Coming soon: updated Porsche Macan

The Porsche 911 may be the sporting icon but the Macan is arguably a more important model for the firm, given what it represents. With over three quarters of Macan customers first-time Porsche buyers, and with the highest proportion of female owners in the entire range, the compact SUV is more than just a huge sales hit – it’s a gateway to the whole brand.
That’s all the more impressive given the Macan is fundamentally quite an old car, though it has already had one significant update since it originally launched in 2014. To keep it competitive against rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, BMW X4 and closely related Audi Q5 Sportback Porsche has brought it in for another overhaul, increasing power and performance and installing a new interior with Taycan-style touch controls in place of the previous physical buttons. Given people obviously still love the car but also appreciate the latest gizmos inside this seems a sensible upgrade while Porsche plans its all-electric replacement to take on the likes of the Jaguar I-Pace and Polestar 2.

All models get more power, the four-cylinder Macan now offering 265 horsepower and hitting 0-62mph in just 6.2 seconds. The Macan S and GTS use a more powerful V6 engine, the S now offering 380 horsepower while the GTS delivers a thumping 440 horsepower to hit 0-62mph in just 4.3 seconds if you tick the box for the Sport Chrono package. That’s the same as the Macan Turbo Rory Reid enjoyed so much and now makes it the flagship in the range, though you can bet the Turbo will be back before too long with even more power. The GTS also gets dedicated – and lowered – air suspension as standard and the option of a GTS Sport package with 21-inch wheels, Sport Chrono and more sophisticated software for putting the power to the road. The GTS Sport package also offers the exclusive option of unapologetically loud Python Green paint, should you want a little 911 GT3 attitude in your Macan.
In the usual way all versions of the updated Macan get detail exterior tweaks, including a redesigned nose with body coloured inlays (black on the GTS), a new design of diffuser at the back and the option of contrast colour sideblades. New paint colours are also available across the range. The interior is arguably where you’ll notice the biggest changes, with a very contemporary decluttering through swapping old-school switches for touch-sensitive ‘haptic’ surfaces and a clean, modern design. Inspired by the Taycan and since adopted by the 911 and other models in the range this brings the Macan bang up to date, with a host of connected services available through the 10.9-inch HD touch-screen or, if you prefer, voice control. There’s even a new ‘GT Sport’ steering wheel from the 911, along with a host of new trims and other upgrades including carbon fibre inlays, Race-Tex upholstery, contrast stitching or extended leather all available as options.