New Porsche Macan: premium SUV unveiled in Shanghai

The new Porsche Macan debuts several design changes, new technology and some chassis improvements.

The new Porsche Macan is here! The compact SUV from the German brand has been unveiled in Shanghai in a new version with several design changes, new technology and some chassis improvements. Among the novelties the new Macan debuts, the highlights are the new three-dimensional LED rear lights, the 11-inch touchscreen of the infotainment system and the new GT sports steering wheel used by the 911.

Exterior changes: three-dimensional LED lights

The new Porsche does not offer major changes to its exterior design compared to the current version. The renewed premium SUV features at the rear the same three-dimensional LED light strip debuted by the new Porsche Cayenne, Panamera and the next generation 911. In addition, the front lights incorporate LED technology as standard and can optionally include the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus, a technology that automatically adapts the light beam distribution depending on road conditions and approaching vehicles.

The front bumper and front grille have also been revised, giving the SUV a wider look than before. In addition, the car debuts new exterior colours “Miami Blue”, “Mamba Green Metallic”, “Dolomite Silver Metallic” and “Crayon”, thereby expanding the car’s exterior customisation range.

Interior changes

The renewed Porsche Macan features a new GT sports steering wheel which can optionally include the Sport Response driving mode selector; this option is part of the optional Sports Chrono package.

The SUV has also expanded its list of comfort options with the addition of a new heated windscreen and an ionizer that improves air quality in the cabin.

11-inch touchscreen and full connectivity

The new Porsche Macan features a high-definition touchscreen that grows from seven to eleven inches. As in the Panamera and Cayenne, the infotainment system’s user interface can be personalised using predefined layouts. The centre console has also been revised, as well as the dashboard and the air vents, which are now located below the central screen.

In terms of connectivity, the premium SUV comes as standard with the PCM system, which provides access to new digital functions such as intelligent voice control and online navigation system.

Optimised chassis: new wheels and tyres

The new Porsche Macan receives new chassis settings that provide more stable and comfortable handling. The premium crossover uses tyres of different widths on the front and rear axles (rear wheels larger than the front ones), something quite unusual in the SUV segment and which, in the case of the Macan, allows the driver to get the most out of the intelligent all-wheel-drive system Porsche Traction Management (PTM); we recall that this system sends more power to the rear axle than to the front, so wider tyres on that axle can help transmit power to the ground more effectively. Furthermore, Porsche states that this asymmetric tyre configuration allows improved behaviour in corners. On the other hand, the car debuts renewed 20 and 21-inch alloy wheels.

Driving assistants: new Traffic Jam Assist

The Porsche Macan 2019 has also expanded its driver assistance equipment with the new Traffic Jam Assist. This system includes the well-known adaptive cruise control, which allows the driver to disengage from the brake and accelerator at speeds of up to 60 km/h. The system not only accelerates and brakes partially automatically, but also assists with steering in a traffic jam or when traffic is slow.

More powerful engines for the new Porsche Macan?

As for the mechanics, some changes are expected that could make the Macan an even more dynamic SUV. Nothing has been confirmed yet, partly because all brands are adapting their engines to the new WLTP homologation cycle, but it is likely that the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine will produce 300 CV, compared with the 252 CV currently offered by the standard Macan. For its part, the Macan S variant, which currently uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine with 340 CV, could increase its power to 355 CV. Finally, everything suggests that the Macan Turbo will replace its current V6 engine of 3.6 litres with a 2.9-litre unit producing 434 CV (34 CV more than the current version).

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverPorsche Macan5 versions · from 83,310 €