Hairpin heaven with the Macan in Montenegro

Bordering the warm waters of the Adriatic Sea, the winding roads and stunning scenery of the Montenegrin Littoral are a hidden gem for travellers. And at the heart of this quiet coastal corner of southeast Europe is, unexpectedly for many, a drivers’ paradise: The Kotor Serpentine Road.

One of the greatest driving roads in Europe

A recent media event to mark the addition of the Macan Electric to Porsche’s mid-size SUV series saw journalists from 14 different markets descend on the region, basing themselves in the ancient town of Herceg Novi, Montenegro’s so-called ‘City of the Sun’. From here, a leisurely 60 kilometre drive eastwards around the steep-sided and densely wooded Bay of Kotor brought the convoy of all Macan models to the foot of to what is regarded as one of the greatest driving roads in Europe.

Built in 1884, the Kotor Serpentine Road is testament to the wealth and ambition of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Initially created as a trading route within the Principality of Montenegro, the road connects Kotor on the coast with the old capital of Cetinje in the heart of the Lovćen National Park, winding for 10 km up the mountainside and comprising no fewer than 25 hairpin bends.

The ascent passes through a protected nature reserve, the designation of which has ensured that the area remains a haven for wildlife, climbing to nearly 1,000 metres above sea level. At its summit, drivers are rewarded with spectacular views of the Bay of Kotor, running north towards the sleepy fishing village of Orahovac.

Kotor Serpentine: FIA-approved hillclimb

But the Kotor Serpentine is not only a draw for intrepid tourists seeking tranquillity away from Montenegro’s bustling coast. It is also an FIA-approved hillclimb which plays host to numerous local events during the year.

For Porsche, this means it’s the ideal way to demonstrate the performance and handling capabilities of the Macan, and to highlight how those class-leading attributes have in no way diminished with the transition to electrification.

“The Macan Turbo was chosen for its exceptional handling and agility,” explains Venceslas Monzini, Head of PR at Porsche Central and Eastern Europe. “Its Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) system, electronically controlled differential lock, and all-wheel drive ensure precise power distribution and stability. The optional rear-axle steering further enhances responsiveness, making it ideal for such dynamic terrain. The electric powertrain delivers instant torque, enabling smooth acceleration and confident handling through steep inclines and sharp turns. This drive effectively showcased the Macan's performance and reinforced Porsche’s commitment to innovation in electric mobility.”

Guests on the media drive were offered the opportunity to experience the Kotor Serpentine Road in all Macan variants currently available, including the well-established combustion engine range, so it is testament to the depths of ability and sheer potency of the Macan Electric’s powertrain that the first full-electric model in the series was more than capable of holding its own on such a journey, and up such dynamically challenging road.

“The Kotor Serpentine Road’s demanding layout provided an exceptional opportunity to demonstrate the Macan’s precision, control, and advanced driving capabilities,” adds Monzini. “The total distance covered was also well within the car's range, and the available charging infrastructure ensured that energy levels remained optimal throughout the journey. The electric Macan handled the trip effortlessly.”