Watch Porsche Beat The Crap Out Of The Refreshed Macan Off-Road

On road performance is one thing, but driving over rocks is something else.

Porsche literally guaranteed itself a sales hit when it launched the Macan back in 2014. But that was nearly five years ago so it’s time for a mid-life refresh. Now, automotive refreshes vary widely, from a minor nip/tuck to a serious overhaul just shy of a complete redesign. Guess which of the two Porsche prefers? The heavily refreshed 2019 Macan will be making its debut very soon, and Porsche is convinced it’ll continue to be its number one seller throughout the second half of its life. We don’t doubt that, but the competition is catching up fast.

This new video from Porsche is, more or less, a warning sign to those competitors declaring that refreshed Macan is more than ready for battle. It’s reportedly undergone extensive changes, mostly under the skin, such as expected new engines and other related components. Chances are a diesel variant will not be offered, at least in the US. However, a plug-in hybrid is expected. We can also see from the prototypes shown here testing in South Africa that the headlights and taillights have been updated.

The interior is also said to receive some extensive modifications. Considering the timing of this new video, a Paris debut this October is sounding like a strong possibility. Watching these Macan prototypes undergo final high altitude testing in South Africa is no doubt impressive. Remember, Porsche considers the Macan the sports car of SUVs, but most owners will require more than just fast highway drives. They need the capability of an SUV as well, though not quite at the level of, say, a Jeep Wrangler. Rock crawling isn’t a hobby for everyone, but driving on some rough surfaces is certainly a requirement for all.

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Porsche Can't Decide Whether To Build Cayenne And Macan Coupes

The BMW X6 simply can't hog the entire segment, can it?

Porsche makes a lot of money selling Cayennes and Macans. But that doesn't necessarily mean that coupe and full EV variants will arrive in the near future. Porsche CEO Oliver Blume spoke with Automotive News regarding this very subject and admitted a final decision won’t be made until early next year. "We have to check if it makes sense for Porsche to come with an SUV," Blume said. "But the so-called Mission E isn't going to be the last project in electro mobility. We will continue. That's very, very clear.”

Earlier reports suggested Porsche’s second EV, following the launch of the Mission E, will be an electrified Macan. However, the next generation Macan is due to arrive in 2022, so assuming this current generation Macan will be given the full EV treatment, a 2021 launch date sounds about right. As for a potential Cayenne coupe? Considering the all-new Cayenne is only just now going on sale, Porsche still has some time to make a decision. But why is Porsche even interested in a coupe variant of the Cayenne? Because it could use something to rival the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. Porsche hasn’t even completely ruled out a Macan coupe either.

Despite the Cayenne’s sleek lines, it’s still classified as a mid-size crossover, not a coupe crossover. Eventually, a Cayenne EV will arrive, but it’s still way too early to know specifics. The Macan EV, which sounds likely, especially since BMW has plans for an X3 EV, is pretty much a given; the coupe variant(s) are somewhat less certain. If we had to guess, the Macan EV and a Cayenne coupe will both be given the green light. Both make sense given today’s crossover market.

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2018 Porsche Macan GTS Review

Ever since its introduction, the Macan has had it mostly its own way at the top of the compact luxury SUV segment, now though, some very capable new entrants have made things a bit tougher for the sporty Porsche so for 2017 a new model has entered the fray. The GTS slots in between the full-fat Turbo and entry level trim levels and may be just the thing for those seeking a solid all-rounder.

What’s it like inside?

As with the rest of the Macan range the GTS has a very high quality cabin with top level materials throughout. The center console remains a bit busy with buttons lining both sides of the transmission section but everything is laid out logically and a vast range of customization awaits the wealthy shopper.

Seats both front and rear are very supportive and comfortable although the second row is a tight fit for taller adults and there is also no change to the cargo space which continues to be limited due to the raked roofline.

How does it drive?

The GTS receives adaptive air suspension as standard and this allied with a lower ride height gives it an added layer of adjustability and precision when exploring the limits of adhesion. The bespoke larger 20-inch wheels do not deteriorate the ride as much as you would expect thanks to that air suspension, however it is a firm riding car and rough pavements and sharp ridges can still upset the tranquil interior.

