The Macan->ke4210 was launched in 2014 and became Porsche's second production crossover and smallest SUV->ke145. Based on the same MLB platform underpinning the Audi Q5->ke1666, the Macan was launched with a range of gasoline and diesel V-6 engines. Later on, it also received a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit, become the first modern-day Porsche->ke1 to use a four-banger.

Remember when Porsche released the Cayenne->ke212? Remember all the people in their Porsche owners club shirts sitting around and telling you about how this new SUV was a disgrace to the Porsche logo and that all the company should design and produce are 911->ke282 variants? Well, the Cayenne turned out to be a real success, so the company decided to further expand its SUV lineup with the addition of a new model placed under the midsize->ke1695 SUV.

After being tested for a very long time, the new Macan made its world debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show->ke211. Initially, the model was rumored to be called "Cajun," but Porsche opted for "Macan" – a name coming from the Indonesian word for tiger. According to Porsche, the name symbolizes the Macan as a model that is "powerful and ready to pounce at any time, yet light-footed and tenacious on off-road terrain."

Initially, the Macan was only offered in “Turbo” and “S” form here in the U.S., but eventually, the Macan GTS was made available as well. In 2016, Porsche expanded the Macan lineup even further with a new entry-level model.

Continue reading to learn more about the Porsche Macan.

2015 - 2017 Porsche Macan

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 - 2017 Porsche Macan
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 340 @ 5500
  • Torque: 339 @ 1450
  • Transmission: 7-Speed PDK
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The Porsche Macan is defined by sportiness, dynamism, and precision combined with round lines and harmonious proportions. The overall design of the Macan combines cues from the Porsche 911, like the side-view window graphics and the sloping roof line, along with cues from the 918 Spyder, like the headlights and the lower door seams. All told, it’s a nice design and has been successful so far since its initial debut.

Up front, the Macan has a no-nonsense grille that is recessed ever so slightly in the front fascia. To each side of the grille, the corner vents have been integrated with dual, horizontal louvers and a set of LED running lights at the top. Down below a small air dam mimics the shape of the top half of the radiator grille, with a fog light recessed into the fascia on either side of the air dam. It’s a sporty look, but it is sleek thanks to the lack of flashy trim inserts.

To the sides, the most notable feature is the body cladding on the lower portion of the doors. On the Macan S, this cladding is painted lava black, but on the Turbo version, this cladding is painted to match the color of the body. The Macan Turbo features chrome window trim on the sides, but the Macan S, GTS, and the new entry-level model have black window trim. The upper trim levels feature red calipers while the new entry-level model has black calipers. The Macan S and Macan Turbo feature 19-inch wheels, the Macan GTS features 20-inch Spyder Design wheels in Black Satin, and the new entry-level model features 18-inch wheels. Despite the smaller size, the wheels on the new entry level model are just as sporty as those that come standard on the S, GTS, and Turbo.

Around back, the Macan has a rear overhang on the hatch that acts as a rear spoiler, and down below the rear glass sits the taillights that wrap around to the rear quarter panels and take on the shape of a leaning rectangle. The Macan S, Macan GTS, and Macan Turbo have twin, dual exhaust outlets, but the new entry-level model spots new dual exhaust pipes that are finished in stainless steel.

2015 Porsche Macan - Exterior Dimensions

Macan S

Macan Turbo

Length (inches)

184.29

185

Wheelbase (inches)

110.51

110.51

Width w/ mirrors (inches)

82.6

82.6

Width w/o mirrors (inches)

76.14

76.14

Height (inches)

63.35

63.35

Track width front / rear (inches)

65.16 / 65

65.16 / 65

Drag coefficient (Cd)

0.36

0.37


Interior

The interior is defined by sophisticated lines, precise transitions, and high-quality workmanship. The cockpit was inspired by the sports car world, while the multi-function sports steering wheel drew inspiration from the 918 Spyder's wheel. The instrument cluster is formed by three round dials and a centrally positioned tachometer. Also included is a high-resolution, 4.8-inch color display that shows the maps for the optional Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with navigation module.

The new Macan is offered with sports front seats that can be adjusted both vertically and longitudinally. The rear seats offer enough room for three passengers, while the backrests, which are split 40/20/40, can be folded down separately, offering increased cargo room.

As standard, the new Macan will come with a sound system from Burmester. It includes 16 individually controlled speakers, an active subwoofer with a 10-inch diaphragm diameter, and an integrated 300-watt Class D amplifier. As an option customers can also get the Bose Surround Sound system that features 14 speakers, including a 200-watt active subwoofer, a total of nine amplifier channels, and a total output of 545 watts.

Porsche is offering an optional light comfort package, that will include ambient lighting in the door panels and overhead console, front and back footwell lighting, reading lights in the rear of the vehicle, plus ambient lighting in the exterior mirrors.

