Porsche’s latest update to the Macan line, the Macan 4 and Macan Turbo, introduce a range of technological enhancements aimed at improving driver and passenger experience. But before we get there, we can all safely assume, for all of the signature style and quality of Porsche engineering, this is not a cool looking cars, but what EV ever is, and we can always Elon Musk for that, and ruining Twitter. There, I said it.
On to the displays. The Macan is now equipped with up to three screens, including a 12.6-inch curved instrument cluster placed directly in the driver’s field of view. This is complemented by a 10.9-inch central touchscreen that manages the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. Additionally, for the first time, an optional 10.9-inch passenger display has been added, allowing passengers to interact with the infotainment system and stream video content while on the move.
A significant innovation in the Macan is the introduction of an augmented reality head-up display (HUD). This system projects color AR content, such as navigation arrows, directly onto the windshield, merging digital information with the real-world environment. The HUD aims to enhance driving safety and convenience by displaying crucial information, like the distance to the vehicle ahead, without distracting the driver.
The new Macan also features a voice assistant that responds to the prompt “Hey Porsche.” It has been updated to recognize 23 languages, including Turkish, Czech, Hungarian, Portuguese, Taiwanese, and Cantonese.
On the software front, the Macan adopts Android Automotive OS. And the Porsche App Centre serves as the new hub for connectivity services, allowing users to install and use third-party apps directly from their vehicle, much like on a smartphone.
The integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto has been enhanced, allowing for the display of Apple and Google Maps directly in the instrument cluster. This update is part of a broader effort to improve navigation and connectivity within the Macan.
Your grandpa’s Porsche may have been super cool, and this ain’t your grandpa’s Porsche. On the other hand, it saves the environment even as it makes you curse it for making us drive boxy, ugly EVs.
