Porsche Macan gets an update before going electric

Wednesday, 21 July 2021

Porsche has given the Macan an update before the model goes fully electric. Don't worry though, the combustion version will still sell alongside.

Porsche has given its medium SUV an update, which may be its last before it turns into a fully electric model, expected around 2023. If that’s not your cup of tea, don’t worry – Porsche will sell both versions at the same time.

All three models get a power-up, with the range-topping GTS’s 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 now producing 324kW – 44kW more than the previous model and the same as the previous Turbo model, which has now been dropped from the range, possibly hinting at the all-electric Macan’s model name.

The added power means the 0-100kmh sprint takes 4.3 seconds (with the Sport Chrono pack), an improvement of 0.4 seconds.

The changes are hard to see from this angle, but they’ll be felt from the driver’s seat.

The Macan S gets the GTS’s old engine, the biturbo V6 making 285kW/520Nm, a sizeable upgrade over the old 260kW/480Nm 3.0-litre V6. It’s enough to crack 100kmh in 4.6 seconds, Porsche says.

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The GTS gets air suspension as standard now.

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Inside is a new gear lever, the steering wheel from the 911, and an analogue clock as standard.

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Finally, the base Macan (no suffix) has a newly developed turbocharged four-cylinder developing 195kW. All versions of the Macan get a seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission.

Another update for the GTS comes in the form of new sport air suspension, which can be adjusted for comfort or sporty behaviour. In its sportiest mode, the air suspension lowers the Macan by 10mm, while also being 10 per cent more rigid on the front axle and 15 per cent more on the rear, compared to the outgoing model.

The steering has also been tweaked for more sensitivity and feedback.

Elements such as the damper characteristics of the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) have been reworked specifically for the new GTS. It actively and continuously regulates the damping force for each individual wheel.

PASM is available as an option for the Macan and is standard for the S and GTS models. Optionally available for the GTS is the GTS Sport pack, which adds 21-inch GT design wheels with performance tyres, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and the Sport Chrono package.

Finally, there are a handful of small stylistic changes. A new nose with extra black accents, a different rear diffuser, standard LED lights, some new paint colours and larger wheels with new designs comprise the main exterior edits. Inside is a shorter gear selector, a standard analogue clock, various interior colour combinations, and the same GT Sport steering wheel as seen in the 911.

The new Macan models are available to order now with first customer deliveries anticipated in late September or early October 2021. Prices start at $111,900 for the Macan, $134,600 for the Macan S and $156,200 for the Macan GTS.