Hailed by Porsche as “the sports car of the SUV segment”, the Porsche Macan arrives with a heavy weight of expectation. Porsche Macan buyers will be able to pick from a Macan S, a Macan S Diesel and a Macan Turbo.
Both the S models cost the same, with the petrol-powered version boasting a 335bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 and the diesel getting a 254bhp 3.0-litre V6.
At the top of the range sits a 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6 with 394bhp in the Turbo model. Each model provides seriously impressive acceleration and traction, helped by the standard seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic gearbox and rear-biased four-wheel-drive system.
Handling is predictably sharp and the ride noticeably firmer than much of the competition, unless you go for the excellent optional air suspension, while buyers are asked to pick between a variety of performance boosting options such as torque vectoring and adaptive dampers.
The Porsche Macan feels stunningly well engineered and is a delight to drive. Diesel models come with conventional springs and dampers as standard, with the option of upgrading to PASM adaptive dampers.
Alternatively, you can specify air-suspension with PASM. It sits 15mm lower than cars on steel springs and drops another 10mm when you press the Sport button. It’ll also rise by 40mm when select the off-road mode. However, it’s the ability of the Porsche Macan on the road that really blows you away. The beautifully weighted and accurate steering needs the smallest of inputs before the car instantly turns in with the sort of precision and poise you just don’t expect in an SUV.
The Macan has the sporty appearance you’d demand from a Porsche. Inside, it’s stunning, with chrome-trimmed switches running down the transmission tunnel. You also get the same driver-focused cockpit as Porsche’s other models, while all the plastics, leathers and trim materials are elaborately elegant.
You can up the luxury even further through the addition of the optional Light Comfort package, which features ambient LED lighting throughout the cabin for a really classy, night-time glow.
The Peninsula
