Get-Ad Free Access: Join Today!

Porsche Macan - The Story & Evolution

The Porsche Macan (Type 95B) was Porsche's first attempt at the into the world of the luxury compact CUV segment. Starting with the Volkswagen’s MLB platform, Porsche added their own touches to create a world beater. The Macan range includes many variants, including the Macan, Macan S, Macan S Diesel, Macan GTS and the Macan Turbo.

Porsche Macan Model Guides (2015-2018)

The production version of the Macan was unveiled at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show[13] and 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. European models went on sales in spring 2014 and the initial line-up of models included the Macan S and Macan Turbo. US models arrived at U.S. dealerships in late spring 2014 as 2015 model year vehicle. Early models included Macan S, Macan Turbo. Porsche subsequently released a base Macan for select Asian markets and the United Kingdom. This engine became offered globally for the Macan's 2017 model year following an announcement in March 2016. Changes to the Macan for 2016 include Porsche Communication Management system, optional full-LED headlights, redesigned steering controller, extended exterior and interior packages for Macan Turbo.

Porsche subsequently released a base Macan for select Asian markets and the United Kingdom. Using a reworked version of the Volkswagen Group's 2.0-litre inline-four EA888 Gen 3 engine used in multiple applications such as the Audi Q5. This engine became offered globally for the Macan's 2017 model year following an announcement in March 2016
The Macan S was part of the initial Macan launch and it was equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo engine delivering 335 hp and also features an active all-wheel-drive system with an electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch. This AWD system is fitted on all Macan models. A seven-speed double-clutch transmission is the only transmission on offer. 
The top model in the Porsche Macan lineup is the Macan Turbo. It launched in 2016 as the most powerful vehicle in the competitive compact SUV segment and its 3.6 liter twin-turbo V6 engine is a real gem. Good for 395 bhp @ 6000 rpm and torque of 406 ft lbs @ 1350 rpm, it helps the Macan Turbo accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.50 seconds (with the Sport Chrono package fitted) on its way to a top speed of 165 mph.
Porsche’s oil burner variant is a fairly irresistible redo of Audi’s architecture. Aside from the compact size, there is no obvious visual connection to the Q5. Porsche’s designers went to work inside and out. The Macan S Diesel is the economical long-distance runner of the three Macan models. Its 3.0-litre, six-cylinder V-engine has tons of torque and lots of range.
For the 2017 model year, Porsche added the Macan GTS trim to the lineup. The new Macan GTS gets a higher-output version of the twin-turbo V-6 that powers the S model. It also gets tweaked performance-oriented chassis, unique design elements and additional standard equipment. The 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine delivers 355 bhp @ 6000 rpm and 369 ft lbs of torque from 1650 rpm. Combined with the newly adapted PDK dual-clutch transmission, the Macan GTS can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
The top model in the Porsche Macan lineup is the Macan Turbo and in 2017 Porsche made it extra special by offering a Performance Package add on. After the performance enhancement, the twin-turbocharged, 3.6-litre V6 engine delivers 324 kW (440 hp; combined fuel consumption 9.7–9.4 l/100 km; CO2 emissions 224–217 g/km). With 30 kW (40 hp) more than the Macan Turbo, this figure places this variant firmly in the top spot in this model line. The car now accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds

Porsche Macan Model Guides (2019 - 2021)

The 2019 model year Macan was first unveiled in July 2018 in Shanghai as petrol four-cylinder base model and received its European debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. It went into production in August 2018. Changes to the previous model include an overhauled chassis, a gasoline particulate filter fitted as standard, a new front and rear fascia with LED head- and tail-lights as standard, new exterior colors and wheel designs, and a redesigned interior with Porsche Communication Management with 10.9-inch touchscreen display and Connect Plus with Porsche Offroad Precision App as standard. Optionally available systems include active suspension management, air suspension, torque vectoring, Sport Chrono package including Launch Control as well as park and traffic assistance systems. Overall, this mid-generation Macan update heralded sleeker looks, lower ride profile, enhanced performance and new interior. Porsche never rests.

