In the Indonesian language, “Macan” means tiger. No model designation could be more appropriate for Porsche’s initial foray into compact crossover SUV territory. Based upon the Audi Q5 and introduced for 2015, Macan has brought Porsche’s recipe for high-level motoring to a segment that’s often been viewed as bland.
Competing against such premium crossovers as the BMW X3, the Macan promises exceptional agility and impeccably precise steering, along with dazzling acceleration. After all, it’s a Porsche—billed as “the sports car of the SUV segment.”
What's New for 2017
A new “entry-level” Macan has joined the lineup. Its turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine develops 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. During the 2016 model year, a Macan GTS became available, joining the original two versions.
Choosing Your Porsche Macan
To develop the Macan, designers adapted a number of design elements from Porsche sports cars, highlighted by a wraparound hood and gently sloping roof. Bi-xenon headlights have dynamic leveling. Integrated foglamps and LED taillights are installed. Front occupants have knee airbags, and full-length side-curtain airbags incorporate rollover sensing. The sizable cargo area holds 17.7 cubic feet of luggage.
- A four-cylinder turbocharged engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission go into the new base-model Macan.
- The Macan S holds a twin-turbo 3-liter V6 engine developing 340 horsepower, also driving a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
- The Macan GTS holds a 360-horsepower version oft the 3-liter V6, producing 369 pound-feet of troque.
- Topping the performance scale is the Macan Turbo, whose 3.6-liter V6 generates 400 horsepower.
Active all-wheel drive is standard, with an electronically controlled, multi-plate clutch, augmented by Porsche Traction Management. A Macan S can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds (5 even with the optional Sport Chrono package). Acceleration to 60 mph in the Macan GTS takes 4.8 seconds with the Sport Chrono package. With the Macan Turbo, acceleration figures dip to 4.6 and 4.4 seconds, respectively.
With any V6 engine, fuel economy is estimated by the EPA at 17 mpg in city driving and 23 mpg on the highway (19 mpg combined). The four-cylinder Macan earns an estimate of 20/25 mpg (city/highway).
Four trim levels now are offered: new Macan (base), Macan S, Macan GTS, and Macan Turbo:
Options include Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, which distributes levels of drive torque to the rear wheels.
Considering the eye-popping price of the 400-horsepower Turbo, most buyers are sure to settle for the Macan S, with its still-bountiful 340 horsepower, or the new four-cylinder base model. Whatever the powertrain, you’ll probably pay full MSRP, without discounts, since vehicles of this sort have had extensive waiting lists.