First Look Inside the Porsche Macan Reveals Familiar Porsche Touches
A leaked image has revealed the Porsche Macan's dashboard and centre console, showing a cabin design that draws heavily from the Panamera and Cayenne.
The first undisguised image of the Porsche Macan’s interior has surfaced, offering a clear view of the dashboard, centre console and steering wheel ahead of the SUV’s 2014 launch. The photo confirms that Porsche’s smallest SUV will follow the brand’s established cabin design, closely resembling the Panamera and Cayenne inside.
The image, which appeared online after a series of exterior spy shots, shows a centre console rising steeply to meet a prominent dashboard, with a bank of physical switches and a large infotainment screen. The steering wheel and instrument cluster are also recognisably Porsche, with the signature three-spoke design and central rev counter. The photographed car is equipped with the PDK dual-clutch automatic gearbox, as indicated by the shifter design.
Macan interior design draws from larger Porsche models
Porsche’s approach with the Macan’s cabin is to maintain a strong family resemblance. The dashboard and switchgear layout are almost directly lifted from the Panamera and Cayenne, reinforcing the brand’s upmarket positioning even in the smaller SUV segment. Materials and build quality are expected to match Porsche’s premium standards, though the leaked image does not provide a close look at trim details or seat upholstery.
The centre console’s high, button-heavy design is a departure from the simpler layouts seen in many rival SUVs. This approach, already established in the Panamera, gives the driver-focused feel Porsche buyers expect. The infotainment screen appears to be the same size as those in Porsche’s larger models, suggesting similar functionality and interface.
Engine options and launch timing
When it arrives in showrooms in 2014, the Macan will be available with a range of petrol and diesel engines. Options are expected to include a 2.0-litre TDI four-cylinder, a 3.0-litre TDI V6, a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol, and a 3.0-litre TFSI petrol. The flagship Macan Turbo will use a 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine. A hybrid variant, sharing its drivetrain with the Audi Q5 Hybrid Quattro, is also planned.
- 2.0-litre TDI four-cylinder diesel: 187 bhp, 258 lb-ft
- 3.0-litre TDI V6 diesel: 261 bhp, 369 lb-ft
- 2.0-litre TFSI petrol: 237 bhp, 258 lb-ft
- 3.0-litre TFSI petrol: 288 bhp, 295 lb-ft
- 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo (Macan Turbo): 345 bhp
- Hybrid (with Audi Q5 Hybrid Quattro drivetrain)
The Macan’s market entry places it below the Cayenne in Porsche’s SUV range and is intended to compete directly with the likes of the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. The Macan’s arrival is expected to broaden Porsche’s customer base, bringing the brand’s design and driving experience to a new segment.
What the interior reveal means for buyers
Buyers considering the Macan can expect a cabin that closely mirrors Porsche’s larger, more expensive models. The familiar dashboard and console layout should appeal to existing Porsche owners looking for a smaller SUV without sacrificing the brand’s interior quality and design. The presence of the PDK transmission and the extensive engine line-up also suggest that Porsche intends the Macan to maintain the marque’s performance credentials even in its most accessible SUV.
Further details on trim levels, technology options and pricing are expected as the Macan’s official launch approaches. For now, the leaked interior image confirms that Porsche’s smallest SUV will not stray far from the brand’s established formula.
