Over the past 10 to 15 years, the automotive industry hasn't been so much of a car industry, but more of a sport-utility vehicle industry. It doesn't require a PhD in mathematics to figure out that the sales of sedans and sleek coupes have been gradually getting nibbled away by the likes of more spacious and less fuel conscious SUVs. And from a less scientific perspective, if you look around your neighborhood, I am sure you will note there are a lot of oversized people movers.
The good news is that SUVs aren't just boxes using inefficient truck motors. Now we're starting to see automakers pay real attention to what consumers want and are adapting their SUV offerings. Now they come with a variety of powerplants — gasoline, diesel, hybrid, soon electric — and form factors to choose from.
Not only have SUVs become more fuel efficient, they've become better in just about every way.
2015 Porsche Macan
This neatly brings us to our subject, the Porsche Macan. While purists didn't exactly welcome the Macan's big brother — the Cayenne — when it was first introduced, it was such a wild success bringing newcomers to the German brand that it bolstered the legendary automaker's financial positioning. If it weren't for the Cayenne then there is a chance that the 911 would have become extinct. Essentially, this became the perfect justification to offer a model with a lower barrier of entry.
Observing its exterior design, it's evident that the Macan takes some creative license from the Cayenne. Note the large headlights and large air intakes to let the engine breathe? Where you will see a significant difference in styling is the vehicle's hatch. It is much more severely sloped for a sporting look. Though it looks good, keep in mind that this line limits the Macan's cargo capacity if you like to really pack up your ride for a road trip.
Getting more comfortable behind the leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel, it's clear that if you've been in other Porsche products, the company's DNA remains strong inside.
Equipped with a raised center console and a center stack that houses a large infotainment display, this looks identical to what you'd find inside a Boxster/Cayman, 911, Panamera or Cayenne. Though it may appear busy at first, I reassure you that the ergonomics are strong in today's Porsches. Every button is intuitively placed and, personally, I find that having a switch is much simpler than having to navigate a touchscreen display. As in every Porsche vehicle, you'll note that the instrument cluster prioritizes the tachometer, which is dead center, then is flanked by the likes of a speedometer and trip computer that features multiple screens you can switch through to see more detailed vehicle information or a navigation map.
After spending some time with a Macan in my driveway, two major things stand out. First, the quality of the Macan's cockpit is far superior to the likes of other cars in its respective class. The leather is super soft, every stitch is tight and all the interior panels are squeak free. This is the type of build quality you find in a Bentley Flying Spur. Second, it really is an intimate cabin. If you're in-market for an all-new SUV and want plenty of space to stretch out, and have six cupholders, this probably isn't the vehicle for you.
Note: every interested buyer should adjust the front seat to their liking and then hop in the back seat to see if they can fit another adult behind them comfortably.
2015 Porsche Macan
Now if you initially think that the Macan is simply a scaled down Cayenne, you're in for a surprise. It is not even close, which is a good thing. Let me explain: what really separates the Macan from the rest of the SUVs available is the way it drives.
The Macan Turbo is fitted with a 3.6-liter six-cylinder motor that produces 400 horsepower and 406 lb.-ft. of torque. Mated to this impressive powerplant is a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission proprietarily referred to as PDK. Zero to 60 comes in a very quick 4.4 seconds when optioned with the Sport Chrono package as my test vehicle was.
While it delivers tremendous performance for an SUV it doesn't guzzle gas wildly. After driving it for a week I chalked up a respectable 18 mpg and saw a high of 24 mpg during highway travel. Considering there are sport sedans having trouble with this mix of efficiency and performance, it was a welcome sight.
When you first fire up the Macan you'll note that it sparks to life very fast — similar to the way one of the marque's sports cars start. As with every performance vehicle worth its salt, there are programmable drive settings. Instead of wasting space I'll keep it simple.
The Macan Turbo operates best in Sport mode with PDK in Drive. PDK's ability to shift exactly when I would via paddle is uncanny. In addition, every setting — steering, throttle response, suspension— is literally perfect.
Taking the baby ute Porsche through some twisties, you'll note that the body's heft is kept in check and lean isn't problematic or really perceptible at all. I am sure that would change if I was on a track given the vehicle weighs over 4,600 pounds, but I only did some spirited driving on suburban roads.
What I found particularly astonishing was the level of grip the Turbo had. When giving the Porsche some extra oomph in corners it remains completely planted. When accelerating aggressively from a stop, you feel the suspension's tense up and the AWD system makes sure the Macan's tires hook up, stat. I've only experienced a similar sensation in proper sports cars. It's all exceedingly impressive.
In recent years the big topic with Porsches has been their steering as more of its cars opt for an electric rack. Frankly, I think it felt great, responsive and even provided the Macan with a nimble feeling you wouldn't get in a lot of other vehicles weighing as much as this. Is there road feel? Well, would you expect that in any SUV? The answer is no to both questions.
More importantly, what I will say is that when I would hang the keys up after going for a drive, I would reflect on the good time I had. The only other SUVs to give me that joy are the BMW X5M and X6M.
After all this, several things are very clear when it comes to the Macan. Although it does a good job acting cool as a clam when you want it to, it does a helluva impression of a sports car. Its interior is undoubtedly best in class and can be optioned to be as luxurious as you see fit.
But, with all good things, there are a couple of catches. If you really place a premium on space in your vehicle, this may not be the best choice for you. That's because rear seat legroom is a bit tight and that sexy sloped hatch limits how much cargo you can carry if you really load it up.
In addition, it will cost you. A base Macan S starts just under $50,000 and a Turbo model starts at about $73,000. Although I typically leave out as-tested prices because sometimes the automakers want you to experience the latest/greatest technology, I will have you know my tester Macan Turbo ran $100,330. As with all Porsche's, it is largely an a la carte menu where the sky is the limit when it comes to options. With a Macan Turbo you can quickly find yourself at the $100k mark if you check one too many boxes.
Personally, I adore it though. If you're in market and curious about the Macan I will warn you to proceed with caution because Porsche will take your money as you see hearts, sign the paperwork and put one in your garage.
The Good:
- What a remarkable performer — whether you want the Macan to feel like a sports car or be a comfortable cruiser, it can properly do it all
- After you put a Macan through some switchbacks, I guarantee you'll have a smile on your face
- Best-in-breed interior
The Bad:
- Perhaps it's me, but I would have like to see a more revolutionary design for a product that drives in such a groundbreaking way
- Space is tight, particularly in the back seat
- It will cost you
The Lowdown:
Well, it's official. The Porsche Macan is the all-new performance SUV benchmark. Of course, it's not perfect as its interior space is tight and this thing will cost you a pretty penny — especially if you like a more personalized ride. But, I guarantee you that you will not find a better performing SUV. This is not an opinion, this is a fact.
2015 Porsche Macan
