Your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you: this Porsche SUV is the Macan. If it looks like big-brother Cayenne condensed, that’s no accident. The Macan is based on the Audi Q5, but it’s slightly longer, wider and lower. While purists will loathe it even more than the Cayenne, VW Group bean counters are salivating over the baby Porker.
Should we take this thing seriously?
Yes. We can even take Porsche’s PR with slightly less salt than most in its description of the Macan having ‘maximum acceleration and braking values, vast engine power, extreme agility and optimum steering precision.’ Well, they know what we want, but can they deliver? Let’s take a closer look…
What’s under the bonnet?
At launch, there are three models on offer, but regardless of choice, your Macan will have all-wheel drive and a seven speed PDK hooked up to a V6 engine. The 1865kg Macan S comes with a 335bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 for a 0-62mph time of 5.2sec (with the optional Sports Chrono package). If that’s not fast enough, the Macan Turbo’s 3.6-litre twin-turbo pumps out 394bhp for a 4.8sec effort.
It’s not all about straight-line number crunching, though. Naturally, there’s a litany of Porsche electronics, all beginning with P of course: Porsche Traction Management (PTM), Porsche Stability Management (PSM), Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) and optional Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, which works with a rear-axle diff lock. You can even option ceramic brakes, too.
If you want fast, agile and frugal, take the S Diesel, with its 242bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbo six. Its official numbers are 46.3mpg and, with the Sports Chrono Package, still delivers a 0-62mph run in a claimed 6.3sec.
Inside?
Take a look and you’ll cabin furniture inspired by the rest of the Porsche family: there’s a new three-spoke sports steering wheel, but other than that there’s no genuine surprises – not that any were needed, anyway. There’s a crisp confident and clean dash design with angular centre console decorated with diagonal buttons, ala Panamera and 911.
In the S models, there’s Alcantara and leather seats, but the Turbo takes the lot with 18-way, electronically adjustable leather sports seats. The Turbo also comes fitted with BOSE audio, and Porsche Communication Management which includes sat-nav.
Can this thing actually go off-road?
It’s no Land Rover, but the Macan does have all-wheel drive and decent ground clearance in its favour. It uses the same all-wheel drive system as the Cayenne, with its variable height adjust with a rear-drive bias. It can adjust its ride-height by 40mm and boasts Hill Descent Control. Of course, ‘light’ duties are a breeze, but ask it to roll its sleeves up and it’s still likely to shine, if big-bro Cayenne is anything to go by. Will many owners head to muddy outcrops? Not without a horse float on the back…
How much?
The Macan range starts at £43,300 for the S, whether you choose the diesel or petrol V6, with the Turbo at £59,300. To put that in perspective, the Audi SQ5 – which uses the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel, but with 309bhp – starts at £44,055.
Sales of the Porsche Macan start in summer 2014 – but for our first drive, download the CAR app online or check out the December 2013 issue, which is on sale now.