Porsche Macan 2022: three-strong SUV range lands in Australia

John Law

Contributor

The facelifted Porsche Macan has landed in Australia with a revised grade lineup and a starting price $500 higher than before

The 2022 Porsche Macan has arrived in Australia with an updated appearance and simplified range comprising three variants from $84,800 before on-road costs.

Porsche has redesigned the Macan’s front fascia to emphasise the SUV’s width, while there are new wheel designs, LED lighting features and rear bumper. There are also new colours including Gentian Blue and Papaya metallic.

Sitting beneath the larger Cayenne, the Porsche Macan has historically been one of the sportiest vehicles in the premium midsize SUV segment which features the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

Porsche Macan GTS 2022 — The sporty 2022 Porsche Macan has arrived in Australia

The Macan range has shrunk from four to three variants in Australia, comprising the base Macan, Macan S ($105,800) and flagship GTS ($129,800).

Aside from exterior tweaks, the 3.0-litre turbo petrol V6 has been dropped from the range, as has the flagship Turbo badge with the revised GTS replacing that variant.

What makes the new Macan GTS?

The Macan GTS picks up where the Turbo left off, with the more potent 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 feeding 324kW of power and 550Nm of torque through a seven-speed ‘PDK’ dual-clutch automatic.

Naturally, there’s an AWD system which helps the Macan GTS reach 100km/h from a standing start in 4.3 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 272km/h.

Additionally, the Macan GTS gets some chassis goodies such as a 10mm lower ride height, firmer tune for the air springs and adaptive dampers.

The new $129,800 (before on-road costs) Macan GTS also situates itself between its direct predecessor (priced from $112,000) and Turbo ($145,100) in terms of cost.

Extra keen buyers will be able to select the GTS Sport pack which brings a limited-slip rear differential, 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in performance tyres, carbon interior trim, no-cost Python Green cabin highlights and exterior black pack for $16,640 extra.

How has Porsche changed the Macan’s cabin?

The hard points have remained the same, but the details have changed including a new steering wheel lifted directly from the 992 911, while the physical buttons on the centre console have been replaced by capacitive touch items.

Porsche Macan GTS cabin 2022 — Inside the Macan has transitioned to touch controls for the centre console

In the centre is a 10.9-inch touchscreen which controls infotainment functions of Porsche’s fifth-generation operating system including navigation and wireless Apple Carplay.

Further customisation is available as standard with interior upholstery that matches up with the new Papaya and Gentian Blue exterior hues. The analogue clock is now standard fit across all Macan grades.

Porsche Macan grade by grade

Starting with the base Macan ($84,800 plus on-roads), you get steel springs and passive dampers, 19-inch alloy wheels and an updated 195kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder which boasts 10kw and 30Nm more than before.

Inside there’s a 10-speaker stereo, piano black trim inserts, keyless entry with push-button start and 14-way electrically adjustable seats with leather upholstery in your choice of black or grey.

Porsche Macan base 2022 — The base model Macan looks sharp with its 19-inch alloy wheels

Moving up to the Macan S ($105,800 before on-road costs) nets a 14-speaker Bose stereo over the base car.

You also get a lot of extra performance, with a 280kW/520Nm 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 (from the old GTS), 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive dampers and more aggressive exterior features to finish off the treatment.

The GTS tops the range out with the most powerful engine available, but also the Sport Chrono package and 21-inch alloy wheels as standard for its $129,800 (before on-road costs) asking price.