Big word on the block for some time has been: Porsche are releasing an electric Macan soon. The spy shots confirm it, along with reliable sources. But we’re still some time away before its covers get taken off. In the meanwhile, Porsche have facelifted for a second time the current model. A quick timeline on the Macan, currently on its first generation. The original version of the model was unveiled back in 2013, followed by a facelift in 2018, and now in 2021 we get a Gen-1.75 Macan. That makes the Macan the first Porsche since the G-Model 911 to receive more than one facelift in one generation. So then, what is new for the new model? Is it worth the upgrade? Well, allow me to do the explaining.

1.The Turbo Model Is No More

For 2022, we have a little shakeup in the lineup, which is that the Turbo model is getting the axe. That leaves the base model, S, and GTS models as the available models. This should come as no surprise. Out of all the models in the lineup, it was always the lowest selling one each year. And when the GTS rolled in for the 2016 model year, customers ruled heavily in favour of the latter. With a figure very close to pre-owned or perhaps even new 911 or 718 money, the GTS made more sense over the Turbo; just enough power and features over the lower priced models. Au revoir, Turbo.

2. More Power In Store

With the dropping of the Turbo model, Porsche has changed up the engine order to accommodate. The GTS retains its 2.9L twin-turbo V6, but it now puts out, 440hp, a 60hp bump over the outgoing model. The S will now be getting the same engine from the GTS, detuned to 380hp. And finally, the base model will retain its 2.0L turbocharged inline 4, with its power increased to 265hp. These are very similar to the figures of the outgoing models. The new GTS makes as much horsepower as the Turbo, the new S makes as much ponies as the GTS, and the new base model, well, it gets a power bump but nowhere near as much as the outgoing S model. The transmission is still the 7-speed PDK unit. Since this model still retains the same engines, Porsche may not have deemed it necessary to change the transmission.

3.New Wheel Options

Now we move on to one of the new cosmetic changes for 2022, the wheel options. Though new wheels have been created which are standard on the 3 new models, it is now possible to opt for 2 new wheel choices. There’s the same wheels equipped as standard on the 992 Turbo in 21″ form, as well as the GT Design wheels first seen on the Cayenne Coupe(the 718 Spyder and GT4 introduced the wheel design but in that application the wheels were 20″). The latter wheels in my opinion go really well with the overall design of the Macan, so it’s definitely a recommended option if one could afford them.

4. PSCB(Porsche Surface Coated Brakes) Now Available

Originally introduced on the Taycan, the Porsche Surface Coated Brakes are now available for the first time on the Macan as a cost option. In simple, non-technical terms, they are made primarily from iron but with a coat layer of tungsten carbide applied. Not only will they last you longer than the traditional steel brakes(by 30% according to Porsche), but they will also generate 90% less brake dust. If you’re tired of frequently having to clean your wheels on a frequent basis, this is an option that you may want to look into. PCCBs may be the top notch brakes that they are, but unfortunately are out of reach for many, so the PSCBs could be a good alternative.

5. Colors, Colors, Colors

New model, new colors. Newly-available colors for the Macan will now include Python Green(pictured above), Gentian Blue(introduced with the 992 911), and Papaya Metallic(introduced with the recently updated Panamera). And of course, if you wanna get creative and configure a Macan that stands out from the crowd, paint-to-sample is available.

6. A New Cockpit

The interior of the Macan gets a makeover to bring it onto par with the interior of the recently-released Porsches. On the center console, the physical buttons have been completely replaced with touch buttons, giving it a much cleaner and simplistic look. There’s also a newly designed gear selector, and it remains mechanical. As expected, the 992 steering wheel is carried over, available in both alcantara and leather. Also present is a newer PCM unit controllable through a larger 10.9″ touchscreen. Besides the aforementioned changes, everything is relatively the same. The instrument cluster is unchanged, in addition to the dash clock, though it is now standard on all models.

7.Different Look?Sure

Upon first sight, the refreshed Macan looks almost similar to the facelifted variant introduced in 2018. You’d really have to look closely to notice some of the changes, which are just reworked bumper pieces and so forth. In my books, not a major change.

The Verdict?

With the electric Macan being an all new model, its introduction will declare the end of ICE-powered Macans. There is still no official word as to when these models will be discontinued before the Macan is permanently electrified. So, is this refresh the swansong to the combustion Macan? Certainly. Since Porsche introduced the Macan in 2014, it’s become the marque’s primary profit generator. Over 600,000 Macans have been sold and it’s the vehicle first-time buyers look into when stepping into the brand. Therefore, it is important for Porsche to keep it up with the times, and more so since it’s a practical vehicle. When the electric variant goes on sale, it will be even more profitable. If you’re a purist, and want to get into the last of a breed, then head over to your local Porsche Centre ASAP. This is truly the end of an era

-Juan