Since its introduction in 2014, theMacan has been a smash hit for Porsche– in fact, 80%of the executive SUV’s buyers are new to the iconic German marque. But the world has moved on considerably in the past 7years…can another round of updates keep the Macan at the forefront of its segment?

Let’s start this review with something we would usually keep for the conclusion:the price. You can get into theMacan for R1 050 000(October 2021). Now, keep in mind that this supposed “baby” Macan still punches out 195 kW– and it can keep up with hot hatches by accelerating from standstill to 100 kph in only 6.2 sec. You’ll undoubtedly have to tick a few option boxes to specify the derivative to your taste, but that is also the case with the model’s similarly-priced German competitors… the major difference, however, isthat with the Macan, even the “entry-level” one, you get a Porsche badge on the nose.

As I cruised along some of the Western Cape’s best roads and steered the (195-kW) Macan into some of the launch route’s twists and turns, the pricing context described in the previous paragraph kept swirling in my head… For similar money (around a bar)you can get a recently facelifted BMW X3 sDrive20i M Sport (135 kW) or a Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic AMG Line (190 kW). You could even argue, that due to its low-slung, broad-shouldered stance, the Macan is a more natural competitor to the (more expensive) BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe variants, but, upon closer inspection, the Macan happens to comparereasonably well with its more traditional German rivals in terms of luggage space – its 458-litre load bay may be about 100 litressmaller than the X3 and GLC’s, but its total claimedutility space (1 503 litres) is less than 100 litres under the figures quoted for those rivals. So… space-wise, the sportier styling of the Macan has not impacted its practicality all that much.

So, I’d like to kick things off by stating the Macan appears to offer excellent value for moneyand this applies to the S and GTS derivativesas well. I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you’re shopping for a mid-sized luxury crossover with a sporty bent, you may want tovisita Porsche dealer –the Macan is (perhaps surprisingly, given its “exotic” badge) priced to compete with mainstream executive SUVs.

Fresh looks for the Porsche Macan in 2021

The GTS derivative on the left sits considerably lower than its siblings, denoting itsperformance intentions.

Based on the MLB platform that also underpins the Audi Q5, the Macan (originally styled under the guidance of Michael Mauer)has aged well. It has a lower roofline than most of its rivals which, combined with its broad “hips” make the Porsche appear sportier than the competition. For 2021, there are significant changes to the front-end, with reworked grille/air intakes and a more 3D design overall. Inlays are used to create the perception of both width and “lightness”, whilea substantial diffuser expressessporting intent. On the GTS flagship, gloss black is used liberally to make it appear even more menacing.

Some very bold colours are available, including Papaya Metallic and Python Green. Porsche has further added several new wheel designs to choose from, but it’s worth noting that that standard wheel on the Macan has moved up one size, to 19-inch. The Macan S gets polished, dark-painted 20-inch wheels, and the Macan GTS is fitted with 21-inch rims.

The cabin, too, has received a number of upgrades, most notably to the centre console and transmission tunnel. Whereas previous Macans featured buttons by the proverbial bucketload, the latest model boasts a nice mix of touch-sensitive controls embedded into the transmission tunnel, and physical switches for major controls. The Zuffenhausen-based firm has cleaned up/modernised the overall look of the cabin significantly. A minor gripe, however, is that the centre ventilation outlets are mounted quite low; when you adjustthem by hand it’s not difficult to brush the touch-sensitive buttons below them.

As with the outgoing model, a full HD 10.9-inch screen allows for access to the car’s major infotainment functionsand doubles as a display for the camera system. Of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is included. Even the multifunction steering wheels have been revised, although they will be familiar to 911 or Panamera owners. The standard interior colour is black on all derivatives, but Porsche offers a staggering number of trim options. If you delve into the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur range, you can specifycarbon, gloss black, body colour or even burr-walnut finishes.

More power, even sportier dynamics

All engines in the Macan range producemore power than the outgoing derivatives.

All 3Macan derivatives benefit from a power boost due to the fitment of substantially revised (or new) engines. The turbocharged 2.0-litre4-cylinder motor in the entry-level Macan is from the widely-used EA888 VW family of powerplants, but tweaked for the Macan’s specific requirements. It delivers a strong 195 kW and 400 Nm of torque, plus it’s coupled with the marque’s 7-speed PDK (dual-clutch) automatic transmission; the powertrain will sendpower to all wheels only when needed –the Macan is a decidedly rear-biased vehicle. Fitted with the Sport Chrono package, the baby Macan is also capable of achieving a top speed of 232 kph. More than fast enough, then… Drive more measuredlyand you could get near Porsche’s claimed combined consumption figure of around 8.8 L/100 km.