The new entry-level Macan varies little from the other three models in the lineup. It comes standard with eight-way, powered front seats that also have Alcantara center inserts, and like the other models, it has the latest iterations of the Porsche Communication Management System. The new enter-level model features a Piano Black interior package as well.

Steering Wheel Detail

Shifter Detail

Drivetrain

Along with the body structure from Audi, the Macan also uses an Audi chassis, steering, axles, and Quattro drivetrain. Some of the benefits of having so many fantastic companies in one room.

The Macan is offered with a number of engine choices. The Macan S comes with a 3.0-liter V-6 that produces 340 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. Moving up to the Macan GTS gets you the same 3.0-liter, but this time, it is uprated to 360 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The Macan Turbo is the leader of the bunch with a whopping 400 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.

The Macan S can run the 60 mph sprint in 5.2 seconds (5.0 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package) on the way to a top speed of 156 mph. The GTS can hit the same benchmark in 5.0 seconds (4.8 seconds with Launch Control) with a top speed of 159 mph, and the Macan Turbo hits 60 mph in 4.6 seconds (4.4 with the Sport Chrono package) with a top speed of 164 mph. In some markets, the Macan S is available with a 3.0-liter V-6 diesel that pumps out 258 horsepower and a stump-pulling 427 pound-feet of torque.

The entry level model that is new for 2016 comes with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder that pumps out 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This new powerplant operates with up to 14 pounds of boost pressure, charge-air cooling, direct fuel injection, and variable valve timing. All told, it pushes the Macan to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds with the Sport Chrono package and has a top speed of 142 mph.

The new 2.0-liter powerplant in the entry-level Macan sends power to all four wheels via a seven-speed, PDK, dual-clutch transmission – the same tranny used in the other Macan trim levels. Porsche claims the entry-level Macan can achieve 25 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city.

2015 Porsche Macan - Drivetrain Specifications

Macan (Not Available in U.S.)

Macan S

Macan Turbo

Macan S

Front Engine

Front engine

Front engine

Macan Turbo

Turbocharged I-4

twin turbo 90 degree V6

twin turbo 90 degree V6

Engine layout

4

6

6

Engine type

Direct fuel injection

Direct fuel injection

Cylinders

Premium

Premium

Premium

Fuel injection

2.0 liter

3.0 liter

3.6 liter

Fuel

237 hp @ 5,000 - 6,000

340 hp @ 5,500 - 6,500 rpm

400 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Displacement

258 LB-FT @ 1,,500 - 4,500

339 LB.-FT. @ 1,450 - 5,000 rpm

406 LB.-FT. @ 1,350 - 4,500 rpm

Maxmimum power output @ engine speed

12.1

10.6

Maximum torque @ engine speed

All-wheel-drive, with electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch

All-wheel-drive, with electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch

All-wheel-drive, with electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch

Power-to-weight ratio (LBS/HP)

138

156

164

Drivetrain

6.9

5.2 (5.0 w/ Sport Chrono)

4.6 (4.4 w/ Sport Chrono)


New For 2017 model year

Type

turbocharged 2.0 liter

Output

252 HP @ 5,000-6,800 RPM

Torque

273 LB-FT @ 1,600 - 4,500 RPM

0 to 60 mph

6.1 sec with the optional Sport Chrono Package

Top track speed

142 MPH

Fuel economy

25 mpg highway/20 mpg city/22 mpg combined


Prices

The Porsche Macan starts out at $47,500 for the new, entry-level model. Moving up to the Macan S will set you back $52,600, while the GTS starts out at $67,200 and the Macan Turbo starts out at $73,900. Porsche is already taking orders for the new entry-level model, with delivery scheduled to start in July of 2016.

Model

Price

Porsche Macan

$47,500

Porsche Macan S

$52,600

Porsche Macan GTS

$67,200

Porsche Macan Turbo

$73,900


Competition

BMW X3

The BMW X3 has been around since 2003, and it’s turned into a popular choice for looking for an affordable luxury SUV that isn’t too big. The Current generation took hold in 2010, with powertrain updates coming in 2014. With 2016 already underway, we’re expecting a newly-designed X3 for the 2017 model year. In current form, the X3 is offered in four different flavors here in the U.S. The entry-level X3 sDrive28i and X3 xDrive28i are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pumps out 240 horsepower. The xDrived is powered by a 2.0-liter diesel mill that produces an acceptable 180 horsepower, and the range-topping xDrive35i comes with a 3.0-liter, turbocharged, V-6 that produces 300 horsepower. The sDrive28i and xDrive28i can hit 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, while the xDrive28d hits the benchmark in 7.8 seconds. The range-topping xDrive35i is pushed to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds thanks to that powerful V-6. At the time of this writing, the X3 starts out at $38,950 for the entry-level sDrive28i, $40,950 for the xDrive28i, $42,450 for the xDrive28d, and $46,800 for the range-topping xDrive35i.

