Porsche Macan: More than just a gateway to Stuttgart

The Porsche Macan is a very important model for Stuttgart. Launched in 2014 as the gateway into the Porsche brand, over 600 000 units have been sold worldwide. Significantly, over 80% of Macan buyers are also first-time Porsche buyers.

Just as important is that a big chunk of these buyers are women. In fact, so big that Macan buyers have the highest percentage of women buyers across all Porsche models. Almost 60% of all new Macans sold in China are to women.

The base Macan model might be the most affordable Porsche, but it is anything but a tick box exercise in pursuit of volume sales. It is a proper car. Especially the updated version, which features better performance than before, sportier styling and more modern interior.

The range consists of three models, the Macan, the Macan S and the Macan GTS.

How much power?

The flagship GTS derivative is powered by a 2.9-litre biturbo V6 petrol engine that produces 324 kW of power and 550 Nm of torque. Stuttgart claims the GTS van reach 100 km/h from a standstill 4.3 seconds when fitted with the Sport Chrono package. Top speed is a claimed 272 km/h.

Equipped with a detuned version of the same powerplant, the Macan S delivers 280kW/520Nm. The Macan S is set to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, with a top whack of 259 km/h.

The base model is powered by a newly developed inline four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo engine that produces 195 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque. Porsche claims it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 232 km/h.

Sole transmission option

All three models’ engines are hooked up to the seven-speed PDK transmission which sends the twist to all four wheels Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel-drive system. Operating the transmission is down with a new shortened selection lever.

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After sampling all three models on a recent launch drive in the Western Cape, it’s hard to pick one over the other.

For a car that is on paper “only” a base model, the Macan’s engine is as decent a 2.0-litre mill as you could get. Its acceleration is faster than most people would need on a daily basis and makes overtaking on the open road a breeze.

The ringleader

For those looking for a bit more oomph the Macan S strikes the perfect balance. It is as fast as the previous GTS, but without the more aggressive styling of the flagship model.

The GTS is every bit as good as you would expect from a Porsche wearing the Grand Turismo Sport moniker. It looks the part, sounds the part and drives the part. In fact, it is ridiculously easy to drive fast.

Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is standard on the GTS and S and an option on the Macan. In addition, the GTS comes standard with sports air suspension, lowering the body by 10 mm.

The Macan’s redesigned nose includes an inlay painted in exterior colour, while the rear features a striking new diffuser. The front and rear features a 3D structure, which is also optional on the side blades. LED headlights equipped with the Porsche Dynamic Light System and Sport Design exterior mirrors are standard across the range.

There are 14 exterior colours to choose from, which include three new options: Papaya Metallic and Gentian Blue Metallic, plus Python Green which is reserved for the Macan GTS with the GTS Sport package.

Seventh alloy heaven

Seven new wheels designs were added to the range. The Macan comes standard with 19-inch allow wheels, the Macan S features 20-inch rims and GTS comes factory fitted with 21-inch wheels. Standard on the Macan and Macan S are black brake calipers, with the GTS featuring red caliper to go with 21-inch RS Spyder design wheels.

Highlights in the cabin include a redesigned centre console which uses touchscreen inputs, 10.9-inch infotainment system with display of the voice-activated Porsche Communication Management, new multifunction sports steering wheel taken from the 911 and Panamera, newly designed round instruments and a Sport Chrono analogue clock on the top of the dashboard.

Optional leather upholstery and contrasting seam packages are available in Gentian Blue, Papaya or Crayon. The optional GTS Sport package, exclusive to the marquee model, features 18-way Sport seats, the Carbon interior package, Race-Tex upholstery with extended leather elements and contrast stitching and GTS lettering in Python Green.

Conclusion

A seven-figure amount even for the most affordable Porsche is not cheap. But then again, cars exceeding the million-mark have become the norm these days. But you get what you pay for, and that is a lot of car. And a prestigious badge.

Price

Macan – R1 050 000

Macan S – R1 271 000

Macan GTS – R1 551 000

Price includes three year/100 000 km Driveplan.

For more information on the new Porsche Macan, click here.