The steering may not offer the kind of feedback Porsches of old provided but then this is an all-wheel drive crossover and within that context the tiller is as communicative as this segment gets.

The detail improvements to the GTS provide it with a poise and cornering ability that beggars belief, few sports sedans can match it let alone other SUVs.

What about the performance?

Porsche is a past master at clinically dividing up its offerings to cover all niches and the Macan GTS treads an unerringly accurately line between the Macan S and Macan Turbo. Its 3.0-litre V6 Turbocharged motor is borrowed from the S but now produces 360 horsepower (20 more than the S) and 369 lb-ft of torque (30 more). The 7-speed dual clutch PDK transmission remains unchanged and thanks to the added grunt it gets to 60 mph two tenths quicker. Optional Launch Control lops another two tenths off the time getting the GTS to 60 in 4.8-seconds. This is one quick vehicle.

What are my options?

Borrowing from other models in the range the GTS offers a mix of options from across the Macan spectrum.

Standard specifications include a PCM 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, media player with 11GB hard drive music storage, Cruise control, power liftgate, auto bi-Xenon headlights, eight-way heated and power sport front seats (unique GTS items) with memory function, front and rear parking sensors and automatic wipers to cover just a few more notable items.

Macan GTS specific trim includes 20-inch wheels, bigger brakes with calipers painted red, sport exhaust, adaptive headlights, those bespoke front sport seats and importantly an adaptive air suspension system. The GTS also sits lower to the ground than the standard models.

Optional equipment is comprehensive and many desirable extras can be had either as individual add-ons or as part of a package. The Premium Package Plus with Porsche entry and drive and lane keep assist amongst its features is worth a look. Dual rear screen entertainment, extended leather trim in a dizzying array of colors and a 16-speaker Burmester audio system are but a small sample of the individual options on offer.

Notable safety options include adaptive cruise control, lane change assist and lane keep assist as well as very pricy carbon ceramic brakes which are unique options to GTS and Turbo models.

The Verdict

The Porsche Macan GTS expands Porsche’s Sporty Compact Luxury SUV offering to ensure that shoppers are catered for whatever their requirements. With extra power over the base V6 and offering as standard some desirable sporty features picked from the vast options list including adaptive air suspension, sport exhaust and bigger brakes, the GTS is a worthy addition to the Macan range.

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Porsche Announces 2019 Macan Pricing

Luxury crossovers don't come cheap.

Porsche launched the Macan SUV back in 2014. It has since gone on to become the brand’s best-selling model. Not bad at all for a brand that exclusively built two-door sports cars for decades. Porsche is expecting nothing less than continued strong sells with the refreshed 2019 Macan, due to hit showrooms next summer. But first, it will be making its US debut later this month at the LA Auto Show.

Just ahead of that event, Porsche has announced the 2019 Macan’s new base price and other relevant information regarding standard features. The 2019 Porsche Macan will carry a base MSRP of $49,900, excluding the $1,050 delivery and handling fee.

The outgoing 2018 model begins at $47,800, also minus the fee. Do the math and that’s a $2,100 increase. Just a few of the updates to the hot-selling compact SUV includes more standard features, such as a larger 10.9-inch full HD touch screen equipped with the latest version of the Porsche Communication Management system, which is also included in the Cayenne and Panamera. Users can, for example, customize the interface by positioning movable tiles and choosing from a number of functions. Porsche Connected Plus and online navigation are also included. Apply CarPlay, however, remains optional. Android Auto is still unavailable.

Under the hood lies a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque and paired exclusively to the familiar seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Zero to 60 mph happens in 6.3 seconds and with the available Launch Control that time is reduced to 6.1 seconds, but who’s counting? Porsche engineers also updated the chassis for improved comfort and an even more sports car-like ride.

A few other new options for 2019 include a GT sport steering wheel taken from the 911 and the Sport Chrono package. Among the many exterior updates are a new 3D LED light panel at the rear, standard LED headlights, and several new paint colors such as Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, Miami Blue, and Chalk. Order books are already open.

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2019 Porsche Macan Poses As We Get To Look Inside For First Time

We’ve already seen the facelifted exterior, but these new spy shots give us a first look at the 2019 Macan’s updated interior.

