2023 Electric Porsche Macan takes to track

• Claimed to be the sportiest model in its class 
• Will feature a similar range to the Taycan saloon 
• Due on sale in 2023 

Testing of the all-electric Porsche Macan has moved to the Nurburgring race track in Germany for dynamic fine tuning before it is revealed later this year. The electric Macan will be sold alongside the petrol-powered current version.

Power boost for new 2021 Porsche Macan

The prototype gives us the closest look yet at its design. At the front, a slimmer set of headlights will help differentiate the electric Macan’s styling. Between the new lights, there’s a blank space in place of the petrol model’s large grille, but the lower inlets appear to have remained, in addition to new side vents.

At the rear, the prototype reveals a curving roofline that plunges downwards more dramatically than the hatchback of the current Macan. It isn’t yet clear if this will be a revision for the range or an additional bodystyle, but it leads to a series of changes at the rear to accommodate the new coupe-like shape. The rear bumper has also been altered, with revisions including a smooth lower lip and diffuser.

Inside, the gear lever is removed and in its place you’ll find a rotary dial, which makes the cabin look less cluttered. It’s likely the new interior will be infotainment heavy with digital dials and a large centre screen backed up by a lower touchscreen featuring haptic feedback. Expect the new Macan’s steering wheel to feature shortcuts to the car’s stability control and drive select in line with the car’s sporting pretensions. 

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The first electric model to arrive on sale is likely to be the higher-specified Turbo – matching the Taycan’s release – with less extreme models to follow. 

The Macan EV is expected to have all-wheel drive and use the PPE platform which is derived the Porsche Taycan’s underpinnings.Performance figures are yet to be revealed although expect up to 700bhp, with boss of development at Porsche, Dr Michael Steiner,  saying “reproducible” performance and a long range were key requirements. Beefy brakes will also feature, giving the Macan EV the stopping power expected of a Porsche.

“Like the Taycan, the all-electric Macan, with its 800-volt architecture, will offer typical Porsche E-Performance,” says Steiner. “The all-electric Macan will be the sportiest model in its segment.” 

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Porsche says it’s developed a new display and operating concept in the interior, for example, without actually building a real world prototype of the cockpit.  

The electric Macan will be the first Volkswagen Group car to be based on the new PPE platform. Alongside the new petrol-powered Macan, which is set to be a heavily facelifted version of the outgoing model later this year, buyers will eventually have the choice of four or six-cylinder petrol power and the electric version.  

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Porsche has confirmed the electric Macan will share the same 800V/350kW charging capability as the Taycan. We can assume, then, it will have an equally long range, nearing 300 miles with a full charge. Similarly, as with the Taycan, we expect the Macan will be offered with a few different power outputs and a choice of either rear or four-wheel-drive. 

Check out our guide to the best electric SUVs or our longest range electric cars.