Updated Porsche Macan Debuts in Shanghai
With a mild styling refresh and new technology, the Porsche Macan aims to maintain its status as the ultimate sporty SUV.
It wasn’t all that long ago that detractors slammed Porsche’s decision to build SUVs. But now who’s laughing? The legendary sports car builder is selling more ‘utes than 911s these days, and raking in loads of cash in the process. They’ve sold over 350,000 Macans alone since the compact SUV debuted back in 2014. And now, they’ve unveiled the second generation of the Porsche Macan in Shanghai, China.
As you might have guessed, that particular location is rather important to the Macan, too. Nearly one-third of the Macans Porsche has sold to date have been in the Chinese market. And thus, the model presented in Shanghai will be offered exclusively in the Chinese market. According to Porsche, additional models and markets will follow suit over the course of the year.
Because the Macan itself isn’t all that old, changes are rather minimal, yet obvious. On the outside, you’ll find a host of styling elements derived from the 911 and 918. They include reworked LED headlights with optional adaptive distribution, along with a wider-appearing front end. Out back, you’ll find the now familiar singular taillight strip that adorns everything from the forthcoming 911 to the all-electric Taycan.
Inside, Porsche’s GT sports steering wheel is now available as an option. New exterior colors have been added to the Macan’s palette, including Miami Blue, Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, and Crayon. New technology includes Traffic Jam Assist, which uses adaptive cruise control with partially automated braking, acceleration, and steering. And an 11-inch touchscreen display utilizes the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) software to control everything.
A newly tuned chassis aims to maintain the Macan’s status as “a sports car in the compact SUV segment.” Handling is said to be neutral, yet maintainins stability and comfort. An unique combination of 20/21-inch staggered tire sizes is said to improve driving dynamics as well.
Overall, the new Porsche Macan is more evolution than revolution. But like its more established brand mate the 911, we already know that’s not such a bad thing.
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