The Porsche Macan is the German automaker’s first entry into the compact crossover segment and has quickly become the best-selling model for the brand. On paper, it's easy to see why. With its popular body style and sports-car-like performance, the crossover has a lot of features that differentiates itself from competitors like the Jaguar F-Pace, Audi SQ5, and Mercedes-AMG GLC43. Available in trims that range from kind-of fast to brutally quick, the 2018 Macan really does spread Porsche’s rich history of making sporty, enjoyable machines to the crossover body style.
What's New for 2018
The 2018 Porsche Macan enters the new model year with minimal changes. Some new interior and exterior color choices are available, while Porsche will now pay for the Macan’s first scheduled maintenance service. The interior of the crossover also benefits from an improved carbon air filter.
Choosing Your Porsche Macan
The Macan may have the body of a crossover, but it has the look of a sports car and the performance components of one, too. The base Macan is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that generates 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired to a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission as standard with power going to all four wheels through an all-wheel-drive system. It may be the base powertrain, but the Macan can get from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 6.3 seconds.
Stepping up to the Macan S brings a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that makes 340 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. The next step up is the Macan GTS that features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 360 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 mph takes just five seconds, while the crossover has a top speed of 159 mph. The GTS trim is the ideal choice for consumers looking to have usable performance in a versatile package.
Moving up to the Turbo trims brings an even more powerful 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine to the Macan. The larger V6 motor is good for 400 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Sixty mph passes by in just 4.6 seconds, while the crossover has a top speed of 164 mph. The range-topping Macan Turbo with Performance Package has a tuned 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 that cranks out 440 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
The most fuel-efficient Macan is the base model with the 2.0-liter turbo-four engine is rated to get 20 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. On the other end of the spectrum, the Macan Turbo with the 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 is only rated to get 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
Choosing what kind of performance you want out of your Macan is the easiest way of choosing a trim. The Macan S, with its 340-hp engine and affordable price tag is a great option. As with any Porsche, things can quickly get out of hand for the Macan S, as the automaker allows consumers to change every little component of the vehicle at a price. The Premium Package is reasonable priced and brings a good amount of features, while those looking to make their Macan sportier should look into the Sport Chrono Package, Sport Exhaust System, and Porsche Active Suspension Management.