Porsche Macan S 2021 Review

Prices have risen across the 2021 Porsche Macan line-up, which now ranges from $84,800 plus on-road costs for the entry-grade Macan ($500 more than before) to $129,800 plus ORCs for the top-shelf GTS, which is up a whopping $17,500.

The former range-topping Macan Turbo (previously priced from $145,200) is temporarily unavailable, and may not be seen until the next generation turns up in a couple of years’ time.

Occupying the middle ground with this upgraded MY22 series is the Macan S, which we spent most time driving during the local launch and is now priced from $105,800 plus ORCs – a $5000 premium over the model it replaces.

That’s arguably fair game, however, when you consider there’s not only extra equipment but a new and more powerful engine – the 280kW/520Nm 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 from the previous GTS, replacing the old 260kW/480Nm 3.0-litre single-turbo unit.

The GTS still has the upper hand, now producing 324kW/550Nm – the same output as the previous Macan Turbo, albeit with revisions that Porsche engineers claim improve responsiveness.

It’s also no bad thing that the MY22 Macan goes relatively untouched on the outside. For its third refresh, Porsche says a redesigned nose emphasises the SUV’s width, while a full-width LED light bar now connects the tail-lights. The side mirrors are also supported by a new V-shaped base.

More prominent updates were made inside the cabin, where every model grade gets a larger 10.9-inch digital touch-screen and a refreshed centre console with touch-sensitive buttons on a piano black face, in place of conventional buttons.

There are other detail changes too, such as a redesigned gear selector (now 15mm shorter than before), and a 911-style steering wheel.

See our pricing and specs news story for the full rundown.

As before, Porsche covers the Macan with a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and trips to the workshop are due every 12-months or 15,000km.

Scratch the surface of its gorgeous exterior and there are plenty of tell-tale signs that the 2021 Porsche Macan is nearing the end of its current lifecycle.

In typical Porsche fashion, you’ll need to pay extra if you want safety and driver assistance aids that really should be fitted standard – at least at this price point.

Firstly, here’s what you do get: lane departure warning, lane change assist, park assist, cruise control with speed limiter, auto-hold and keyless entry with push-button start.

All Macan variants are also now fitted standard with LED headlights and the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), which includes static and dynamic cornering functionality, speed-sensitive range control, an “adverse weather function” and four-point LED daytime running.

If, however, you want adaptive cruise control – which brings autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection – you’ll need to add another $1620 to the invoice.

Oh, and lane keep assist adds another $1100 too, thanks.

When you’re splurging on big-brand items such as a Porsche, another $2720 probably won’t blow the budget, but we’d prefer that buyers didn’t have to make decisions on whether or not to specify potentially life-saving safety equipment.

Spend some time getting to know the Macan’s new infotainment unit and it’s responsive and easy to use.

Shame the same can’t be said for the wildly dated driver’s instrument cluster, which employs three circular gauges: two old-school analogue dials and a third digital display with yesteryear graphics.

Thankfully, there’s a digital speedo display, but it’s tiny.

Other standard equipment includes Wi-Fi connectivity, Apple CarPlay (no Android Auto), digital radio, navigation, a 14-speaker premium Bose sound system, four USB-C outlets (two front and two rear) and an electric tailgate.

We sampled all three variants of the 2021 Porsche Macan at the local launch, but it was the mid-spec Porsche Macan S that impressed most.

While GTS outputs are up by 44kW/30Nm, the range-topping Macan doesn’t feel a great deal quicker than the S, which uses a detuned version of the same Porsche-built 2.9-litre biturbo V6.

On the flipside, the entry-level Macan’s 195kW 2.0-litre turbo-four is just a little uninspiring – particularly in the company of the Macan S (280kW) and GTS (324kW).

Porsche says acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 4.6 seconds in the Macan S with the Sport Chrono package (or 4.3sec in the GTS), but we don’t think you’ll feel short-changed in either. Both are brilliant machines.

Take-off in the Macan S isn’t quite a kick in the guts, but power from that twin-turbo V6 seems infinite, with loads of mid-range pull and plenty of grip from the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system.

Meanwhile, every downshift of the seven-speed PDK auto is an aural delight – especially in Sport Plus drive mode with its orchestra of pops and crackles – not to mention how bloody quick the unit responds to gear selections.

You might even forgive the fact you can’t shift manually via the gear shifter (only paddles are provided).

Keen drivers will appreciate Porsche’s efforts in improving the MY22 Macan’s steering feel and feedback via software tweaks, along with extra underbody cladding that’s said to aid aerodynamics.

It’s also good to know you can tow up to 2000kg (braked) if you need to, and for the record, Porsche claims the Macan S will use 10.2 litres per 100km on the official combined cycle.

We averaged 12.3L/100km during our time behind the wheel.

Overall, the Macan S is a confidence-inspiring SUV that’s great to drive and just a little too easy to drive fast.

When it comes to on-road manners and handling dynamics, the mid-series 2021 Porsche Macan S again reaffirms itself as our pick of the bunch.

Finding a happy medium between the floaty and soft shocks of the base Macan and the firm ride of the GTS, the Macan S is simply comfortable.

Unlike the GTS, which uses adaptive height-adjustable air suspension, the Macan S uses the same steel coil suspension as the entry-level Macan, but with the added bonus of Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive damping system.

The result? A performance SUV that isn’t too firm or jarring over potholes or speed humps, yet sporty enough to whip you around a sharp corner with next to no body roll.

All the while the cabin is supremely quiet, even on coarse-chip bitumen, and the only time you might question its capability is after you push it too hard into a hairpin and its Pirelli-clad 20-inch front wheels struggle for grip.

Those with big feet may find the Macan’s cramped footwell (courtesy of an extra-large transmission tunnel) a setback, however it’s certainly not a deal-breaker.

Elsewhere, rear seat passengers are provided with decent headroom and legroom, but a high floor means long-legged folk will have to bend at the knees more than usual.

Rear compartment amenities include a ski port, centre arm rest with cup holders, good-sized door pockets, air vents with temperature control and outboard ISOFIX anchorage points.

A 453-litre boot (with a collapsible spare tyre) also brings generous storage.

There’s no hiding the well-seasoned and, quite frankly, aged feel inside the cabin of the 2021 Porsche Macan.

There is, however, so much to love from a driving point of view that you could easily look past the fact Macan doesn’t get as much tech as some of its rivals.

The lack of standard safety equipment remains a disappointing aspect with Porsche’s top-selling model, but we’re in a forgiving mood.

Drawbacks aside, the Porsche Macan S somehow reels you back in with its brilliant dynamics, throbbing twin-turbo powertrain and downright sexy silhouette.

And at the end of the day, it’s proof that age really has no limits.

How much does the 2021 Porsche Macan S cost?
Price: $105,800 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol
Output: 280kW/520Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 10.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 233g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (Euro NCAP 2014)