Porsche unwraps the Gen 2 Macan in the market heartland of China.
Against the welcoming backdrop of its key global market, Porsche has just unveiled the new Macan. Its first compact SUV appeared in 2014 and quickly became a runaway sales success, comfortably outstripping the larger Cayenne. This morning’s World Premiere in Shanghai reveals a subtle but extensive exterior design for phase 2, while the accompanying blurb promises improved driving dynamics, greater comfort and updated connectivity.
The new Macan gets a three-dimensional LED tail light strip, echoing the look of the new Cayenne and Panamera, and LED technology in the headlights as standard. The front end has been carefully re-worked to appear wider, while further fettling at the rear adds new four-point brake lights in line with the rest of the range.
Onboard, an 11-inch touchscreen now dominates the cockpit, supporting Porsche Communication Management to provide new digital functions such as intelligent voice control and online navigation. Helpful new systems such as Traffic Jam Assist provide adaptive cruise control at up to 37mph with partially automated acceleration and braking and assisted steering for slow-moving traffic.
Digital connectivity is a core principal at Porsche now, and all gen 2 Macans will be equipped with a Connect Plus module to make them fully networked. One of the key elements of this system is the “Here Cloud” connection, which offers cutting-edge, swarm-based traffic data.
Porsche’s determination to push the sporting message with the Macan is underlined by the inclusion of an optional GT sports steering wheel from the 911 and a Sports Response Button on the mode switch as part of the (also optional) Sports Chrono Package.
On the move, various chassis developments promise to ensure that stability, comfort and handling are all improved, with the Macan still benefiting from a performance-oriented mixed tyre set-up. These same tyres have been newly developed for the Macan, too, increasing lateral grip for greater cornering speed.
The model presented in Shanghai today is exclusive to China, but other variants will follow for the UK market later in the year.