Porsche Macan S PDK 2.9 (A) Facelift Review

Much like the base Porsche Macan I recently drove, I'm not sure how much there is left for me to say about this facelifted (again) Macan S.

Truth is, I'm not sure how much else Porsche can improve this car ahead of its impending electric transformation. The Macan is a thoroughly well-rounded, somewhat over-engineered compact SUV that delivers a combination of luxury, performance and practicality that's hard to beat.

This round of updates is aimed at keeping the model fresh and current, as it is slated to be sold concurrently with the electric model that's scheduled to arrive in 2023. So, what's been changed?

Rounded up

As with the Macan, the exterior changes are slight - there's the refreshed nose and rounded rear bumper. The only visual difference between the Macan and this S model are the air intakes at the front. On the Macan S, the air intakes are 'open' and functional, and you can see through to the radiators behind.

The interior features the same key upgrade, which is the new touch-surface centre console. It neatly organises many of the key controls, such as your air-con adjustment, drive mode, suspension settings and so forth. The rest of the cabin remains luxurious, comfortable and premium. 

This Macan S also comes equipped with some additional equipment as standard, including the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), bigger brakes, and larger rims.

Sharp force

Power from the 2.9-litre V6 engine has been bumped up 26bhp to 375bhp and 520Nm of torque, which makes this a potent car. 0-100km/h takes just 4.6 seconds (with the Sport Chrono package), and the car runs all the way to 259km/h. So yes, performance is a given.

The V6 also delivers a soulful soundtrack (pops and crackles included), which makes this a more fun car to drive even if you aren't going very fast.

More relevantly, the Macan S continues to deliver in the dynamics department. The steering is sharp and accurate, cornering agility and traction is outstanding, body roll is extremely well managed, and there's just no denying the inherent sportiness of this car. The adjustable PASM suspension allows you to toggle between three settings, which means that you can go from relatively plush comfort to sporty firmness.

Potency assured

Obviously, the main difference between this Macan S and the base Macan is primarily what's under the bonnet. In standard specs, the price difference between the two is about $40k, which isn't chump change.

This Macan S is the more exciting and engaging car, primarily because the V6 engine has a character of its own that's becoming increasingly rare these days. As a result, I do think it's the more desirable model, if you're able to swallow the extra financial hit (both to buy and to run daily, what with its poorer fuel consumption and higher road tax).

Either way, regardless of which variant you choose, you can be rest assured that you're still getting a highly polished, dynamically outstanding and still sensibly practical compact SUV. That's what a Macan has always been and, it seems, will always be.


Looking for a performance-oriented compact luxury SUV? These models might also interest you:

The BMW X4 M40i xDrive will ferry the family while packing loads of power and making even more noise

Or perhaps you're looking for the entry-level Porsche Macan equipped with a 2.0-litre engine which is still a mighty well-rounded SUV