The new twin-scroll turbocharger provides high torque in the low engine speed range. At the same time, it contributes to enhanced responsiveness. With twin-scroll technology, the exhaust gas flows are continuously fed to the turbine wheel as separate streams. This significantly reduces any charge cycle disadvantages. The further-developed combustion chamber geometry with central injector facilitates efficient mixture preparation. In addition to the increase in the power output per litre from 113 to 118 hp, the exhaust emissions have also been improved. Up to three injections per working cycle optimise combustion and thus reduce the noxious constituents in the exhaust gas.

Both cylinder heads of the V engine have integrated exhaust manifolds. In addition to the reduction in weight and the number of components, this design has the advantage that the exhaust manifold can be integrated into the cooling circuit. This increases the efficiency at high loads, and the fuel consumption decreases.

The inline four-cylinder engine of the Porsche Macan is designed as an especially sporty and efficient power unit - with a boost pressure of one bar, charge air cooling, direct petrol injection and variable valve timing. VarioCam Plus continuously adjusts the intake and exhaust camshafts and additionally controls the exhaust valve lift. Thanks to the enhanced combustion chamber geometry, the Macan complies with all globally valid emission limits. In Europe, the combination with a particulate filter results in a slight reduction in the nominal power output from 185 kW (252 hp) to 180 kW (245 hp). The exhaust tract of the four-cylinder engine is equipped with one gasoline particulate filter (GPF), while two filters are used on the six-cylinder engine The exhaust gas is routed into alternately closed channels downstream of the catalytic converter and flows through the particulate filter walls. The filter is regenerated by active and passive measures and is designed to be maintenance-free for the service life of the vehicle. The thermal management of the engines has been optimised once more by demand-based coolant pump control. This means that the engine and catalytic converters reach their optimum operating temperature more quickly.