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We look back at how the dashboard and on-board tech has evolved on Porsche's baby SUV over the past decade
by Amrit Balraj on June 19, 2024, 15:30The Porsche Macan is one of the most capable compact luxury SUVs available today. Known for its blend of performance and everyday practicality, it’s also undeniably a Porsche, which shares a lot of characteristics with the brand’s sports cars. It occupies a unique space in the market, offering a sporty driving experience for a family-oriented audience. Its sharp handling and confident stopping power make it a joy to drive. While the base four-cylinder engine provides decent acceleration with launch control, it feels sluggish in everyday driving. Upgrading to the V6 engine in the Macan S unlocks a more satisfying performance, which is ideal for driving enthusiasts. Despite its compact size, the Macan proves that SUVs can be exciting to drive.
Modern dashboards are no longer just simple analog information docks. They’ve become sophisticated pieces of tech, packed with digital displays, touchscreens, and multimedia systems. These components create an interactive environment within your car, giving drivers crucial information at a glance and offering complete control over climate, navigation, and entertainment functions. Now they even allow for customization. Drivers can personalize the layout, and information displayed, and even have the car remember preferences like seat position and music choices. This level of personalization creates a tailored experience. However, ditching physical buttons for on-screen controls is debatable. With this shift towards more digitization, read on as we take a deep dive into the evolution of Macan’s dashboard across its three model generations as it was famous for having a large array of physical buttons in the center console.
- The Macan debuted in 2014 as Porsche’s first compact SUV. The 2014 Porsche Macan offered various engine options, but the Macan Turbo was the top performer. This model boasted a 3.6-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine pumping out a mighty 400 horsepower and a staggering 550 Nm of torque.
- The 2019 Macan update focused on the Macan S, injecting it with more power. The outgoing 3.0L twin-turbo V6 was swapped for a new 3.0L turbocharged V6, bumping horsepower from 340 to 348 and offering a zippier 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds (with the optional Sport Chrono package).
- In 2024, along with the gasoline-powered versions, Porsche came out with the first Macan EV. Customers can choose between the Macan 4 EV with 402 horsepower or the monstrous Macan Turbo EV with 630 horsepower.
Original Porsche Macan (2014-2018)
This generation struck a balance between traditional analog gauges and modern digital displays. The instrument cluster featured three analog pods for the speedometer, tachometer, and vital information displays. The cockpit-style layout puts you right in the driving zone, while the steering wheel borrowed its design from the exhilarating 918 Spyder. The center console housed a 7.0 touchscreen infotainment system, with physical buttons surrounding it for climate control and frequently used functions. Material quality was top-notch, reflecting Porsche’s focus on luxury and craftsmanship.
This generation also featured Porsche’s infotainment system which had several user-friendly controls and a range of high-tech options, some of which came at an extra cost. Several USB ports and 12-volt outlets are conveniently located throughout the cabin for all passengers. There was also an optional Wi-Fi package which was a convenient perk on long road trips. Additionally, the first-generation Porsche Macan’s center console featured a plethora of mix of physical buttons and knobs,,for controlling everything from the drive modes to seat functions and the engine start/stop button, and the gear-selector knob.
Porsche Macan Facelift (2019-2023)
The focus shifted towards a more digital and driver-centric layout. Traditional analog gauges with a digital trip computer display remained unchanged. The central 10.9-inch touchscreen received an upgrade in size and functionality, while Porsche wisely retained physical buttons for essential controls like climate and audio. Porsche loads its infotainment system with high-tech goodies, including wireless Apple CarPlay and charging (both new for 2020). However, like most options on the Macan, these features come at an additional cost
Other amenities included the heated steering wheel along with heated and ventilated seats. The SUV also came with 14-way power seats with memory function, along with settings like steering columns, mirrors, and climate control. You could also opt for a more engaging driving experience with the 18-way adaptive sports seats. These offered superior adjustability and bolsters that hugged the driver during corners. Personalization continued with the interior trim. They debated between the rich look of dark walnut wood, the modern elegance of carbon fiber, or the classic touch of aluminum. A cabin ionizer was also standard equipment keeping the cabin allergen-free.
Next-Gen Porsche Macan (Present-2025)
The new Macan boasts a high-tech interior with up to three screens. The main attraction is a curved 12.6-inch driver display showing essential information. A central 10.9-inch touchscreen handles infotainment, and for the first time, a similar screen can be added for the front passenger. This allows them to control media or browse the web while the car is moving, thanks to special privacy tech. An optional head-up AR display projects navigation and other info directly onto the windshield, further enhancing driver awareness. Porsche’s infotainment system gets a performance boost and voice control that understands six more languages. The system can even differentiate between driver and passenger commands.
The Macan runs on Android Automotive OS and offers a constantly evolving app store accessible through the Porsche App Centre. Imagine using Spotify, YouTube, or even playing games right in your car. Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is improved, allowing features like Apple Maps or Google Maps to be displayed on the instrument cluster. Navigation features include monthly map updates and the ability to plan trips remotely via the My Porsche app. For the audiophiles, the Macan continues to offer a standard 11-speaker stereo. Upgradable options include a Bose system or the top-of-the-line Burmester setup for an exceptional listening experience. For electric Macan models, a Charging Planner helps you find optimal charging stops along your route, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey.
Summing Up The Porsche Macan’s Sporty Cabin
Porsche has always walked a tightrope between tradition and innovation, and the evolution of the Macan’s dashboard perfectly exemplifies this. Regardless of the model, a sport chrono clock has always graced the dash of a Porsche Macan. While the latest iteration boasts the most cutting-edge technology, some might miss the nostalgic charm of the old-school analog gauges. This reflects Porsche’s aesthetic philosophy: a blend of timeless elegance with a forward-thinking approach. The upcoming Macan’s streamlined and tech-focused dashboard is just another step in this ongoing evolution. It pushes the boundaries of in-car technology while still retaining the core Porsche aesthetic principles: a balance of classic design cues, a focus on driver engagement, and the use of high-quality materials to create a luxurious and functional space.
Amrit Balraj
When not reading up or watching videos about obscure and rare automobiles, Amrit spends his free time planning imaginary road trips on some of the best driving roads in the world, preferably in an old truck with a motorcycle strapped to the bed. Read full bio
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