Believe it or not, the Porsche Macan has been on sale for over four years now. It’s safe to say the Cayenne’s smaller sibling has been a monumental success story for the automaker: the Macan is Porsche’s best-selling model by a huge margin, with over 97,000 units delivered worldwide and nearly 21,500 sold in the US last year, which was nearly double the sales of Cayenne, in what was a record year for the manufacturer. But maintaining that sales momentum poses a challenge for Porsche, because the Macan is starting to show its age.

Porsche isn’t planning to unleash an all-new Macan until 2021, which means the current generation model will be based on the outdated last-generation Audi Q5 platform until then. To keep it looking fresh, the Macan will soon be getting a makeover as part of the SUV’s mid-cycle refresh. Our spies recently caught a prototype of the updated Macan being tested wearing very little camouflage. The design changes are quite subtle, with updated LED headlights and taillights and restyled front and rear bumpers. A layer of tape has also been applied to the tailgate, which is most likely hiding a full-width light strip connecting the taillights like its larger Cayenne sibling and the latest Panamera.

While we’ve already seen the exterior of the 2019 Macan in previous spy photos and videos, this latest batch gives us a first look at the interior, which has had a significant upgrade. The infotainment system has a noticeably wider screen than the outgoing Macan, with repositioned air vents to make room for it. The air vents now have a vertical shape compared to the horizontal-shaped vents in the current model. The updated Macan is also expected to arrive with some engine updates. Reports suggest the current car’s turbocharged 3.0-liter and 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engines will be replaced with more powerful 3.0-liter and 2.9-liter units.

The 3.0-liter V6 unit powering the current Macan S produces 335 hp, while the twin-turbo 3.6-liter powering the current Macan Turbo produces 394 hp. A fully electric version is also expected to be introduced for the next-generation Macan. Porsche hasn't hinted when we can expect the 2019 Macan to debut, but there's a good chance we'll see it either at Geneva next month or at the New York Auto Show later the same month.

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2019 Porsche Macan Facelift Caught With Barely Any Camo

This is our best look yet at the updated 2019 Porsche Macan.

It’s no secret that Porsche’s best-selling model, the Macan SUV, is getting a facelift for the 2019 model year to help keep it fresh. Ahead of its official reveal, our spies managed to snap some photos of a pre-production model finished in bright green, giving us a better idea of what the final model will look like. The answer is very similar to the current model. After all, Porsche doesn’t want to jeopardize a successful formula - last year, the Macan nearly doubled the Cayenne's sales, helping Porsche achieve a record sales year.

There’s hardly any camouflage covering the Macan’s modesty, but, like other updated Porsches, the styling changes are very subtle. The front bumper has been redesigned with a wider lower opening, and the headlights and taillights have been restyled judging from the foil covering them up. At the back, the shape of the quad exhaust tips suggests we’re looking at a pre-production version of the range-topping Turbo model. The real changes, however, will be found under the hood. The four-cylinder engine powering the base model will deliver closer to 300 horsepower compared to the 252 horses the current model produces.

There will be no diesel option, and the range-topping Turbo will get a new 2.9 liter V6 engine taken from the new Porsche Panamera replacing the current 3.6-liter unit. Do not despair, because power is expected to increase to 434 hp to match the outgoing Macan fitted with the optional Performance Pack. A fully electric version is also expected to join the lineup. Whether these changes are enough to keep the Macan fresh remains to be seen, as the SUV is starting to show its age four years after being introduces. Keep in mind that it will still be based on the last-generation Audi Q5 - we’ll have to wait until 2021 for the all-new Macan to arrive with a new platform.

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2019 Porsche Macan Turbo Spied Towing A Trailer Before Official Debut

Porsche hasn't even attempted to disguise it with camouflage.

Back in July, Porsche unveiled the facelifted 2019 Macan, featuring fresh styling, a larger infotainment screen, and numerous chassis tweaks to further improve the company's best-selling model. However, Porsche has so far only revealed the 2.0-liter base model, so we still haven’t seen the facelifted Macan Turbo. Even Porsche’s online configurator still shows the pre-facelift model.

