Porsche Macan gets summer facelift
Hot-selling Macan receives exterior tweaks and more interior tech to keep it competitive in the premium SUV segment
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It would have been easy for Porsche’s designers to apply some lipstick and eyeliner to the Macan and declare its facelift done, given the success of the all-wheel drive machine that’s sold more than 600,000 times worldwide. But this being the hotly contested world of premium SUVs, the team behind the Macan update have seen fit to give the model an aesthetic lift outside and technical boost inside, in order to keep it sharp in the fight against rivals like the Mercedes GLC, Range Rover Velar and about six other terrific SUVs from the segment. We’re certainly not short of choice.
The Porsche model has always stood strong with its mix of SUV versatility, sports car-aping performance and handsome design. Now, with the 2021 changes, it looks even stronger. The exterior receives some minor but effective new details, including a reshaped front grille, standard-fit LED headlights and larger wheels across the range, with diameters now going from 19 to 21 inches. There’s also a more prominent rear diffuser (the slatted aerodynamic part that sits between the exhausts), to add muscle to the back. We like it.
Inside, the cabin has been given a lift with more technology, including touch sensitive buttons around the gear selector in place of the earlier car’s physical buttons. The new controls use haptic feedback to mimic the ‘click’ feeling of an actual button (just like your phone does), but their smoother design helps to reduce the appearance of clutter. Combined with some updates to the infotainment system software and some new details in the seat fabric, the Macan cabin feels bang up to date. That’s very good going for a model that started life in 2014.
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As for the engines – because, let’s face it, a Porsche SUV still has to drive like a proper Porsche – there’s more power all round. The entry-level turbocharged 2.0-litre engine gets a lift from 245hp to 265hp, while the Macan S trades a 3.0-litre V6 engine for a newer, more advanced 2.9-litre equivalent (also used in the Panamera), increasing its turbocharged muscle to 380hp, 30hp more than before. It’s a similar story with the GTS that sits above it with a higher-spec 2.9-litre, where power is now rated at 440hp. Before you ask, Porsche no longer sells a diesel Macan anymore.
As per tradition, Porsche has revealed its latest model several weeks before cars reach roads. In fact, while orders are being taken now – with prices starting from £47,780 for the base version and rising to £64,770 for the GTS – deliveries won’t begin until October. And that’s if you find yourself at the front of the waiting list. If queuing isn’t your thing, cinch’s faff- free process means you could have a freshly refurbished used Macan delivered to your door in a matter of days. Best of all, our Macan prices start around £30,000, leaving plenty of cash for you to spend on making the most of your new motor. Summer road trip, anyone?
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