In July 2018, Porsche unveiled a new facelift for the Macan range in Shanghai. The production started the following month and the Europeans saw it at the Paris Motor Show in September. The 2019 Porsche Macan update includes refreshed exterior styling that includes updated front and rear bumpers, new taillamps that span the width of the liftgate, and new wheel designs. The base Macan receives a 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder.
The Macan has important upgrades for the 2019 model, featuring new and improved front lights with LED headlights as standard and three-dimensional LED lights in the rear. The new model features a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine generating 348 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The new and more powerful engine marks an increase in both horsepower and torque over the prior Macan S models. 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono and top speed is 157 mph.
The GTS returned to the lineup for 2020 after a year off. Its twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 makes 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Quickness is important in a crossover with sporting intentions, but we love the way the GTS handles and acts like a true sportscar. Apple CarPlay, available as part of the Premium package or as a standalone option, gains wireless connectivity, while wireless device charging has been added to the designated Smartphone Compartment option.
After a one-year hiatus, Porsche brings us a Macan Turbo with more power, more speed, and more standard equipment. It swapped its twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6 for a new twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 shared with versions of the larger Cayenne SUV and the Panamera. Porsche claims that it's enough to punt the all-wheel-drive Macan Turbo to 60 mph 0.3 second quicker than before. This is the top of the Macan lineup heap.

Porsche Macan Model Guides (2022 - Present)

While this isn’t a full redesign, the Macan got some notable tweaks to its exterior, interior and mechanicals for the 2022 model year. Across the 2022 Macan lineup, Porsche is giving buyers more powerful engine options compared to 2021 models. Base models still get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but it’s been updated to produce 261 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of torque — increases of 13 and 22, respectively, over the 2021 version. The 2022 Macan S gets the engine from the 2021 Macan GTS, a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 making 375 hp and 383 pounds-feet. The current range-topping Macan, the GTS, gets the twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 from the 2021 Macan Turbo, giving it 434 hp and 406 pounds-feet. If you’re sensing the start of a pattern, so are we, but Porsche hasn’t announced anything with higher performance than the GTS, at least not yet. The GTS also gets standard Porsche Surface Coated Brakes and an adaptive suspension Porsche says can be up to 15% stiffer than in previous models. The revised models get freshened front styling with new air intakes and body-color bumper trim, along with a new, taller rear diffuser. Along the sides, the side blade design now includes a textured element and Sport Design side mirrors are now standard. A bevy of new wheel choices are available with sizes now ranging from 19 to 21 inches. Refinements rather than major changes are the name of the game inside the 2022 Macan, too. There’s a new center console design with touch-sensitive controls around a revised and shorter gear selector lever. The standard 10.9-inch touchscreen includes built-in navigation and Apple CarPlay, but not Android Auto compatibility; though Porsche recently announced an update to its multimedia system to include Android Auto, the 2022 Macan doesn’t get the new system.

Porsche introduced yet another facelift for the Macan lineup for the 2022 model year. The range got more power under the hood, a refreshed design, and an improved interior. The base turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder now makes 261 horsepower. It is a newly developed, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that helps hustle the base Macan from 0 - 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 144 mph. The redesign on the outside gives the base 2022 Macan a tighter look.
Front fascia with newly designed spoiler. The characteristic Macan side blades in new designs. The redesigned rear fascia and diffuser. Revised steering wheel options. The base turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder now makes 261 horsepower. Standard features include a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10-speaker audio system, and LED headlights.
The 2022 GTS get the same engine that powered last year's Turbo model, a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 rated for 434 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque, which amount to increases of 59 horses and 22 lb-ft over the previous GTS. All Macans also come standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, which combine to push the GTS into the "genuinely fun" category of athleticism and should help it mimic the Turbo's 3.5-second sprint to 60 mph.
The 2023 Porsche Macan T brings touring style to the Macan. This new model sits between the base Macan and the midlevel S. Positioned between the base Macan and the midrange Macan S, the Macan T packs the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found in the entry-level model, delivering 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque through a standard seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. The German automaker says the powertrain is good for a 5.8-second 0-to-60-mph dash and a top speed of 144 mph. Unsurprisingly, those are the same factory performance estimates as the standard Macan when fitted with the optional Sport Chrono Package that comes standard on this T.

More Porsche Macan News & Updates

Recent news, awesome reviews, new model announcements and all the other latest news and posts regarding the Porsche Macan.

The new Macan is finally here, and while numbers never tell the complete story, they are impressive: Two versions of...

Join Our Porsche Community

Sign up for our weekly Porsche newsletter. The latest Porsche news, rumors, reviews and more delivered to your inbox. Cool Porsche stuff perfect for the flat-six obsessed.

More Porsche Research

There is a lot more Porsche data, details and obsession to explore.