors detect a loss of traction. It’s a big philosophical shift, but it’s not without reason.
The main driver? Cost and efficiency. Developing a new, rear-biased system would have been time-consuming and expensive—two things Porsche can’t afford right now as it races to get the M1 to market in just three years (a process that usually takes five). But there’s more to it than just the bottom line.
How Are Market Trends Shaping Porsche’s Decisions?
Let’s face it: the automotive landscape is changing fast. In Porsche’s two largest markets—the US and China—buyers are increasingly prioritizing comfort, space, and technology over outright performance and handling. According to data from the International Energy Agency, global EV sales growth slowed in 2024, and even Porsche’s own electric Macan saw just 25,884 global sales in the first half of 2025. That’s well below expectations for a model meant to spearhead Porsche’s electric ambitions.
Add to that a 67% year-on-year drop in pre-tax profits for Porsche in the first half of 2025, a 28% sales dip in China, and rising US tariffs on European imports, and you get a sense of the pressure the company is under. The M1, with its shared platform and front-biased 4WD, is Porsche’s way of adapting quickly without breaking the bank.
What Can Drivers Expect from the New M1?
If you’re worried that the M1 will be a watered-down Porsche, take a breath. While it’s true that the new SUV will share much with the latest Audi Q5—including the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture and Quattro Ultra drive system—Porsche is promising a model that’s “very, very typical Porsche for this segment,” according to CEO Oliver Blume.
Here’s what we know so far:
– The M1 will feature petrol power with mild-hybrid assistance. Plug-in hybrid and diesel options aren’t on the table.
– Expect performance variants down the line—think S, GTS, and Turbo—with more powerful engines and adaptive chassis tuning under consideration.
– The entry-level Q5 offers a glimpse of what’s possible: a 2.0-liter hybrid turbo petrol four-cylinder, 201bhp, 251lb ft of torque, and a 0-62mph time of 8.6 seconds.
– The M1 won’t have an electric option; that space will continue to be filled by the Macan EV.
Production location is still up in the air, with both Audi’s plant in Mexico and Porsche’s Leipzig facility in Germany under consideration.
Is This the End of Porsche’s Performance Focus?
Not at all. Porsche knows its reputation is built on driving dynamics, and while the M1’s front-biased system is a departure, it’s a calculated one. The reality is that most SUV buyers—especially in the entry-level luxury segment—are looking for a blend of comfort, practicality, and brand cachet. The M1 is designed to deliver on those fronts while still offering the kind of performance variants and chassis tuning that keep Porsche fans engaged.
It’s also worth noting that emissions regulations are tightening worldwide, and a front-biased 4WD system can help improve efficiency and reduce CO2 output—key factors for any automaker looking to stay competitive in the years ahead.
How Does This Fit into the Broader Industry Shift?
Porsche isn’t alone in rethinking its approach. Across the industry, brands are grappling with the realities of electrification, stricter regulations, and changing consumer tastes. Shared platforms, modular architectures, and strategic partnerships are becoming the norm as companies look to balance innovation with profitability.
The M1’s development is a textbook example of this trend. By leveraging Volkswagen Group resources and responding quickly to market feedback, Porsche is aiming to stay ahead of the curve—even if it means breaking with tradition.
What’s the Takeaway for Porsche Fans and SUV Buyers?
Change is never easy, especially for a brand as storied as Porsche. But the M1 represents more than just a new model—it’s a sign of how even the most iconic automakers must adapt to survive. If you’re a die-hard enthusiast, you might miss the old rear-biased setup. But for most buyers, the promise of Porsche style, performance variants, and a more accessible price point will be a welcome addition to the lineup.
The bottom line? Porsche’s move to a front-biased 4WD system in the M1 isn’t about abandoning its roots—it’s about evolving with the times. And if history is any guide, Porsche knows how to make even the boldest changes work in its favor.