The Porsche MDB.UC is a 2,995 cc, twin‑turbocharged V6 petrol engine introduced in 2021 for the Taycan GTS and Taycan Cross Turismo performance variants. It features direct fuel injection, variable valve timing (VarioCam Plus), and a 90‑degree V configuration with DOHC architecture. Factory output is rated at 440 kW (598 PS) with peak torque of 850 Nm, augmented by electric motors to deliver combined system output of 440–480 kW (598–650 PS) depending on variant.
Fitted exclusively to high-performance Taycan derivatives, the MDB.UC represents Porsche’s first internal combustion–derived auxiliary power unit for BEV platforms, designed to enhance dynamic response and provide mechanical sound augmentation in an otherwise electric drivetrain. Emissions compliance is achieved through port + direct injection (PFI + DI), a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), meeting Euro 6d standards.
One documented engineering adaptation is thermal shielding of the exhaust manifold to prevent heat transfer to adjacent high-voltage components, highlighted in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin TSB-2022-13. This was implemented after early thermal imaging revealed elevated temperatures near the 800V inverter housing during repeated launch control activations.
All production years (2021–present) meet Euro 6d emissions standards across EU and UK markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4197).
The Porsche MDB.UC is a 2,995 cc twin‑turbo V6 petrol engine engineered as an auxiliary power unit for the Taycan GTS and Cross Turismo (2021–present). It combines port and direct fuel injection with twin variable-geometry turbochargers to deliver mechanical engagement and exhaust sound in a BEV context. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards despite limited mechanical propulsion role, it prioritizes thermal management and acoustic tuning over raw propulsion.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,995 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min, RON 98 optimal) | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24‑valve, 90° bank angle | |
| Aspiration | Twin‑turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 440 kW (598 PS) @ 6,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 850 Nm @ 2,200–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Combined port + direct injection (PFI + DI), Bosch HDEV6 | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d (including RDE compliance) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Dedicated dual-circuit water-cooled with electric auxiliary pump and exhaust heat shielding | |
| Turbocharger | Twin variable‑geometry turbochargers (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with hydraulic tensioners | |
| Oil type | Porsche C3 specification (e.g., Mobil 1 ESP 0W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 208 kg |
The MDB.UC operates primarily as an acoustic and dynamic enhancer rather than a propulsion source, yet it requires full ICE maintenance protocols. Oil changes with Porsche C3 0W-40 must occur every 10,000 km or 12 months to protect turbo bearings and GPF. RON 98 fuel ensures optimal sound character and combustion cleanliness. Thermal shielding (per TSB-2022-13) is critical—damaged exhaust wraps may expose high-voltage components to excessive heat. GPF regeneration cycles occur automatically during Sport+ mode activation; urban-only use may trigger manual regeneration prompts.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche C3 specification oil (e.g., ACEA C3 with OEM validation) as defined in Technical Bulletin TSB-1938-05.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification includes real-driving emissions (RDE) compliance across all MY2021–present models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4197).
Power Ratings: Measured per ISO 1585. Full 598 PS output requires RON 98 fuel for optimal acoustic and thermal performance (Porsche TIS MDB-UC-009).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs MDB-UC-001 through MDB-UC-009
Porsche Service Information Bulletin (SIB) 27 09 22
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4197)
EU Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 (WLTP and RDE)
The Porsche MDB.UC is used exclusively in Porsche's 9J electric platform as a non-propulsive auxiliary power unit for sound and dynamic enhancement. It is mounted mid-rear in the Taycan GTS and Cross Turismo, isolated from the drivetrain but integrated with the vehicle's thermal and acoustic systems. From 2022, revised exhaust heat shielding and updated GPF substrate density were implemented to reduce thermal load near the 800V architecture, affecting service part compatibility. No external licensing exists. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine code 'MDB.UC' is laser-etched on the upper rear face of the left cylinder head (Porsche TIS MDB-ID-01). The 7th VIN digit is 'D' for this engine family. Visual identification: compact V6 layout with twin Garrett turbos, extensive ceramic heat wrap on exhaust manifolds, and absence of drivetrain coupling (engine not connected to wheels). Differentiate from MCR.CC by isolated mounting, lack of flywheel, and integrated acoustic actuators. Engine serial number begins with 'MDBUC'; 2022+ units include suffix '-H2' denoting enhanced heat shielding per TSB-2022-13.
The MDB.UC's primary reliability concern is thermal degradation of exhaust heat shielding, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to repeated launch control or track days. Porsche internal data (2023) indicates ~3% of early Taycan GTS units showed cracked or delaminated wrap before 20,000 km under aggressive use, while UK DVSA records show no emissions failures due to robust GPF design. High ambient temperatures combined with frequent Sport+ activation accelerate insulation breakdown, potentially exposing high-voltage components to unsafe thermal conditions.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2021–2025) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE MDB-UC.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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