Introduced in 2014 as a smaller alternative to the already iconic Cayenne, the Porsche Macan is a sales success with more than 350,000 units delivered in four years. The German manufacturer is now looking to add to the momentum with a mid-cycle update that makes the crossover sportier than ever before and adds new equipment inside the cabin.

911-inspired Design

Following trends seen on the latest Cayenne and Panamera, the Macan gained new exterior features borrowed from the 911 sports car. Up front, we can see the already familiar four-point LED headlamps. These are standard on every trim. Below, the grille and the side vents have been revised. The grille now features horizontal slats only, while the side vents no longer have daytime running lights at the top.

The lower vents below are wider, while the center outlet is perfectly rectangular. Both features make the Macan seem wider. Finally, the apron is more aggressive than before, being almost as sharp as a full-fledged diffuser.

The side view remains unchanged save for the new wheel designs in 20- and 21-inch sizes, but you can now opt to have the dent below the doors finished in black. Around back, the revised taillights gained the LED strip that we've already seen on the 911 and the Panamera. This new feature is particularly cool as it makes the Macan look wider and sportier at the same time. The rear is rounded out by a new diffuser with round exhaust pipes. Porsche also added three new exterior colors, called Miami Blue, Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, and Crayon.

New Steering Wheel and Features

Facelifted interiors aren't something to write home about most of the time, but Porsche made some big changes inside the cabin. The most obvious upgrade is the larger infotainment screen, which now has an 11-inch diagonal. In order to fit the big display, the German deleted the massive A/C vents on each side and add smaller units below. The enhanced PCM system, which enables access to new digital functions, also eliminated most of the buttons for a cleaner center stack design.

The next big change is the GT sports steering wheel. Inspired by the one in the 911 it has new controls and even a mode switch and a Sport Response Button. The latter are offered when the crossover is optioned up with the Sport Chrono Package. The Macan also gained a revised Connect Plus module and optional Traffic Jam Assist, an ionizer, and a heatable windscreen.

Same Engines, Improved Chassis

Under the skin, the facelifted Macan benefits from an updated chassis that offers "enhanced neutrality while maintaining stability and improving comfort." It also has a revised all-wheel-drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system and newly developed tires with improved grip. Porsche had nothing to say about the engines, so it's safe to assume that all unit was carried over with the same specs.

The lineup should start with the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet, while the 3.0-liter V-6 should deliver the same 340 horses and 339 pound-feet or 360 horsepower and 369 pound-feet. The range-topping Macar Turbo should use the same 3.6-liter V-6 with 400 horses and 406 pound-feet, with the Performance Package to increase output to 440 horsepower and 443 pound-feet. Finally, the diesel model should come in two flavors, with 211 or 258 horsepower and 428 pound-feet.

Pricing information is not yet available, but stay tuned for updates and a full review of the crossover.

Further Reading

Read our full speculative review on the 2019 Porsche Macan.

Read our full review on the 2018 Porsche Macan.

Read more Porsche news.