Test: Porsche Macan (2023) – Price, configuration

The first generation Porsche Macan, launched in 2014, is still sold today. How is that possible? Thanks to not one, but two facelifts in anticipation of a fully electric next generation. The last update to the model was implemented in 2021 and was quite drastic. The 4.73 m long, 1.93 m wide and 1.6 m high SUV features redesigned bumpers, a new light signature and new inserts at the bottom of its doors to give it an even more dynamic look.

The Macan, a real Porsche!

On board this ‘new’ Macan, the sea of ​​buttons on the center console has made way for a large touch-sensitive panel that we first saw on the Cayenne. Above this is a 10.9-inch central touchscreen that runs the brand’s latest infotainment system. It’s responsive and quite easy to use, with a wireless connection to Apple CarPlay, although Android Auto is simply not available. The driver still gets analogue counters, which are assisted by a small circular screen on the right side of the instrument panel. It is a practical whole that is also very well put together! The Macan may be the brand’s smallest SUV, but it has the same quality materials and finishes as any other Porsche.

The Macan rests on a wheelbase of 2.8 m, but this is not really noticeable in the back seat. The passengers are certainly not cramped there, but the knees of taller people will probably rub against the backrest of the front seats. The trunk is 488 to 1,503 liters in size when you fold down the rear seats. Correct, without further ado.

4 cylinders or V6 on petrol

The Macan currently has 4 variants, all petrol. The unnamed entry-level version has a 2-liter four-cylinder with 265 hp and 400 Nm of torque, for a top speed of 232 km/h and a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds if you select the Sport Chrono package. The Macan S has a 2.9 liter V6 with a power of 380 Nm and 520 Nm, for a sprint to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top of 259 km/h, again with the Sport Chrono -package. At the top of the range, the Macan Turbo has made way for the Macan GTS. It has the same engine as the S, but in this case with 440 hp and 550 Nm of torque. The result is a sprint to 100 km/h that takes just 4.1 seconds, while continuing to accelerate to 272 km/h! Since March 2022, the Macan has also been available as a T, which combines all the dynamic attributes of the GTS version with the four-cylinder from the bottom of the range.

A big rally car!

We are not exaggerating when we say that the Macan is a dynamic SUV, even with the small four-cylinder. You sit comfortably in its sports seats and you clearly feel like you are on board a Porsche in the Macan! He is not afraid of curves, on the contrary. Its direct and precise steering guides a perfectly balanced chassis around the corner, with handling that is astonishingly close to that of a much lower car. But although the entry-level engine is quite efficient, it lacks that little something extra to really make the Macan lively. Fortunately, the V6 version with its extra 115 hp does not suffer from this.

At the top of the range, the Macan GTS distinguishes itself technically with an even stiffer and sharper chassis, thanks to a chassis lowered by 10 mm. Its steering is also just that little bit more direct, while its V6 is even livelier than that of the S! With the gas on the floor, the German SUV shoots from bend to bend. Press the accelerator a little too early, and the GTS even starts to slide a little when exiting the corner. And when you let off the gas again, the sports exhaust makes you think there is a thunderstorm in the air. It looks like a big rally car that remains fun and efficient, regardless of the condition of the road surface!

The Macan T came a little later in the German SUV range and links the four-cylinder engine of 265 hp and 400 Nm to the chassis of the GTS. However, it is less exuberant than the latter and is therefore less memorable, while it also does not shoot out of a hairpin bend as lively. Yet it has all the dynamic qualities of the top model for a much lower price.

Unfortunately, this ‘new’ Macan is not perfect. Although its body movements remain well controlled, this is mainly due to its stiff suspension. And while the entry-level and S versions can still handle well in Comfort mode, the damping of the T and GTS versions is probably a bit too stiff for daily use for some. The sportier versions also suffer from more rolling noise, while on the highway you hear some wind noise in every Macan. Too bad, especially for such an expensive SUV!

Price Porsche Macan

The Macan with a four-cylinder is offered in Belgium from 73,695.45 euros. To enjoy the dynamic chassis of the Macan T, you must pay at least 78,900.07 euros. The V6 is only available from €83,712.64 in the Macan S, while the GTS is only available from €100,762.35! And as always with Porsche, you have to pay attention to the countless options that can significantly increase the price tag. Even after almost 10 years on the market, the Porsche Macan is not cheap!

Our verdict

The Porsche Macan is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic SUVs on the market, together with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio. Admittedly, it’s not the most comfortable and its sound insulation isn’t the best, but its chassis is so impressive that we overlook those flaws. It has a driving behavior that is both pleasant and efficient, as if it were a (very) large rally car. And if we had to choose one, we’d go for the letter T… especially if it has a G and an S next to it! Too bad this version is also the most expensive…

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