Fortunately, our spy photographers have spotted a prototype being tested, giving us a first look at the 2019 Porsche Macan Turbo before the official reveal. Porsche hasn’t even tried to disguise it as the prototype isn’t wearing any camouflage whatsoever, allowing us to clearly see the visual changes. Unsurprisingly, those changes are very minor.

Compared to the regular 2019 Macan, the Turbo version features a different front bumper with Turbo-specific LED DRLs, beefier brakes with red calipers, and squared quad exhaust pipes. Elsewhere, the changes introduced in the facelifted Macan have carried over, such as the new rear LED light bar and standard LED headlights. The prototype was also doing some trailer-towing testing, since some buyers may use it to haul light loads.

Porsche has already confirmed the 2019 Macan Turbo will share the same powertrain as the range-topping Cayenne S, meaning it will pack a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 with 434 horsepower. That makes it just as powerful as the current 2018 Macan Turbo with the optional Performance Package, so it should be capable of sprinting from 0-62 mph in under 4.5 seconds and hitting a top speed of around 170 mph. No word yet on when the 2019 Porsche Macan Turbo is likely to debut, but it will go on sale sometime next year.

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2018 Porsche Macan Turbo Review

The Porsche Macan has been available for a few years now and continues to offer class-leading performance across the range. At the top of the tree sits the Macan Turbo and for 2017 it has moved the goalposts even further with the addition of the new Macan Turbo with Performance Package. There is now an upgraded PCM system and the huge options list allows for endless customization.

What’s it like inside?

The interior of the Macan Turbo is little different to the rest of the Macan range which is no bad thing. The high centre console and thick dashboard design wraps around you in a satisfyingly driver-centric manner and the standard sport front seats are some of the best in the business. The space in the back is somewhat tighter thanks in part to the tapering roofline where taller passengers may be admiring the simulated suede headliner a bit too closely. Fitting taller items in the cargo area is also easier in some competitor’s products. Fit and finish is very good as one would expect and the premium feel extends to the minor switchgear.

How does it drive?

When it comes to emulating a sports sedan or coupe the Macan is the only SUV around that even comes close. To mask its height and weight it has a number of electronic aids to call upon, however this necessary layer of technology numbs feedback just in case you were expecting the same tactile experience as Porsche’s lighter and lower 2-door offerings. If you happen to wander onto a race course the rear-biased all-wheel drive system still allows for some hooliganism and even the standard steel brakes are impressively fade free after heavy use. Despite its obvious sporting bias, the ride remains composed on all but the worst road surfaces in everyday driving.

What about the performance?

The 400 horsepower Macan Turbo pummels the 60 mph benchmark time into submission in a serious 4.6-seconds or 4.2-seconds with the optional Sports Chrono Pack. If you opt for the Performance Package Sports Chrono is included as well as an additional 40 hp which means a 4.2-second 0-60 mph time.

All this is made possible by the impressive twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 squeezed in under that sculpted hood, in standard form it tortures the tires with 406 lb-ft of torque over an impressively wide rev range. Mated to a 7-speed PDK transmission, gear changes are lightning quick too.

What are my options?

Standard specifications have been improved for 2017 and as befits the top range model, the Macan Turbo comes well specced. 19-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, 18-way power seats, leather upholstery and an upgraded 14-speaker Bose sound system as well as navigation all make it on to the standard spec sheet compared to what you would usually find on a lesser Macan.

That is a good thing because if you are not careful the optional extras on a Macan Turbo can add up to an eye-watering bill.

The biggest new addition for 2017 is the aforementioned Macan Turbo Performance package, it is listed as a separate model from the Macan Turbo but is outwardly unchanged. What you get is an extra 40 hp, a lowered ride height and air suspension, power folding mirrors and a heated steering wheel.

The Premium Package Plus comes with Porsche entry and drive, lane keep assist, seat ventilation for front seats and auto dimming mirrors. The Turbo Exterior package is unique to these two models and offers 21-inch wheels, LED headlights, sport exhaust system and a number of high gloss black design touches. Individual options include a panoramic sunroof, upgraded Burmester sound system along with a vast range of customizable interior fabrics and materials.

The Verdict

The Macan Turbo has reaffirmed its position at the top of the mid-sized luxury SUV pecking order for 2017. The performance package elevates its capabilities another notch and thanks to detail upgrades and a host of desirable if pricy options, it remains as appealing as it did at launch.

