The company's smallest crossover yet, the Porsche Macan arrived in 2014 and slotted under the highly popular Cayenne. After four years on the market, the compact SUV was updated to mid-cycle specifications. The Macan S is very similar to the base model we saw hit the spotlight earlier in 2018 on the outside. It's identical inside the cabin as well save for the trim-specific features. However, it's a different story under the hood, as the "S" badge comes in tow with a larger, 3.0-liter V-6. What's more, while the four-banger lost a few horses with the facelift, the V-6 delivers a bit more power and torque.

Update 03/14/2019: We’ve updated this review with fresh images of the 2019 Porsche Macan S that we took during the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Check them out in the gallery at the bottom of this page!

2020 Porsche Macan S

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2020 Porsche Macan S
• Engine/Motor: V6
• Horsepower: 354
• Torque: 354
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Pros

Cons

2020 Porsche Macan S Exterior

Although it's just a facelift, Porsche calls the revised Macan a second-generation model. While it might not be accurate, it's not far from the truth as far as design goes, as the changes are significant.

The headlamps now feature the familiar four-point LED lighting pattern that comes standard on every trim level. Optionally, you can replace them with the dynamic lighting system called PDLS Plus.

The intakes in the bumper have also been revised, with horizontal slats added to the center vent and bigger side outlets with wider slats. The smaller side vents below are also longer, while the center opening is almost perfectly rectangular. The apron is larger too and almost as sharp as the 911's splitter. All these features make the Macan look wider and sportier than before.

The profile remains virtually identical to the outgoing model, but you can now choose between new wheel designs in 20- and 21-inch sizes. You can also add features like a black dent in the lower doors, black window trim, and carbon fiber mirror caps to make your Macan stand out in the crowd.

The new taillights are the first features that catch the eye around back. They're fitted with the recent four-point design LEDs, but they also feature the new three-dimensional LED strip with "Porsche" letters. Already available on the 911 and Panamera, the LED strip is a trademark element for the German brand. We can see minor changes in the diffuser as well, but the Macan also sports a new tailpipe setup with round outlets on each side of the bumper.

Four new exterior colors are also available for the updated Macan: Miami Blue, Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, and Crayon.

2020 Porsche Macan S exterior dimensions

2020 Porsche Macan S Interior

Facelifts usually don't bring many changes inside the cabin, but there's plenty to talk about here.

First up, there's a new infotainment display with a 10.9-inch diagonal. That's four inches more than the old unit. Porsche also added a revised Communication Management (PCM) system, which offers access to new digital functions, including intelligent voice control and the online navigation system. This enabled Porsche to eliminate some of the buttons in the center stack for a cleaner, modern look.

The center stack was also redesigned, mostly to make way for the larger infotainment display. Porsche abandoned the traditional layout with A/C vents flanking the screen, with the former now placed right above the center console. They're much smaller too.

Another important change is the sportier GT steering wheel. Based on the one from the 911 sports car, it features revised controls, and it can be equipped with a mode switch and the Sport Response Button. Both are part of the optional Sports Chrono Package that also adds the analog clock on the dashboard. This steering wheel doesn't come standard though, so you'll have to look it up on the options list and pay a little extra to get it.

More upgrades can be found in the equipment department, including the Traffic Jam Assist, the ionizer, and the heated windscreen. But just like the GT steering wheel, they're all optional. It also assists with steering in slow-moving traffic for a more relaxed trip.

Porsche added the Connect Plus module, which features intelligent voice control and real-time traffic information.

2020 Porsche Macan S Drivetrain

The updated Macan continues with the same engines, but Porsche made some changes in order to improve fuel economy. The base model, for instance, lost seven horsepower due to Porsche adding a new particulate filter. Thankfully, the 3.0-liter V-6 in the Macan S has a tiny increase to brag about.

When equipped with the Sport Chrono package, it hits 62 mph in 5.1 seconds, a tenth-second quicker than the outgoing model. Top speed remains locked at the same 158 mph though.

