New pure-electric Porsche Macan previewed

Porsche has begun the build-up to the launch of the all-new Porsche Macan by teasing a pure-electric version of the SUV in promotional material for a new book about its secret concept cars.

The single image of a clay design model of what's believed to be the next Macan appeared in the background of the car-maker's recently released 'Porsche Unseen' book about the German car-maker's concept cars that were never revealed.

Following the discovery of the Macan image, the gallery of the battery-powered SUV has been deleted.

From our first look of the next Macan, it's clear that for the second generation of the BMW X4 rival the small Porsche will feature muscular proportions and slimmed-down headlights.

The new-look Macan also looks like it will sit lower on the road with a reduced roof height.

The absence of the current car's grille betrays the fact the Porsche Macan pictured will come with an advanced pure-electric powertrain.

Set to be unveiled in 2021, the Macan EV will sit on the car-maker's PPE architecture that has been spun-off the Taycan's J1 platform.

Due to be sold alongside the facelifted version of the current Macan that will remain on sale until 2023, the pure-electric version will have superior aerodynamics to the petrol and diesel version, hence why the clay model looks lower.

Staying true to the Taycan's naming convention, it's been rumoured the flagship Porsche Macan Turbo S EV will be powered by two electric motors that will produce an incredible 520kW.

The advantage of the new dedicated EV PPE underpinnings is Porsche engineers claim it can place the obese 600kg powertrain lower in the platform for an optimum low centre of gravity, improving agility.

Once launched, expect the Macan Turbo S to offer a 0-100km/h time of less than 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h.

On track to become its best-selling model, regardless of its plug-in powertrain, Porsche has already declared the new Macan will not morph into an SUV-coupe, as the brand doesn't want to jeopardise its everyday usability.

As well as Turbo and Turbo S versions, Porsche will introduce lower-powered versions, including a two-wheel drive model to reduce the price point of the Macan considerably.

Off-road, a height-adjustable air suspension and clever torque vectoring should ensure the next Macan will be more capable in the rough than ever before.

It's thought the Porsche Macan EV could be revealed as soon as March 2021 when traditionally the Geneva motor show is held.