Described by Porsche as “the sports car of the SUV segment”, the Porsche Macan arrives with a heavy weight of expectation
While the Cayenne is based on the same platform as the Audi Q7, the Porsche Macan shares its underpinnings with the Audi Q5. It's not a simple swap, though, as Porsche has tweaked all the important bits to ensure the Macan has sporty character you'd expect from a Porsche.
In fact, Porsche is so confident in the end result it’s achieved with the Macan that it’s promoting the car 'the only sports car in its segment.'
At launch, 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.
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