The Porsche Macan EV has been spotted many times before, but for the first time, a prototype of the all-electric compact SUV was caught testing on US roads. The photos here were sent to us by an avid CarBuzz reader, saying that the prototype was seen on Highway 101 between Newbury Park and Camarillo in California.
Like the latest sightings, the Macan EV prototype only wore a little concealment, placed on parts that matter. It also has stickers proving its brand identity despite the lack of the Porsche Crest on the body. Unfortunately, the photos provided only give us a clear view of the rear, side, and a bit of the front end.
The Macan EV prototype has an active aero at the back. Unlike before, however, it doesn’t have fake exhaust ports to hide its EV nature. The taillights are still concealed with clever stickers typical of a Porsche prototype. The new Macan EV will lean heavily into coupe styling, afforded the luxury of space by a skateboard-type chassis that means the sloping roofline will not compromise interior space.
The prototype was also wearing a set of non-production wheels, so there’s not much to say for now.
At the front, or at least on the side part of it, the prototype caught on American roads comes with stickers to throw off prying eyes and hide the headlamps, similar to the Taycan. It will likely feature Porsche’s advanced matrix LED system with 16,384 LEDs per headlight.
Meanwhile, the prototype’s cabin is hidden in the photographs provided. Fortunately, previous sightings have shown us the Macan EV’s tech-filled interior. Some parts were taken from the Taycan, like the rotary dial, while at least three digital screens will arrive with the electric crossover, at least for the top-spec model.
The Macan EV will be the first Porsche to utilize the 800-volt PPE architecture, which Audi will also use for future EVs. Porsche has already claimed that the top-spec Macan EV (likely to be called the Turbo) will make up to 603 horsepower and over 738 lb-ft of torque, backing the automaker’s promise that it will be the sportiest model in its segment.
