Does the new Macan SUV still feel like a Porsche? Well that was the question that was running through my mind while opening the driver’s door on the new Porsche Macan S. This was my first time driving one after seeing it at various motor shows. It is a very good looking car indeed. Porsche haven’t really strayed to far away from the original design formula used on the previous Macan model. Its body proportions are very pleasing on the eye. The biggest standout feature for me is the new Porsche signature rear light bar which joins the rear lights together.
As soon as I closed the door and adjusted the steering wheel relatively close to me, I had that familiar Porsche view of the centre rev counter.
Even though this is an SUV, my preferred driving position was one that felt as if I was sitting in, instead of sitting on top of the interior. That’s not very SUV like!
As you would know from my other blogs, I am a fan of dashboard buttons and in the new Macan its centre console is an array of buttons….from heater controls to adjusting the shock absorbers.
The interior looks and feels like a premium interior. The interior leather and finish is sublime. I couldn’t fault any of the fit and finish. There is plenty of room in the front and the back.
Its new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) has a 10.9 inch – fully HD touchscreen display.
The new Macan S price starts at £48,750.00 on the road.
The model I drove from Porsche GB had the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) (£816.09) and the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) (£1052.00) – which are optional extras.
I found that going around corners in this SUV was mind-boggling as it seem to handle like a smaller hot hatch car and not an SUV!
Steering is very communicative with pinpoint accuracy. I know that I didn’t push the vehicle to the its absolute limit….but at no point did it feel out of my control and nor did I experience a huge amount of body roll. From time to time I had to remind myself that this vehicle is an SUV and a hot hatch!
The six-piston aluminium brake calipers did a brilliant job of slowing the vehicle down. The brake pedal had a progressive reassuring feel.
Its 3.0 litre V6 engine produces 354 PS. When I pressed hard on the accelerator pedal the Macan S just takes off. It is quick (and it feels quick). I think its sweet spot is accelerating from around 30 mph. It would soon be up in the 60 to 70 mph and beyond in a blink of an eye. All of this (I must add) was done in the most controlled manner, with the least amount of fuss, thanks to the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) – which is not intrusive.
I am a sports car fan, but I can tell you that Porsche have somehow applied their Porsche DNA (which is in all their coupes and cabriolets) to this SUV.
I know that it is a Porsche…. but I really didn’t think it would drive, feel and handle like a Porsche because it is an SUV….but it really does!! It’s an impressive vehicle.
Could I possibly be converted to an SUV if they all drove like this? Yes…. if my personal circumstances changed maybe? But right now…I am still a coupe or convertible type of guy.
We Blog Any Car stats,
Porsche Macan S Turbo.
- 3.0 litre V6 turbo petrol engine
- 354 PS power
- 480 Nm of torque
- Seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK)
- 5.1 seconds 0 to 62 mph with Sport Chrono Package
- 158 mph top speed
- All-wheel drive
- 23.9 to 25.7 mpg (combined model range)
- 204 g/km CO2 emissions
- £48,750.00 price starts from
- £66,977.00 price of the car tested
Previous Porsche Macan blog below.
New Porsche Cayenne at the Frankfurt Motorshow.
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