Porsche has unveiled the new Macan in Shanghai. The compact SUV has been a great success since its launch in 2014, and the latest model brings further enhancements in terms of its design, comfort, connectivity and driving dynamics, allowing the Macan to remain the sporty flagship in its segment.
The new Macan stays true to the Porsche design DNA with a distinctive three-dimensional LED light strip across its tail. LED technology also features in the headlights as standard. The most striking innovations inside the vehicle include the 11-inch touchscreen of the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM), re-designed and re-positioned air vents and the GT sports steering wheel familiar from the 911. The PCM enables access to new digital functions, such as intelligent voice control and the online navigation system. The vehicle’s range of comfort equipment has also been expanded to include traffic jam assist, an ioniser to control interior air quality and a heated windscreen.
LED headlights and new rear light strip as standard
The introduction of a number of exterior styling features are intended to bring a more purposeful appearance look to the Macan, as well as incorporating more contemporary design elements. For instance, numerous details reflect the DNA of the iconic 911 sports car as well as the 918 Spyder. In particular, the lighting plays a key role, with the new Macan equipped with LED headlight technology as standard. The light units have a distinctive, three-dimensional design and can be further optimised if desired, such as with the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS) that can adaptively control the light distribution.
The front of the new Macan has been designed to lend the car a wider appearance, while the overall styling impression intends to build on the sleek design of the prior model. The three-part, three-dimensional LED light strip across the rear represents another typical Porsche design element. The four-point design of the brake lights is a further leit motif of the Porsche brand identity.
New options: GT sports steering wheel, ioniser and Traffic Jam Assist
The link to the 911 is consolidated in the interior of the new Macan with the optional GT sports steering wheel. The mode switch plus Sport Response Button integrated into the steering wheel is showcased in the Macan as part of the optional Sports Chrono Package. Porsche has extended the list of comfort options to include a heated windscreen and an ioniser to improve the air quality in the interior.
New exterior colours such as “Miami Blue”, “Mamba Green Metallic”, “Dolomite Silver Metallic” and “Crayon” combined with new interior packages to provide a wider range of opportunities for customer personalisation.
Porsche has also used the introduction of the new model as an opportunity to expand the range of assistance systems in the Macan. The new Traffic Jam Assist including adaptive cruise control enables more comfortable and relaxed driving behaviour at speeds up to 60 km/h. Not only does the system feature partially automated acceleration and braking – it also assists with steering in a traffic jam or in slow-moving traffic.
11-inch touchscreen display and full connectivity
Through the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM), the Macan offers total connectivity and numerous digital functions. Above the typical Porsche rising centre console, a full-HD touchscreen has been enlarged from 7.2 to 10.9 inches and is incorporated seamlessly into the newly designed instrument panel. As in the Panamera and Cayenne, the user interface on the infotainment system can be customised using predefined tiles. The air vents have also been re-designed and are now positioned below the central screen.
As with the current model, each Macan is equipped with a Connect Plus module, making every vehicle fully networked as standard. This module underpins various digital functions and services such as intelligent voice control and the real-time traffic information that forms part of the standard online navigation system. One of the key elements of this system is the “Here Cloud” connection, which offers cutting-edge, swarm-based traffic data. Using the new Offroad Precision App, it is also possible to record and analyse off-road driving experiences in the Macan.
Optimised chassis with new tyres and wheels
Thanks to its optimised chassis, the new Macan is able to consolidate its exceptional status as a sports car in the compact SUV segment. Fine-tuning of the chassis delivers enhanced neutrality while maintaining stability and improving comfort. Although unusual for the SUV segment, the Macan still features mixed tyres with different tread widths on the front and rear axles. As with two door Porsche models, this arrangement enables the driver to take full advantage of the intelligent, all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM). Newly developed tyres with improved performance characteristics further raise the dynamic cornering potential, while new 20- and 21-inch wheels also offer greater scope to customise the design.
A model of success: more than 350,000 Macan deliveries since 2014
The Macan is a genuine success story. The combination of typical Porsche performance on any terrain coupled with a high degree of everyday practicality impressed customers right from the start. Since 2014, Porsche has delivered more than 350,000 units. With over 100,000 deliveries to date, the model is especially popular in the Chinese market, the location chosen to unveil the latest version of the compact SUV. The model presented in Shanghai will be offered exclusively in the Chinese market. Other models and markets will follow during the course of the year.