Porsche meddled with some of the internals, moving the turbocharger in the inner V for shorter exhaust gas paths between the combustion chambers and the turbocharger. This design enhances responsiveness. The revised combustion chamber geometry with a central injector also enables more efficient fuel mixture preparation. Fuel consumption on the European NEDC cycle is estimated at 8.9 liters per 100 km, a marginal improvement over the old model.

Both the four-wheel-drive system and the suspension were further improved for the facelift. The SUV now rides on aluminum front axle sprint forks instead of steel, which improves rigidity and reduces unsprung mass. It also makes the steering more precise and improves ride comfort. Porsche also retuned the sway bars.

The Porsche Active Stability Management (PASM) active damper control system, height-adjustable air suspension with optimized rolling pistons, and the shock absorber hydraulics and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) remain optionally available for improved driving dynamics and handling.

Finally, Porsche added a lighter brake pedal that presses on the brake master cylinder via a shortened lever arm. This enables a more immediate brake response and a more precise pressure point. The front brake discs are now 10 mm (0.4 inches) larger at 360 mm (14.1 inches) and two mm (0.08 inches) thicker at 36 mm (1.4 inches). The Macan S can be equipped with the optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system.

2020 Porsche Macan S specifications

2020 Porsche Macan S Prices

Pricing information for the U.S. market is not yet available, but the revised Macan S should cost a tad more than the outgoing model. The old crossover retails from $55,400.

2020 Porsche Macan S Competition

BMW X3

Redesigned for the 2018 model year, it has a sportier design and a well-equipped interior. It's not as aggressive as the 911-inspired Macan, but it makes up in other departments, like technology and features. While the base xDrive30i model isn't a very good competitor for the Macan S at 249 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the M40i features a more powerful 3.0-liter inline-six rated at 355 horsepower and 369 pound-feet. Getting to 62 mph takes 4.7 seconds, almost a half-second quicker than the Macan S. However, top speed comes in at "only" 130 mph. Pricing for the M40i starts from a comparable $54,300.

Read our full review of the 2018 BMW X3.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

The current GLC has yet to be updated, but it's still a solid proposition. Its design isn't dated, and its interior remains appealing without the big cluster and infotainment displays that Mercedes introduced on other models recently. Just like the X3, the base U.S. model is no match for the Macan S. To get similar specs; you have to go with the AMG GLC43. Powered by an AMG-enhanced, 3.0-liter V-6 with a pair of turbos, this SUV hits the pavement with 362 horsepower. It's quicker than Macan S too, needing less than five seconds to hit 62 mph from a standing start. Pricing starts from $56,250.

Read our full story on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Jaguar F-Pace

The F-Pace is the youngest nameplate here and Jaguar's first-ever crossover. Inspired by the already iconic F-Type, the F-Pace matches German offerings in terms of luxury features and technology. It's also available with a wide range of engine options. Best suited to go against the Macan S is the 3.0-liter V-6 that comes with 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, it charges to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds. If that's to slow for you, you can go with the version the delivers 380 horsepower, which slashed the sprint time to 5.1 seconds. Both models hit a top speed of 155 mph. The V-6-powered range starts from exactly $50,000, but the 380-horsepower model is notably more expensive at $61,500 before options.

Read our full review of the 2019 Jaguar F-Pace

Final Thoughts

Although it's not notably quicker or more powerful than its predecessor, the revised Macan S is quite the looker thanks to its 911-inspired features. You have to love sports car cues into a crossover, even if you hate SUVs. Performance-wise, it might not be on par with M and AMG versions of its German competitors, but it's not far behind either. And what lacks in 0-to-62 mph sprints, the Macan S makes up in the technology and design departments. In all, the update will definitely keep the SUV fresh until the next generation arrives in a couple of years.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Porsche Macan.

Read our full review on the 2018 Porsche Macan.