2019 Porsche Macan SCosta Mouzouris / Driving DEER LAKE, Nfld. – It really didn’t take long for the Macan to become Porsche’s best-selling vehicle in Canada. In 2017, just three years after its introduction, the Macan outsold the next most popular Porsche, the Cayenne, by more than 80 per cent. In 2018, the Macan was once again Porsche’s best-selling model, finding homes in the driveways of 3,960 Canadians — and outselling the Cayenne once again. In fact, the Macan represents almost half of all new Porsche models sold in Canada. Now this is Porsche, so we’re not talking Honda or Toyota numbers, but any manufacturer that almost doubles its sales figures following the introduction of a single vehicle has certainly done something right. That’s a pretty good reason why for 2019, Porsche made only minor changes to the Macan and its sportier sibling, the Macan S. We’re in Deer Lake, Newfoundland to sample the latter. The Macan S has design elements that give it a family resemblance to Porsche’s mid- and rear-engine sports cars, like its elongated headlights and its bulbous hood. But it is nonetheless an SUV. Slip into the driver’s seat and take it for a drive, though, and there’s no mistaking it for anything but a Porsche. While the base Macan retains the 248-horsepower, 2.0-litre turbocharged four, there’s a new engine powering the Macan S. It’s the same 3.0L V6 that powers the latest Panamera and Cayenne, and it features a “hot V” layout with a single, twin-scroll turbocharger set within the V’ of the engine. This new layout shortens exhaust manifold length, which helps reduce turbo lag to almost nil. Claimed output is 348 horsepower — up 13 compared to the previous twin-turbo V6 — and 354 lb.-ft. of torque, and the Macan S can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. The new engine mates to the same seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox as before, and it drives all four wheels. The Macan S now features full LED exterior lighting as standard, including the headlights, while brighter LED cornering headlights with automatic high-beams are optional. Fog lights are now part of the LED headlights, a change that combines with a new grille to give the appearance of a wider front end. In the rear, an LED light panel stretches across the hatch, bridging the taillights together. Subtle changes continue inside, where a larger 10.9-inch touchscreen replaces the outgoing Macan’s 7.2-inch screen. Heating vents are now splayed horizontally to make room for the new, wider screen. Controlling the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) user interface is done through the touchscreen, or by vocal commands via Porsche’s Voice Pilot. You can also access certain functions via your smart phone using the Porsche Connect and Porsche Car Connect apps. Apple CarPlay is still the only connectivity option in the Macan, so Android users will have to wait for that to change. Online navigation is standard, and an embedded navigation system is optional. The GT steering wheel that greets drivers of the 911 is now optional, and it comes with the Sport Response button when the optional Sport Chrono package is selected — this gives you 20 seconds of enhanced engine response when pushed. The interior, which seats four comfortably, is roomy and surprisingly so for rear passengers. There’s ample headroom in the rear despite the sloping roof, and even with the front seats adjusted for six-footers, there’s enough legroom for even more six footers back there. Changes in the undercarriage include a switch to aluminum front suspension arms, which reduces unsprung weight and improves suspension response, while revised anti-roll bars are said to provide more neutral handling. Brake feel has been improved through the use of a lighter composite brake pedal with revised geometry. Like before, air suspension and torque vectoring are available as options. On the road, the Macan S immediately asserts itself as a sporty SUV. Acceleration is brisk, and the engine pulls with authority throughout its rev range. The following probably comes as no surprise to most Porsche drivers, but the PDK gearbox is a marvel. It exhibits subdued smoothness when shifting in Normal mode, and wakes up with more forceful gear changes in Sport mode. The optional air suspension of my test vehicle is firm in Sport mode and returns excellent road feel, while exhibiting very little body roll through turns. It softens to a comfortable level in Normal mode, while remaining firm enough to allow a quick pace without getting sloppy. The steering wheel is well-weighed and precise, and the Macan S steers sharply enough that you’d think you were driving a sporty coupe. Just 20 years ago, using the words SUV’ and Porsche’ in the same sentence was unthinkable. Now, an SUV is Porsche’s biggest seller. The base Macan is the most affordable new Porsche you can buy, starting at $55,500. But if you want to get closer to the renowned Porsche pedigree with sharp handling, a rich
Origin: First Drive: 2019 Porsche Macan S