Porsche has gone into 2026 with an entirely new mindset, but the automaker should probably start making that vision a reality. In the first three months of 2026, Porsche saw deliveries down 15% to 60,991 vehicles.
Last year, Porsche saw its profits plummet by 98% after the iconic carmaker pivoted to a more electric lineup. The luxury EV segment has not been popular in the United States or elsewhere, with most people buying China’s cheap alternatives, even if it means sacrificing some quality. The Jaecoo 7 has just become the best-selling new vehicle in the UK despite complaints regarding its cheap interior and underwhelming driving experience. Why? It’s half the price of luxury family SUVs from long-standing automakers. Porsche’s own electric Macan is about $80,000.
Going into 2026, the United States has continued to lose interest in Porsche’s pricey EV lineup. Porsche reported a 10% drop in deliveries to North America now that there are no tax incentives for EVs, tariffs have raised prices, and Americans are making less money.
There is hope for Porsche, and it’s on the track
Porsche CEO Michael Leiters said that he did expect the first quarter of 2026 to be depressing. One reason? The discontinuation of its combustion engine 718 models. After Europe lost the Boxster and Cayman, the rest of the world followed, with the last ones built in October 2025. The discontinuation was a surprising choice, as the 718 models saw sales rise in 2024.
For some reason, Porsche felt it was time to cut the gas-powered 718 and work on an electric version of the Boxster and Cayman. Former CEO Oliver Blume promised they would be “even more dynamic” and offer a “pure driving experience.” Sure. But this was back when Porsche had a goal of having 80% of its sales be EVs by 2030, or at least make a slight attempt. The Macan also retired in 2026, leaving us with the electric second-generation. Blume also said that a massive electric three-row SUV was still being considered.
However, Porsche has since backed away from its strong EV push. Leiters is looking at a slimmed down lineup of two-door sporty models, like the Porsche 911, 718, and Cayenne. This is a massive pivot from its focus on luxury EVs, but Porsche is hoping that a more exclusive, sporty lineup will win back some fans. Leiters said: “We will comprehensively reposition Porsche, make the company leaner, faster, and the products even more desirable.”
But get this: The 718 won’t be all-electric anymore. They will now launch with both gas and plug-in hybrid powertrains, rather than the original EV-only plan. The news most definitely had drivers intrigued. Said one Porsche fan: “No one would honestly buy a 718 with a 50/60kwh battery. Even the petrol variant of smaller coupes are not in demand, imagine electric ones. The Supra, new Z, GR86, and even Miata are struggling with sales. I honestly couldn’t see Porsche moving those off the lot if they were BEV only.”
Added another: “Best decision ever by Porsche. When a turbo 4 cylinder sounds like a dream compared to an EV, you know going full electric is a bad decision.”
As Porsche continues to flounder in 2026, let’s hope the carmaker can turn back to gas-powered sports cars. And fast.