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Porsche Macan Shows Its Fresh Face In Paris

Updated crossover isn't quite all-new, but should keep it fresh for another few years.

A couple of months ago, Porsche revealed the first images and details of the refreshed Macan, and has since started rolling them down the assembly line in Leipzig. But this is the first time members of the public (or the press for that matter) have gotten to see the updated crossover in the metal.

Unveiled here on the floor of the 2018 Paris Auto Show, the revised Macan doesn't quite represent a complete overhaul of the hot-selling model that first hit the scene in 2014. But it does encompass a wide range of improvements – not least of which can be found under the hood.

While we may have to wait a little longer for US specifications, the European model packs an upgraded 2.0-liter turbo four with improved combustion and a diesel-style particulate filter to make it run cleaner. The base model now produces 245 horsepower, which is actually a little less than the preceding model, but the same 273 lb-ft of torque.

0-62 mph as a result is quoted at 6.7 seconds and top speed at 140 mph while consuming 8.1 liters per 100 kilometers on the New European Driving Cycle. And you can bet there'll be more engine options to follow.

Porsche also retuned the suspension and fitted it with wheels ranging from 18 inches to 21. And it's all wrapped in subtly revised sheetmetal, with dynamic headlights and three-dimensional LED taillights. There are four new color options as well: Mamba Green, Dolomite Silver, Miami Blue, and light-grey Crayon (otherwise known as Chalk).

The interior's been overhauled as well, and fitted with a 10.9-inch touchscreen to replace the previous 7.2-inch display. Buyers will also be able to opt for a 911-style sports steering wheel, an air ionizer, and a Sport Chrono package designed to make the Macan drive even more like a Porsche should.

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2019 Porsche Macan Facelift Revealed With Fresh Styling And New Tech

The updated Macan arrives with new LED headlights and a larger touchscreen.

With 350,000 models sold since it launched in 2014, the Macan is

Porsche’s fastest-selling model by a significant margin

, but in recent years it’s faced stiff competition in the premium SUV segment from the likes of the Jaguar F-Pace, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

To maintain this staggering sales momentum, Porsche has given the 2019 Macan a mid-cycle update with fresh styling and new technology. As standard, the 2019 Porsche Macan now comes with LED headlights. Combined with a new front bumper, these changes give Porsche's best-selling SUV a more modern look. At the back, the changes are more noticeable, however, as the Macan now sports a full-width LED taillight strip matching the Cayenne and Panamera. New exterior colors available include Miami Blue, Mamba Green Metallic, and Dolomite Silver, while new 20- and 21-inch alloy wheels round off the exterior changes.

Inside, the cabin’s center console is dominated by a larger touchscreen, enlarged from seven inches to eleven inches, for the infotainment system. It also has extra functionality such as intelligent voice control and real-time traffic info as standard equipment. Like the Panamera and Cayenne, the user interface on the infotainment system can be customized using predefined tiles. The air vents have also been redesigned and are now positioned below the central screen.

Drivers will also be able to record their off-road adventures in the Macan using the bundled Offroad Precision App. Elsewhere, a GT sports steering wheel lifted from the 911 can be added at an extra cost, which includes an integrated Sport Response Button as part of the optional Sports Chrono Package. New comfort options include a heated windshield and an ionizer that improves the air quality in the interior.

To improve the SUV’s stability and comfort, Porsche has optimized the chassis and fitted tires with different widths on the front and rear axles, enabling the driver to take full advantage of the automaker’s all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management system.

Surprisingly, Porsche hasn’t detailed the 2019 Macan’s engine options, but we expect they will be largely carried over from the outgoing model. Expect the base model to use a four-cylinder engine tuned to deliver around 300 horsepower compared to the 252 horses the current model produces. There will be no diesel option this time, and a hybrid variant has also been ruled out for this generation. Reports suggest the range-topping Turbo’s 3.6-liter unit will be replaced with the new Panamera’s 2.9-liter V6 engine, which is expected to produce 434 hp to match the outgoing Macan fitted with the optional Performance Pack. The 2019 Porsche Macan will go on sale in China first, with other markets to follow later this year.

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