Move up a notch to the Macan S and matters get decidedly more serious. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litreV6 that delivers 280 kW and 520 Nm of torque. Porsche says this middle derivative can sprint from 0 to 100 kph in 4.6 sec(when equipped with Sport Chrono) and go on to a 259-kph top speed. The S should consume just shy of 10 L/100 km (claimed combined consumption). Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which actively and continuously adapts the damping force on each wheel for the prevailing road and driving conditions, is standard on the Macan S (and GTS).

And then there’s the GTS flagship.Not only does it look significantly more aggressive than its siblings…it also packs a wallop. It too uses the twin-turbo 2.9-litreV6 engine, but in the GTS, peak power has been turned up to a full 324 kW and the maximum torque is 550 Nm. When equipped with Sport Chrono, it will rocketfrom 0 to 100 kph in 4.3 secand on to a 272-kph top speed. Those are some serious performance numbers… The Macan GTS rides 10 mm lower to the ground than its siblingsand is fitted (as standard) with a height-adjustable sports air suspension. To achieve improvedbody control, Porsche has fitted stiffer springs fore and aft; plus the GTS is said to have even better pitch and roll control. All new Macansbenefit from steering improvements, particularly in terms of precision and feel.

The new Porsche Macan on the road

The “Goldilocks”pick in the Macan range –the Macan S.

Porsche made examples of all 3derivatives available for the local launch drive, which took place in the Western Cape. The route included long straight sections, mountain passes, and a variety of surfaces.

When you settleinto a Macan (even the base version), you’re immediately remindedthat you’re in a Porsche. The high transmission tunnel, typically Porsche instrumentation, and the view over the curvy front fenders createthis impression. It feels like a driver’s car, even if the vehicleis standingin the car park. The rear occupant space is okay(but not class-leading)and the load bay is more than sufficient in shape and volume for, let’s say, a family of four. It’s also worth noting the prime build quality – not a squeak or a rattle could be heardduring the long route, which included some very coarse surfaces.

The base Macan is probably all the luxury mid-size crossover most people would ever need;it offersa nice balance of performance, refinement and efficiency. At its core, it’s a significantly sharper driver’s car than the competition, but it was also arelaxed, quiet tourer on the long stretches we completed.

I’d say that the Macan S is the pick of the range, because it offerssizzling performance, excellent dynamics (to please enthusiastic drivers)and remains more than comfortable and refined enough to drive to the office (or do the school run) every weekday. It’s not an intimidating sports SUVand, given its asking priceof R1 271 000, it compares very well with its more mainstream competitors – most notably the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic, which has similar power, more space inside, but which is not remotely as sharp in terms of dynamism.

The physical buttons have been replaced bytouch-sensitive controls on the transmission tunnel

Finally, the Macan GTS… It offers the kind of performance that not so long ago was the preserve of serious sports- or near-supercars. There are similarly fast SUVs out there, of course, but what the Macan GTS manages to do is to feel “natural” or “completely adept” at going fast around corners, whereas in most other SUVs or crossovers, you get the sense that adizzying number of electronic gizmosare doing the work– you’re just a passenger. The Macan GTS still manages to entertain, delight (with its steering sharpness and instant responses)and communicate… well, it somehow “talks” to you through the seat of your pants. In short, it feels like a fast car, not a fast SUV. If you want to make it feel even racier, you canspec it with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and grippier Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres.

The Macan GTS is priced at R1 551 000, which puts it up against the BMW X3 M40i (285 kW) and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe 4Matic (287 kW). If you’re looking for an executive SUV (mid-sized luxury crossover)that offers the best driving experience, the decision here should be simple.

Verdict

If you’re after an SUV with performance and handling intentions, the Macan still delivers with aplomb.

In typical Porsche fashion, continuous improvement has kept the Macan very much in play… in fact, it compares rather favourably with the latest rival offerings. While it certainly occupies a position on the sportier side of the luxury crossover spectrum, the talents that place it there don’t come at the cost of everyday usability, comfort and refinement. If you’re looking for the maximum amount of interior space from your executive SUV, the Macan may not be the first choice,but it’s not cramped inside by any means. Well-priced, impeccably built and great to drive, the Macan really should be on your radar.