Facelifted Porsche Macan unveiled

An update of the highly successful Porsche Macan will introduce new driver-assist technology and added comfort and safety features when it goes on sale in Australia early in 2019.

Changes to specification for the mid-size SUV are mostly cosmetic or comfort-oriented, the exceptions being 'fine tuning' of the chassis and new 20 or 21-inch wheel and tyre combinations.

An 11-inch touch screen replaces the seven-inch unit fitted previously and runs enhanced functions for the new infotainment system. These new functions include 'intelligent voice control' and standard online navigation. The screen can be customised to suit the user with function 'tiles' already introduced in the Panamera and Cayenne SUV.

The backend of the infotainment system is a new Porsche Communication Management system, which incorporates a 'Connect Plus' module to support 'intelligent voice control' and real-time ('swarm-based') traffic information for the online navigation system. This system also records off-road driving experience for the user.

New options for the Macan comprise a GT sports steering wheel, a heated windscreen, an ioniser and Traffic Jam Assist – a 'partially automated' system that handles steering, braking and acceleration at speeds up to 60km/h.

With the update model, the Porsche Macan migrates to adaptive LED headlights and LED tail lights as standard. New exterior colours consist of ‘Miami Blue', ‘Mamba Green Metallic', ‘Dolomite Silver Metallic' and ‘Crayon'.

Inside, vents in the centre fascia have been relocated below the infotainment screen to make room for the larger 11-inch unit.

For the global reveal of the facelifted Porsche Macan the manufacturer chose Shanghai (China) for the venue, since Chinese consumers have purchased 100,000 of the 350,000 units built since the Macan launched in 2014. Just under 8000 have been sold in Australia over the same period.

Porsche Cars Australia is yet to reveal pricing for the revised Macan, but expect a lift in pricing to reflect the new features added to the equipment list.