The 2024 Porsche Macan EV’s world debut is next year and spy photographers have caught a prototype once again. This time, we get a good glimpse of the crossover’s exterior design despite some black plastic covering certain areas. You’ll immediately notice the lack of a grille in front with the only air intake being at the very bottom. Tiered headlights appear to have finally made it to the Porsche lineup with the main projectors being lower down where the fog lights are usually located. The traditional location appears to be specifically for daytime running lights and turn signals.
Even though it’s still covered, you can tell that the 2024 Porsche Macan EV’s exterior design is evolutionary. It’s easily recognizable as a Porsche, especially from the front. Looking at the crossover from the side, the Macan’s compact size becomes more apparent and highlights the low-slung roofline. It also appears to be lower than your typical compact crossover but that’s likely because the car may be equipped with the optional air suspension with adaptive dampers.
The dramatically raked rear window gives off mini — Cayenne Coupe vibes. It’s likely been shaped this way to maximize the Macan EV’s aerodynamics. Rounding out the rear end are the same full-width LED taillights found in current Porsche models like the Taycan and Cayenne. There also appears to be a small window on the C-pillar that’s hidden by the plastic cladding.
When it goes on sale late next year, the Macan EV will be among the first models to go on the Volkswagen Group’s PPE platform. That architecture was initially shown off in the Audi A6 e-tron Concept at the 2021 Shanghai auto show and is the next evolution of the J1 platform underpinning the Taycan and the Audi e-tron GT. Porsche has already started the on-road development phase for the Macan EV. By the time the crossover makes its world debut in 2023, it will have covered over 1.8 million miles through its testing and be subjected to harsh weather conditions.
Before the Macan EV moved to on-road testing, Porsche put it through “digital drives” via computer-made prototypes in virtual environments. These digital prototypes precisely replicate every component of the vehicle including the powertrain. In total, Porsche made 20 virtual examples for digital testing, which were subject to aerodynamics, acoustics, and energy management evaluations. These computerized vehicles were also used to develop the new displays and operating system that will debut on the Macan EV.
Expect the Macan EV to be available only in dual-motor configuration and retain the same level of sportiness required of every Porsche model. Like the current model, multiple versions should be on offer including the Macan S, Macan GTS, and possibly a Macan Turbo. Expect the most powerful version to have over 500 hp along with an equally high price tag. The Macan S and GTS should slot in as the sweet spots of the lineup, blending blistering performance and superb ride and handling. Unlike competing luxury compact crossovers, the Macan drives more like a hot hatch with a slight lift.
When it arrives, the 2024 Porsche Macan EV will join the Taycan as the second dedicated battery-electric vehicle in the brand’s lineup. It will be sold alongside the first-generation Macan, which will retain its internal combustion engine. Eventually, the original crossover will be discontinued as Porsche goes all-in on electrification. Competition for the Macan EV includes the Tesla Model Y, the battery-electric successor to the Volvo XC60, the upcoming Polestar 4, and Lexus RZ 450e.
