Review: Porsche Macan
By Motor Match • 04/10/2023
Why has the Macan been so popular and does it really capture any of the spirit of Porsche? We’ve been trying it out in the new ‘T’ specification to find out.
What is it?
The Macan is another model which has had a transformative effect on Porsche. Of course, it’s cars like the 911 and Cayman that you think of when someone mentions Porsche, but it’s models like the Macan and Cayenne which have ensured that it can still keep making its range of sports cars.
What’s new?
The Macan is the smallest SUV in Porsche’s range, sitting underneath the Cayenne. However, it’s been designed with the same spaciousness as the larger model but, in typical Porsche fashion, it’s also meant to be far more engaging to drive than other SUVs of the same size.
The ‘T’ is set between the regular Macan and the sportier ‘S’ version, delivering something of a middle-ground in the process. It’s quite subtle from the outside, too, with only one small ‘T’ badge located on the boot. Elsewhere, it’s just the same old Macan - and that’s no bad thing at all since this is one of the best-looking compact SUVs on the road, to our eyes at least.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Macan T doesn’t use some fire-breathing engine setup, instead adopting a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 262bhp and 400Nm of torque sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed PDK automatic gearbox. Porsche claims a 0-60mph of just six seconds and a top speed of 144mph.
It’s a little bit quicker than the standard Macan. Porsche also claims up to 28mpg combined while CO2 emissions are between 229 and 242g/km depending on the wheel size you’ve specified.
What’s it like to drive?
The Macan’s driving style has always been what set it apart from rivals and it’s good that this remains present on the T. Despite being a higher-riding model, the Macan T steers and turns with loads of precision while body roll is impressively limited. It just all combines to make the Macan feel a lot keener to drive than other models in the class.
Though the engine might not deliver the kind of sound you’d expect from a Porsche, it’s effective and has more than enough performance for most occasions. On smaller wheels, the Macan even rides quite pleasantly.
How does it look?
It was always going to be a hard task to translate the look of Porsche’s sports cars into a higher-riding model, but we’d say that things have gone well for the Macan. It’s easily recognisable as a Porsche, that’s for sure, with its slim lights and wraparound rear lights.
The ‘T’ doesn’t rip up the rulebook, either. As we’ve mentioned, there’s just a small badge on the boot but it’s all largely what you’d expect from the Macan. We’d just be wary about going for ultra-small wheels as, despite the more comfortable ride they bring, they do tend to look a little ‘lost’ inside the Macan’s arches.
What’s it like inside?
As we’ve come to expect from Porsche, the cabin quality inside the Macan is top-notch. The materials are really pleasant throughout, but it’s the way that it’s all put together which really shines through. It’s all solid, but in some areas the Macan might not feel quite as high-tech as rivals.
But it’s great in terms of practicality. Rear-seat space isn’t bad at all, while the 488-litre boot is well sized and easy to access. You can bump it up to 1,503 litres by folding the rear seats flat, too.
What’s the spec like?
The Macan T benefits from plenty of standard equipment, with highlights including 20-inch wheels and three-zone climate control. Standard-fit active suspension is a really good feature to have, too, as it allows you to easily soften off the car’s ride depending on the situation and road surface.
If you’re buying used, then make sure that you check through the options that have been selected on the Macan. That can completely change the experience and really help maintain residual values too.
Verdict
The Macan is easily one of the most dynamic SUVs on the market today. If you’re after a high-riding model which feels more like a sports car to drive, then this is the model to check out. The ‘T’ adds in some extra equipment, but we’re sure that the standard model - which uses the same engine - would still be a fine choice.
Great material quality and the solid way in which the Macan is put together are just two more reasons why this is such a good SUV. A sporting SUV without trade-offs? It certainly seems that the Macan delivers it.
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