The Cayenne’s smaller, younger sibling, the Macan, is one of Porsche’s bestselling SUVs worldwide. For 2021, the Zuffenhausen-based company has given the Macan a comprehensive makeover, with updated styling, a range of more powerful engines and,  and for those who are willing to embrace engine downsizing to save the planet, even a newly-developed turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The top-of-the-line Porsche Macan GTS is powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 that now delivers 440bhp, a more than 10% increase over the earlier model. With this, zero to 100kph comes up in 4.3 seconds, and the top speed is 272kph. The Macan S, powered by the same engine in a slightly lower state of tune, offers almost similar performance with numbers just a smidge shy of the GTS’s figures.

For the 2021 Macan, Porsche is now offering a newly-developed turbocharged inline-four that makes a respectable 265bhp, pushing the SUV from zero to 100kph in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 232kph. Like all other engines in the Macan lineup, this one is also mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and gets Porsche’s PTM (Porsche Traction Management) all-wheel-drive.

Porsche has optimised the updated Macan’s suspension for improved high-speed handling. PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) is now standard on the Macan GTS. This system, which is also available as an option with the Macan S, offers active adaptive damping, automatically adjusts for road conditions and provides better steering feedback. Porsche’s torque vectoring system (PTV Plus) dynamically apportions power to all four wheels,  enhancing the SUV’s grip and stability while cornering.

While the exterior styling of the new Macan is not very different from its predecessor, it does feature a sprinkling of updates that stand out. The redesigned front end looks a bit wider. There is a new diffuser at the rear, LED headlights with Porsche’s dynamic light system, bigger wheels (19-, 20- and 21-inchers, depending on the variant), ‘sports design’ rear-view mirrors and a new range of colours.

Inside, the Macan gets an updated centre console with touch surfaces replacing buttons, a 10.9-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system, a multifunction steering wheel (that comes from the 911!), and various options for the leather upholstery. Carbonfibre embellishments and 18-way adjustable sports seats at the front are on the options list.

Porsche has sold more than 600,000 units of the Macan worldwide since its launch in 2014. It has also been an important part of the company’s India lineup for the last seven years.  Though there is no official word from Porsche India, we expect the new Macan to arrive in India before the end of this year, with ex-showroom prices starting from approximately Rs 75 lakh for the entry-level model.