Porsche launches new Macan S with £48,750 starting price

Porsche has announced pricing for its new Macan S – the fruitiest version of the brand’s compact SUV.

It starts at £48,750 – £2,406 more than the entry-level model – and although the updated version may look similar to the outgoing one, it’s had several upgrades under the skin.

Chief among them is a reworking of the brand’s 3.0-litre V6 engine, which receives a 14bhp boost to now produce 349bhp.

Torque is also improved, with 480Nm on offer – up from the previous car’s 460Nm. That extra shove means the new Macan S will accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and can ultimately reach 156mph.

Porsche says the increased performance comes thanks to a new turbocharger layout. The twin-scroll turbo is now mounted in a ‘hot vee’ layout between the two banks of cylinders. This aids responsiveness, with the turbocharger closer to the combustion chambers, resulting in a shorter path for exhaust gas to travel.

Porsche says the new position of the turbocharger has also improved efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.

Chassis tweaks have been made too, including new aluminium suspension components replacing heavy steel ones, staggered tyre widths, new brakes and upgraded anti-roll bars.
The options list contains height-adjustable air suspension and of course Porsche’s PASM active dampers, as well as a new differential-based torque vectoring system.

All Macan S models now receive LED headlights and tail lights, plus a wifi hotspot and 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. As always with Porsche, the options list is extensive, and customers can specify everything from a £1,700 Sports Exhaust system to £168 glossy black door handles. Plenty will undoubtedly opt for the £804 Sport Chrono package, which adds a stopwatch to the dash top and a mode switch to the steering wheel.

Order books are open now.