Weissach’s smallest SUV receives some cosmetic updates and new steering wheel and infotainment.
What has changed on the outside?
After being on the market for four years, the Macan has been facelifted and was unveiled in China this week.
The visual changes are subtle, though, including new LED lights. The rear ones, in particular, now extend the whole width in the style of the Panamera and Cayenne (the next-generation 911 is also said to be getting this treatment).
There are two key changes in the cabin including the so-called GT sports steering wheel from the 911 and 918 Spyder and 11in touchscreen. To help accommodate the wider infotainment display, the air-con vents have been redesigned and repositioned.
Porsche is also talking about some tweaks made to the chassis to improve stability and comfort despite it being raved by the media as the most car-like SUV to drive in its class.
Has it gone plug-in?
Porsche has yet to disclose the engine range for the revised Macan. But it’s highly likely that the new 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 will be extended to the Macan from the Panamera and Cayenne.
The current 3.0-litre V6 in the Macan S and GTS produces 340hp and 360hp accordingly, while the 3.6-litre V6 in the Turbo and Turbo Performance Pack generates 400hp and 440hp respectively.
There’s a chance that Porsche might discontinue sales of the Macan S Diesel which currently comes with 258hp 3.0-litre V6.
As for the plug-in hybrid, we hear that it probably won’t happen in the Macan due to limitations in packaging the batteries and other electric components.
However, we’ve been told that an all-electric version is due in next-gen form after the turn of the decade to take on the Audi E-tron, Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X.
Also confirmed for participation in this class of battery electric vehicles are the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz EQ C.
So where’s the economical Macan?
The existing 2.0-litre petrol-turbo engine might be the answer for the facelifted Macan, not that wallets of potential buyers are thin. The power output of 252hp could be raised.
With the current model going for some six million baht in Thailand with this particular engine (and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic), the Macan should still stand a decent chance against the Jaguar F-Pace and Range Rover Velar, both powered by 180hp 2.0-litre diesel-turbo.
One distraction for the Macan could be the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe whose price has just dropped in Thailand by 1.1 million baht, at 4.69 million baht. It comes with 367hp 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6.
Expect the updated Macan to land on Thai shores toward the end of the year.
