Porsche’s first foray into the expanding and lucrative sports utility market with the Cayenne did two things: split opinion and considerably enhanced the company’s bottom line.
Eager to repeat that success with a car in the burgeoning compact SUV market, Porsche has developed the Macan. And while its origins can be traced back to Audi’s Q5, Porsche’s engineers have transformed that car and put the sport into sports utility.
Although clearly influenced by the look of the Cayenne, the Macan is more streamlined in profile and doesn’t tower over regular cars like its conventional rivals. Crucially, this athletic stance does much to banish any notion that the Macan is all show and no go.
For now, it’s six-cylinder turbo power across the range – two petrol and one diesel. Furthermore, Porsche’s popular seven-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox is standard fit.
The Macan’s cabin will be familiar to the Porsche faithful, thanks to the car’s central fascia, replete with all the important climate and performance-enhancing switchgear easy to hand. The main colour touchscreen allows access to a high-quality audio and navigation experience.
With a steering wheel and tail lights influenced by Porsche’s 918 hybrid supercar, you’re left in no doubt as to the Macan’s heritage. It has already ticked the various boxes regarding the accommodating cabin and a family-friendly boot space, giving it the potential to deliver the best of both worlds if you’re restricted to owning only one car.
And so it proves that, predictably in 400 horsepower turbo petrol guise, the Macan behaves nothing like the traditional SUV stereotype. Agile, rapid and engaging, there’s no hint of a compromise when behind the wheel.
As you’d expect, the experience is largely the same but a little less rapid in the regular 340 horsepower Macan S. For many, this will strike an attractive balance between ability and affordability.
And while the diesel variant is unlikely to appeal to cash-rich early adopters keen to be first in line for the fastest, shiniest variant, it delivers the biggest surprise for keen drivers.
The car’s 254 horsepower is comparable to some rivals, but it’s the way the whole package gels that’s impressive. The quiet, rumble and rattle-free diesel motor’s flexible delivery combines with the polished PDK gearbox and composed ride to banish any perception that the oil-burning Macan would be the black sheep of the range.
Brisk, engaging and refined in equal measure, the Macan S Diesel is one of those rare things, an engaging, practical and stylish all-weather premium experience.
Factor in the plethora of driver-orientated options – adjustable dampers, air suspension, intelligent power distribution and traction electronics – and you have the recipe for an accomplished, vice-free all-rounder.
Oh, and the Macan will also happily take tricky off-road terrain in its stride; proof that its athletic profile is no barrier to getting down and dirty if the going gets muddy.
Unlike with the Cayenne, Porsche enters an already developed market with the Macan. There’s no shortage of choice, but what is lacking is a credible sporting alternative to the conventional high-rise template.
What gives the Macan the edge is its combination of ability, an engaging driving experience and brand image.