Find out more about the BMW X3 here.

Audi Q5

Audi built the Q5 as a direct response to BMW’s X3, which is why it is such a strong competitor for the Porsche Macan as well. We’ve seen spy shots of the next-generation Q5 testing, but word around the campfire is that it won’t get an official debut until 2017. In current form, the Q5 is available in three different trims. The Q5 Premium is the entry-level model that boasts a 2.0-liter engine that produces a decent 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Q5 Premium Plus is the mid-range offering of the Q5 that can be had with the 220 horsepower 2.0-liter or a 3.0-liter TFSI that produces 272 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Q5 Prestige is the range-topping trim that is only available with the 3.0-liter.

All three trims are equipped with an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. Those equipped with the 2.0-liter can hit 60 mph in seven seconds on the way to a top speed of 130 mph. Going with the Premium Plus or Prestige with the 3.0 will get bring you a 0-to-60 mph time of just 6.0 seconds with an identical top speed. At the time of this writing, the Q5 premium starts out at $40,900. The Premium Plus starts out at $42,750 with the 2.0-liter and $46,000 even with the 3.0-liter. The range-topping Prestige commands $53,500 before options, taxes, and delivery.

Read more about the Audi Q5 here.

Conclusion

It is about time that Porsche add a new entry-level model to its Macan lineup. With the entry-level Macan S starting out at $52,600 here in the U.S., Porsche was seriously lacking an affordable entry model. With similar entry-level models from BMW and Audi coming in more than $10,000 cheaper than the Macan S, those wanting the fuel efficiency of a four-cylinder had no choice but to go with one of Porsche’s competitors. Even now, I think Porsche is tooting its own horn a little bit with the new entry-level Macan starting out at $47,500. It’s still significantly more expensive than the X3 and Q5, which might be a hard sell considering the entry-level Macan only trumps the competition by a few ponies. Brand-loyal customers are always a given when it comes to a brand like Porsche, but if it hopes to draw in customers from Bimmer and Audi, that starting price is going to have to drop a bit – the competition in this segment is stronger than ever.

Possible Porsche Macan Turbo S testing at Nurburgring

Update History

Updated 03/11/2016: Porsche announced that for the 2017 model year, the Macan will be offered with a new turbocharged 2.0 liter engine with a total output of 252 horsepower. The new version will go on sale in July at a starting price of $47,500.

Updated 12/13/2013: Today, Porsche released a new video showing how the new Macan is developed at the company's plant in Leipzig, Germany. You will see how the small crossover evolves from the first components to the finished product. Enjoy!

Updated 10/10/2013: Porsche will unveil the Macan at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show->ke211. Until then, however, you cruise on over to the newly launched Macan microsite to catch all of the weekly updates. There are also a few new teaser shots that you can see in the picture gallery and a new teaser video (above). We've also created a new rendering of the Macan that you can see after the jump. Enjoy!

Updated 10/18/2013: Porsche unveiled a new set of images for its upcoming Macan, taken during the SUV's final testing ahead of its public unveiling in Los Angeles on November 20.

Updated 10/30/2013: Porsche unveiled a new video showing the upcoming Macan testing in sand dunes and at temperatures above 40°C. Enjoy!

Updated 11/11/2013: A leaked document reveals the full specs on the upcoming Porsche Macan -- just a few days before its official debut in Los Angeles. The only problem is that the document is in Chinese, but we can make out that the Macan will be offered in three trim levels: S, Diesel S and Turbo. The biggest joy comes from the Turbo version, which delivers 400 horsepower. You can find the full specs after the jump. (WCF)

Updated 11/14/2013: With just a few days before the official debut of the upcoming Macan, Porsche unveiled yet another video featuring the new SUV on the test track in Weissach. Enjoy!

Updated 11/20/2013: This review was updated with the official details, images and specs.

Updated 12/03/2013: Porsche unveiled a new video explaining the design process behind the new Macan. Check it out!

TopSpeed Rendering Versus Reality

We dropped the latest rendering on you guys back in late September 2013, and it was more of just an update on our original rendering. We notice in a few spy shots that were peeking through the faux-taillight decal on the Macan were thinner, so we touched those up a little. By looking at the above side-by-side images of the rendering (left) and the real Macan (right), we must say that we were nearly spot on. All we missed was the exact shape of the diffuser and the style of tailpipes.

Spy Shots

The spy shots show us that there shouldn’t be many surprises when Porsche finally unveils the Macan. It is essentially a downsized version of the Cayenne, plain and simple. The front end features the same signature Porsche headlights and air intakes that are basically identical to the Cayenne.

The front end is pretty clear in the spy shots, but the back end is another story altogether. The taillights look to be fake, so we cannot figure out what they will look like when it hits production. We can say that the fake Cayenne lights on the Macan we caught testing are pretty funny looking…