It’s been approximately four years since Porsche introduced the Macan compact SUV, and you know what that means – a facelifted version is due. That’s what happened in Shanghai recently, following a brief period of teaser shots and updates.
The new Macan stays with the overall styling, with Porsche giving particular emphasis on the compact SUV’s lighting. LED lights are now standard, with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) further optimising its use to adaptively control light distribution. The front end has been redesigned to give the Macan a wider look, although the press release does not say how. Comparing pictures with the current local Macan, we do see that the bottom portion of the front bumper is now a single piece, while the LED light strip that was immediately below the headlights now are placed at the bottom portion of the side air breathers.
At the back, a long and thin light strip that connects between the two taillights we also see in some 911 variants, for instance, is now incorporated here. This similarly makes the vehicle look wider. The four-point design of the brake lights also reflects the brand’s identity. There’s a few new colour choices too, such as Miami Blue, Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, and the unique Crayon hue.
Inside, the similarity to the 911 continues with the GT sports steering wheel, available as an option. This allows for the Sport Response Button when the Sports Chrono Package is equipped. Also in the new updated Macan is a heated windscreen, and ioniser.
The full-HD touchscreen has grown substantially bigger – from the previous 7-inches to 11-inches. That has forced Porsche designers to move the air-cond vents however, which before this was flanking the screen. Now, they are placed below it.
Naturally, the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) is in the Macan, together with an internal ‘Jukebox’ hard drive for music.
True to the company’s DNA in sporty drive quality, the Macan received a chassis tuning to give it enhanced neutrality and stability while at the same time improving comfort. Porsche’s tyre partners has developed new compounds to give new performance characteristics that enables better lateral dynamics. Not usual words when talking about SUVs but that’s what Porsche is all about.
Unfortunately, don’t expect the new updated Macan to reach our shores in the immediate near future. That is something we can even say to those in Europe and America as the model presented in Shanghai is offered exclusively for the Chinese market first. Other markets will follow later on this year.
Porsche Macan 2018
