SPY PICS: Porsche Macan EV testing in anger

The 2023 Porsche Macan EV has finally been spotted at the Nurburgring more than 18 months after it was first teased by Porsche.

Still wearing the same disguise it was previewed in last year, Porsche’s second EV after the Taycan sedan (and its first electric SUV) is now expected to make its global debut in early 2024, shortly before entering production and going on sale globally.

And in a classic top-down approach, a high-end Turbo variant of the all-new mid-size electric SUV looks set to be one of the first versions to launch, as per the Porsche Taycan, and will top the range just as it does with the Taycan, 911, Panamera and the larger Cayenne SUV.

That partly explains why there’s no longer a Turbo version of the original Macan which in mid-2021 received its third major upgrade since its launch in 2014.

Despite its age, the existing Porsche Macan line-up, including the new Macan T, will continue alongside the all-new Macan EV range and our sources tell us the latter will largely mirror the existing Audi Q5-based combustion-powered line-up in a similar fashion to the way the Taycan line-up mimics that of the Porsche Panamera.

Underpinned by the Volkswagen Group’s latest PPE architecture (as per the Audi Q6 e-tron), the Macan EV will sport a slightly different look to the petrol versions via a more streamlined front-end design with narrower headlights, a slightly lower roofline and subtly reconfigured rear bumper.

All of these changes are being made in the name of aerodynamics – a key part of (driving) range maximisation. An integrated and active rear spoiler can also be seen in the spy images – hardly surprising given the existing Macan’s revered driving dynamics and intent.

Changes have been made inside the cabin too, with the new EV powertrains negating the need for a physical gear lever, which in turn frees up space on the centre console for what our spy photographers say is a cleaner and clutter-free layout.

Those drive systems are pretty well guaranteed to comprise mostly of dual-motor set-ups, save perhaps for an eventual entry model that could bring a single-motor drivetrain later on, again as per the Taycan line-up.

The most powerful versions are tipped to churn out around 520kW but probably won’t knock-off the Taycan Turbo S in terms of outright performance.

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