2019 Porsche Macan

The changes are pretty significant for a facelift. Up front, Porsche added a lot of features that are based on the 911. The headlamps, for instance, now feature the four-point LED lighting pattern we鈥檝e seen on every other Porsche available right now. These headlamps are standard on every trim level. The intakes below have also been revised. The center vent now has horizontal slats only, while the side outlets are bigger and have wider slats. The smaller side vents below are also longer, while the center opening is almost perfectly rectangular. All these new elements give the Macan a wider, sportier stance. Finally, the apron is larger and almost as sharp as a full-fledged splitter. The profile remains virtually identical save for the wheels, which can be had in new designs and 20- and 21-inch sizes. You can also opt for extra customizing features, such as a black dent in the lower doors, black window trim, or carbon-fiber mirror caps.

Around back, the Macan remains unchanged above the taillights, but the latter are brand-new. On top of the recently introduced four-point design, they also feature Porsche鈥檚 new, three-dimensional LED strip with "Porsche" letters. We鈥檝e seen this feature on the 911 and the Panamera and it鈥檚 a sign that it鈥檚 becoming a trademark element for the German brand. The diffuser also features minor changes, but by far the most important is the new tailpipe setup with round outlets on each side. Four new exterior colors are available for the revised Macan, including the cool Miami Blue you see here, Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, and Crayon. Updates inside the cabin are significant too. The first thing that catches the eye is the new infotainment display, which now measure 11 inches, four inches more than the old unit. The revised Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system offers access to new digital functions, such as intelligent voice control and the online navigation system and enabled Porsche to eliminate some of the buttons in the center stack for a cleaner look.

In order to fit the larger display in the center stack, Porsche had to redesign and reposition the A/C vents. While these flanked the screen in the old model, they鈥檙e now much smaller and placed right above the center console in the revised SUV. Another important change is the sportier GT steering wheel. Based on the one from the 911 sports car, the new steering wheel features revised controls and it can be equipped with a mode switch and the Sport Response Button. Both are part of the optional Sports Chrono Package that increases performance and adds the analog clock on the dashboard. Porsche made further upgrades in the equipment department, but most new features, like the Traffic Jam Assist, the ionizer, and the heated windscreen, are optional. The new Traffic Jam Assist feature includes adaptive cruise control, which provides a more comfortable and relaxed drive at speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph). The system includes partially automated acceleration and braking functions, and it also assists with steering in slow-moving traffic. Porsche also included a Connect Plus module, which underpins various digital functions and services such as intelligent voice control and the real-time traffic information.

As usual, you can choose from a wide range of features from the Porsche Exclusive division to customize the interior. The offer includes new trim and upholstery options, including carbon-fiber and fine leather. Under-the-hood upgrades are less significant, or at least that鈥檚 what I鈥檓 getting from the company鈥檚 press release. Porsche only talks of an optimized chassis and fine-tuning that delivers "enhanced neutrality while maintaining stability and improving comfort." The crossover also features newly developed tires that improve grip and lateral dynamics. There isn鈥檛 much information on engine upgrades, but as it turns out the standard, turbocharged 2.0-liter is a bit less powerful than before. Because of new emissions regulations, the mill was fitted with a particulate filter that has reduced power from 252 to 245 horsepower. However, torque the same as before at 273 pound-feet. Despite the seven-horsepower drop, the new Macan is a bit faster to 62 mph. The crossover needs 6.7 seconds to get there, versus the 6.9-second benchmark of its predecessor. Top speed dropped form 143 to 139 mph. Next up is the Macan S, which draws its juice from a twin-turbo, 3.0-liter V-6 that generates 356 horses and 339 pound-feet of twist.

Hitting 62 mph takes 5.2 seconds, while top speed is limited to 156 mph. Finally, there鈥檚 the Macan Turbo, powered by a twin-turbo, 3.6-liter V-6 engine. The mill cranks out 400 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, pushing the crossover from 0 to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds, to go with a top speed of 164 mph. This model can be optioned up with a Performance Package, which raises output to 440 horses and 443 pound-feet. This version needs only 4.2 clicks to hit 62 mph, while top speed is rated at 168 mph. A diesel model is also available in Europe and other markets, but there鈥檚 no info on upgrades here. Up until now There was a base model rated at 211 horsepower and 428 pound-feet and a more powerful version that delivers 258 horses and 428 pound-feet. Both were motivated by a 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel engine. All Macan models feature a seven-speed PDK transmission and all-wheel drive. Options include an air suspension and the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system. At the 2018 Paris Motor Show, Porsche revealed pricing for European markets only.