Porsche rolls out revised Macan range in Aus

PORSCHE Cars Australia has introduced a facelifted version of its top-selling Macan medium SUV, replete with detail upgrades as well as a consolidated line-up of derivatives.

Although it seems unusual for a luxury vehicle to undergo two product-cycle updates and not feature an electrified version in its line-up, this range revision sets up the Zuffenhausen-based brand for the near future as it prepares to unveil a battery-electric Macan (based on a dedicated EV platform), which will be offered in conjunction with ICE-based versions in a few years’ time.

From an aesthetic point of view, the Macan’s front-end design has been tweaked to emphasise the model’s width and incorporate a new 3D design in the centre air intake. The LED daytime running lights have been repositioned, LED headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) are now standard and the dark cladding on the SUV’s flanks have a 3D-textured surface.

At the rear, Porsche’s smallest SUV’s features a light bar with three-dimensional graphics and a more elaborate diffuser with integrated reflectors, while larger alloys have been fitted throughout the range (19-inch for the Macan, 20-inch for the Macan S and 21-inch for the Macan GTS).

The Macan range now comprises a trio of derivatives; the previous line-up’s Turbo has been dropped, but, technically, only in name, because the Macan S now features the outgoing Macan GTS’ 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, while the updated Macan GTS matches the old Turbo’s peak outputs of 324kW and 550Nm (also produced by the aforementioned powerplant).

All versions of the Porsche Macan feature the firm’s seven-speed dual-clutch (PDK) transmission as well as the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel-drive system.

The standard Macan is powered by a newly developed 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol engine, which produces 10kW and 30Nm more than before. With its new maximum outputs of 195kW and 400Nm of torque, the Macan is claimed to accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds (with the optional Sport Chrono package) and go on to a top speed of 232km/h.

By virtue of switching from a 3.0-litre single-turbo V6 to a 2.9-litre twin-turbo unit, the Macan S now produces 20kW and 40Nm more for peak outputs of 280kW and 520Nm. The S version is said to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds (with the optional Sport Chrono package) with a top speed of 259km/h, while the range-topping Macan GTS is comparatively 0.3 sec quicker (with the standard Sport Chrono package) and 13km/h faster.

Meanwhile, the damper characteristics of the Porsche Active Suspension Management (standard on the Macan S and GTS derivatives, but optional on the Macan) have been re-adapted and the flagship version features a 10mm lowered sports suspension with air springs as standard.

Porsche says the sports air suspension is 10 and 15 per cent firmer on the front and rear axle respectively while the optional GTS Sports Package (available exclusively on the GTS version) incorporates, inter alia, 21-inch GT design wheels with performance tyres, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, the Sport Chrono package, as well as a number of cosmetic enhancements.

Inside, the Macan features a new leather-upholstered multifunction sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles. When the Sport Chrono package is specified (which is optional on Macan and Macan S, but standard on Macan GTS), the driving mode switch is located on the ‘wheel.

The Macan and Macan S are fitted with 14-way electrically adjustable front seats (with memory), the Macan GTS is fitted with eight-way electric GTS sports front seats that feature the GTS logo.

Other than that, Porsche has installed a 15mm shorter transmission lever and standardised the analogue clock atop the dashboard, while the centre console now incorporates touch-sensitive surfaces instead of physical buttons. 

The 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Porsche Communication Management, meanwhile, offers full connectivity and has a permanent mobile connection. Online navigation is standard, along with voice control, a Wi-Fi hotspot and the Porsche Connect app. Support for Apple CarPlay with Siri voice control is also included.

Some of the standard functions include Porsche Entry & Drive, automatic dimming mirrors, Porsche Hill Control (with auto hold, Park Assist (fore and aft), including reversing camera and Surround View, as well as tyre pressure monitoring and trailer stability management.

The Porsche Stability Management system incorporates ABS, ASR (anti-slip regulation for the drive wheels), ABD (automatic brake differential) and MSR (which controls wheel slip on trailing throttle). Side airbags at the rear, Lane Change Assist and -Departure Warning are included too.

And finally, buyers who specify the GTS Sport package on the updated GTS derivative will benefit from 18-way power-adjustable front sports seats, Race-Tex and extended leather upholstery (with contrast stitching and GTS lettering) and carbon-fibre interior trim.

The updated Porsche Macan range is covered by three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and prices exclude on-road costs.

2022 Porsche Macan pricing*

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.