Porsche Macan – A slimmer and sportier Cayenne

The Cayenne and Panamera are the most sold Porsches all over the world. This is mostly attributed to their practicality especially for families. It is with this thought that Porsche decided to add the Macan. Macan is an Indonesian word for tiger and the Porsche folks pronounce it "ma-cahn." To the eye, the Macan looks like a true compact crossover. But at 6.5 inches shorter in length and 3.5 inches shorter at the roof than a Cayenne, the Macan is closer to the dimensions of an Audi Q5. The Macan, in fact, shares a platform with the Audi Q5 but is built alongside the Cayenne at a German factory that was recently, and expensively, upgraded and expanded. This particular ‘baby Cayenne’ is the most affordable practical Porsche on offer today. 

 

Porsche Macan

Design

The Porsche Macan features an impressive and assertive front design with large air intakes. The wraparound bonnet encloses the headlights and extends down to the wheel arches. The imposing size of the bonnet and its precision lines running to the front give the Macan a broad and powerful appearance, while the seamless surface of the bonnet presents a clean front look. The Porsche Macan’s profile is dominated by a sloping roof line, with an integrated spoiler at the rear, which emphasizes the sporty character of the crossover.

Compact dimensions

Design lines running from the front to the rear accentuates the broad, sculpted wings. Unique rims with sizes up to 21-inches further emphasize the profile of the crossover. The rear has a clean look. This is as a result of the switch for the power-lift tailgate being concealed in the foot of the windscreen wiper, and the number plate being located in the lower rear area. The rear lights on the Macan are another striking feature, boasting an extremely compact three-dimensional design and LED technology. 

 

Three dimension rear lights

Performance

Porsche is offering the Macan choice with three advanced engines. The Macan Turbo offers unrivalled performance in the compact SUV segment. The 3.6-litre V6 Biturbo engine has a maximum output of 400 hp (294 kW). This power results in acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 266 km/h. The Macan S is powered by Porsche’s newest 3.0-litre V6 Biturbo power unit. The engine reaches its maximum power of 340 hp (250 kW). Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 5.4 seconds and the vehicle reaches a top speed of around 254 km/h.

The Porsche Macan in action

With its 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine, the Macan S Diesel combines excellent performance with minimum fuel consumption. The 258-bhp (190 kW) engine, borrowed from the Cayenne, has been specially designed and enhanced for the Macan. The power unit high torque of 580 Nm allows confident acceleration in every driving situation. The crossover reaches a top speed of 230 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. All variants of the Macan feature the high-performance seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) as standard.

 

Driver focused cockpit

Interior

The focus on agility and breadth continues into the Porsche Macan's interior. Sophisticated lines, precise transitions, and high-quality workmanship create a harmonious fusion of sportiness, quality, and elegance. Three round dials with a centrally positioned tachometer combine to form the instrument cluster. The right-hand tube is home to the high-resolution, 4.8-inch colour display. As you would expect, the ignition key is positioned to the left of the steering wheel - as is customary on Porsche models.

Music from all angles

The buttons for the most important functions are clustered in logical groups on the centre console, allowing for simple and intuitive operation of individual functions. As a special feature, the front headrests can be adjusted both vertically and longitudinally, while the seat height, seat cushion, backrest angle and the longitudinal position of the standard electrical 8-way comfort seat on the driver's side can be adjusted. The rear seat system provides space for up to three passengers. The rear seat backrests are split 40:20:40 and can be folded down separately, providing plenty of room for all items of luggage in the luggage compartment.

Distinct rear

Verdict

Crossovers ever-growing popularity has seen many automakers join into the segment with numerous models. However, most of the crossovers focus more on practicality and versatility. The Porsche Macan adopts those two great qualities but also adds great performance and impressive luxury, something few crossovers have. The Porsche Macan is surely headed for the best seller podium not only because of its affordability but on the other great qualities that come with the price.