Porsche Macan – All about the brand’s entry-level SUV

Porsche launched the Macan facelift in 2009 and it continues to be sold with a 241bhp, four-cylinder engine. What’s new to the Indian market is the Macan S, so you get a good balance of power and performance.

Let’s talk mechanicals

The current-generation Porsche Macan S is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine also found in the Cayenne by Porsche Cars. The engine develops 349bhp and 480Nm of torque, coupled with a twin-scroll turbo. Porsche Cars have said that the engine can help the Porsche Macan sprint from 0-100kph in 5.1 seconds and this SUV feels properly fast. It accelerates strongly and the super-quick 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox ensures power is delivered without any delay. The motor revs nicely, all the way to 6000rpm, and with the help of a steering-mounted selector, you can switch from Sport to Sport+, which is sure to sharpen responses. Power is much more accessible on the Macan S and the engine doesn’t have to be pushed hard to make the most of it. The exhaust note sounds perfect; not too loud, not too mellow. This should be perfect for someone who loves driving their Porsche SUV on a regular basis. In terms of dynamics, not much has changed. The Porsche Macan changes directions smoothly, very unlike an SUV, and the precise steering is the closest you can get to a sports car in an SUV. Despite being sporty, it is very comfortable, thanks to the air suspension and the amount of rubber on those 19-inch rims.

Styling updates

Coming to the styling, the differences aren’t too many. That low-slung silhouette, the wide tail and the new light strip running in between the tail lamps is new and is now more in sync with all the new Porsche models. At the front, it sports four-spot DRLs, while the outline of the headlights remains the same; also these are now full LED units. The auxiliary lamps are positioned in the ‘tiger claw’ vents. Not bad in our book.

Modern is the way forward

On the inside, the cabin has been updated. The dashboard has been restyled to help give way for the new 10.9-inch touchscreen, which features a high-resolution display and looks so much better. It’s pleasant to use and serves as a go-to control for all the settings. The central console continues to have lots of buttons. The driving position is very similar to that of a hatchback and the seats hug you in way that instantly tells you you’re in a Porsche. At the back, the seat is nicely contoured but room isn’t much. It’s not an SUV for big families and large occupants. But the panoramic sunroof adds some airiness to the interior.

A typical Porsche?

Now, the Macan isn’t cheap at ₹ 85.03 lakh (ex-showroom, India), but it offers better value than the first-generation model. However, customers with this budget are likely to have a look at bigger SUVs and that might just put off many Macan buyers. But the moment you think of it as a sports car wrapped in SUV clothing, it does seem very appealing. You can also expect a full EV version but it’s unlikely to make it to our market because of its high pricing. The engine is an absolute cracker and the Turbo version will blow the socks of those who buy one. We’re hard-pressed to nitpick with the Macan, particularly considering just how good a product it is, for as long as there are just four seated inside of course. You might think of it as a mere lipstick and mascara job. The interior is more modern and we think it’s the best-handling SUV out there, along with the bigger Cayenne.