Porsche Macan PDK 2.0 (A) Facelift Review

Since its launch in 2014, the Porsche Macan compact SUV has proved to be one of the brand's best-selling models. It delivered a sporty driving experience befitting the Porsche brand, while also offering the family-friendly sensibilities of a compact SUV.

The Macan was first facelifted in 2019, but has once again been updated for 2021 as the brand looks to keep the model current until an all electric version arrives in 2023. So, what's changed?

High concept

Visually, the Macan retains its familiar silhouette. Compared to the 2019 facelift, the visual updates on this 2021 are slight. The nose of the car has been lightly redesigned (it shares more than a passing resemblance to the new 911, albeit bigger), and the rounded off rear bumper design is slightly different, but most people will be hard pressed to spot obvious differences.

Slide inside the car and the changes are more apparent. The flurry of centre console buttons have now been completely replaced by a single glossy touch surface, with the only physical controls being for the air-conditioning. It's definitely a visually neater solution, at least until you start to leave fingerprints all over it.

Infotainment functions are accessed via the 10.9-inch Porsche Communication Management touchscreen, which offers smooth and intuitive operation, while music is pumped out of the standard Bose sound system. You also get the sleek new multi-function steering wheel taken from the 911.

Expectedly, the Macan's cabin is a lovely space to be in. It feels expensively premium, while still having a distinct sporty feel to it. Space is also aplenty - rear passengers enjoy good amounts legroom and headroom, and while the 488-litre boot may not be class-leading, it's still plenty of space, helped by the large loading aperture.

Driving might

This entry-model Macan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. Power has been bumped up to 261bhp and 400Nm of torque, which means the Macan takes just 6.4 seconds to hit 100km/h. This is no slow car on the tarmac, even if the engine is more effective than it is exciting.

The rest of the car remains fundamentally unchanged - the Macan has all along been a dynamically outstanding package, so change wasn't really necessary at all. Porsche has tweaked the damper settings of the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which is optionally fitted on this car, and this is still easily one of the best-handling cars in its class.

The Macan's ability to deftly handle twisty roads with a sense of lightness, body control and agility is surpassed only by the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The steering is responsive and meaty, the rear-biased all-wheel drive system offers plenty of traction while still retaining good sense of front-end sharpness and, really, Porsche has long ago figured out the dynamic recipe for the Macan.

The sporty but agreeable ride quality (even on upsized 21-inch rims) also means that this is a consummate every day car. It's comfortable, easy to drive, visibility is good, and it does everything you need a sensible SUV to do as well.

Hauling well

The Macan had no need for an overhaul. That much has been obvious all along. Its blend of sporty Porsche personality with functional SUV practicality may irk some purists, but the truth is that the Macan is one of the most well-rounded premium compact SUVs in the market.

With this facelift, that is still very much true. Porsche hasn't done any unnecessary tweaking for the sake of it. Quite sensibly, the equipment upgrades help to keep this slightly aging model relatively fresh and current as the brand works towards its all electric offering.

And with a car that's already this polished, there's no reason to do anything else but that.


In the market for a luxury compact SUV? There's also these options to consider:

The BMW X3 xDrive30i is spacious for the family, yet dynamic for drivers

There's also the Mercedes-Benz GLC300, equipped with an impressive cabin and an improved ride

Or you can opt for the handsome, quiet, and comfotable Audi Q5 S Line