Porsche’s Peppy Macan S Gets More Responsive for 2019

Shopping for a used 2019 Porsche Macan S? The compact SUV gained more power from the same V6, plus a wide HD touchscreen. Here's a closer look at the mid-cycle refresh.

Despite the backlash and facing a solid contingent of Haters, the Cayenne SUV paved the way for sport utilities with Porsche badges when it hit the scene in the late 1990s. Smaller in size but with all the attitude, the 5-door Macan crossover strolled in with confidence in 2014, offering luxury compact CUV shoppers arguably one of the best little rockets on the market.

The Macan S is a good compromise for those looking for something above the entry-level Macan but without stepping up to something pricier, like the Macan Turbo or Macan GTS.

2019 porsche macan s rear view
2019 Porsche Macan S. Photo: Porsche

2019 Macan S updates include a new V6 turbo

Engine Type3.0L V6
HorsepowerApproximately 348 hp
TorqueApproximately 354 lb-ft
Transmission7-Speed PDK Dual-Clutch Automatic
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive (AWD)
0-60 mphApproximately 5.1 seconds
Top SpeedApproximately 157 mph

For 2019, the redesigned Macan S adds a new V6 turbo, improved brakes, an updated interior including a more connected PCM system, and some design tweaks, including a bolder front stance.

In terms of performance, the new model gets an 8-horsepower and 13 lb-ft of torque bump in output. Reaching 254 km/h, the 2019 Macan will sprint 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds — shaving a mere 0.1 seconds off the 2018 model.

Wider stance and larger HD touchscreen

Design-wise, the Macan gets some minor tweaks for its mid-cycle refresh; an updated front bumper widens the front stance, the LED headlights are redesigned, and reshaped taillights are connected by a three-dimensional LED light bar.

2019 porsche macan s interior
2019 Porsche Macan S. Photo: Porsche

Inside, Porsche has revamped their communication system, dubbed PCM. It now features a larger 10.9-inch full-HD touchscreen. Overall, the setup is more connected and fully networked with features like real-time traffic info, online navigation, integration with Porsche’s ‘Here Cloud,’ and WI-FI hotspot, to name a few.

In true Porsche fashion, you can step up the interior — the new Macan S will offer some GT options, most notably, the GT steering wheel found in the 911, which comes with performance extras like the Sport Response button.

The new 3.0L V6 turbo engine

The big news, though, is the newly developed V6 powering the 2019 Macan S, which provides this peppy rocket with increased responsive handling by providing short exhaust gas paths between the combustion chambers and the turbocharger.

In addition, the V6 turbo offers better fuel efficiency, if that matters to anyone piloting a turbo Porsche.

2018 Porsche Macan S vs. updated 2019 Porsche Macan S performance differences

Compared to the previous model, the newer Macan S dials up key performance specs. Here’s a look:

Performance Specification2019 Porsche Macan S2018 Porsche Macan S
Engine Type3.0L V63.0L V6
HorsepowerApproximately 348 hpApproximately 340 hp
TorqueApproximately 354 lb-ftApproximately 339 lb-ft
Transmission7-Speed PDK Dual-Clutch Automatic7-Speed PDK Dual-Clutch Automatic
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive (AWD)All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
0-60 mphApproximately 5.1 secondsApproximately 5.2 seconds
Top SpeedApproximately 157 mphApproximately 156 mph

Improved footwork

Increases in power are always welcome, but stopping power is just as critical — for the 2019 Macan, Porsche put some extra love into their braking system, which is now more responsive with a firmer connection overall.

The front brakes grow in diameter by 10mm and width by 2mm — now measuring 360mm and 36mm, respectively. The brake pedal shaves 300 g of weight, and the more robust Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is optional. Footwork specs:

Brakes4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
Wheels19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels
TiresPerformance tires (various brands)
SteeringElectric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion

Release date and price: You can order the 2019 Macan now but expect deliveries from Spring to Summer 2019. Price starts at US$58,600 in the US and C$68,300 in Canada (less destination charge/fees).

Up Next:
Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.