Porsche has recently taken the wraps off the facelifted version of their smaller SUV, the Macan, in Shanghai. We’re still a few years away from witnessing the introduction of an all-new second generation model, given it’s only been 4 years since its debut, so this update will have to suffice.
To be fair, the Macan doesn’t feel dated at all. Porsche, being aware of this, figured that all it really needed to not seem even slightly inferior to their newer models was to adopt some of its newest design cues and technologies. This, then, is exactly that.
The most obvious alteration is the rear end, which now has its two tail lights joined to form a single light bar, a visual trait that started with the 718 series and spread to the Panamera, 911, and Cayenne. Up front, the fascia also welcomes some tweaks, adopting the three-dimensional headlight LED illuminators and a revised front bumper. For 2019, the Macan also comes in some new shades of paint, including Miami Blue, Mamba Green, Crayon, and Dolomite Silver Metallic.
As for the mechanicals, Porsche isn’t screaming about any new engines or transmissions which probably means that much - if not all - of the powertrain configurations have been carried over unadjusted.
One can speculate, however, that the Macan is being prepped to transition away from the ageing 3.6-litre turbocharged V6 engine that powers the range-topping Turbo variant toward the newer 2.9-litre bi-turbo unit that has already been slotted into the Panamera 4S and equivalent Cayenne.
Porsche does, however, wish to emphasise the suspension and ride improvements made to the Macan. It doesn’t detail how this was achieved or that it features new components, but does say that it deliver enhanced neutrality, better stability, and improved comfort. They’ve also developed new tyres to work with the equally fresh 20- and 21-inch wheels that come with the facelifted range.
Inside, the Macan media and connectivity suite gets a thorough going over, adopting the 11-inch widescreen PCM infotainment display (up from 7-inches) to match the Panamera and Cayenne. To accommodate the larger panel, certain parts of the centre stack has been reconfigured, with the climate control vents being the most apparent.
Each Macan, so it says, will come equipped with a Connect Plus module which will allow for wireless cellular connectivity as standard, allowing it to tap into various digital functions and services such as intelligent voice control and the real-time traffic information that forms part of the standard online navigation system. We suspect, however, that this will be dependent on market.
A very nice touch to the Macan’s repertoire of active driver aid features is the newly included Traffic Jam Assist function, previously found in higher end models within the VW Group. This allows the Macan to practically drive itself in congested traffic conditions at speeds of up to 60km/h.
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