2019 Porsche Macan S Review

Who wouldn’t want an extra hundred horsepower? That’s what’s awaiting the Macan customer who skips over the base model in favor of the new Macan S; Porsche’s entry into the sport/luxury compact SUV segment. It’s the latest model to join the refreshed 2019 Macan range, receiving a heart transplant and a losing a lung. The new turbocharged V6 no longer uses two air compressors, but rather a single twin-scroll turbo to feed more air into the engine. Nestled between the cylinder banks, this hot V configuration improves responsiveness, output and ultimately speed. The new Macan S shaves one-tenth of a second from its 0-to-60mph time to 5.1 seconds or 4.9 with the optional Sport Chrono package. And if 156mph wasn’t good enough, this one can hit 157mph. Porsche also made several chassis revisions, replacing steel with aluminum in certain suspension components to reduce weight and retuning the anti-roll bars for more neutral handling. Porsche says this also benefits steering feel and ride comfort. And when it’s time to slow, brake pedal feel has been markedly advanced by reducing pedal weight and shortening its connection to the master cylinder. It also doesn’t hurt that there are larger discs in the front. The new Macan S also benefits from all of the same updates as its four-cylinder sibling including a continuous LED light bar at the rear, and the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with a larger touchscreen. And lastly, the optional GT Sport steering wheel, which appears in the 911, is now optionally available on the Macan S including a Sport Response button when equipped with the Sport Chrono Package. The 2019 Macan S arrives next summer with a starting MSRP of $59,650 including destination.