All-new Porsche Macan – The sixth model in the Porsche range

Revealed yesterday at the 2013 LA Auto Show, the Porsche Macan is the sixth model in the Porsche range, and the second SUV. It sits below the Cayenne in terms of size and price, and is available with three different drivetrains – depending on the market.

As the top model in the Macan range, the Macan Turbo is set to be the most powerful vehicle in the compact SUV segment. The 3.6-litre V6 bi-turbo engine, which is being used in a Porsche model for the first time, develops 400 hp and allows the car to accelarate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds. With the Sport Chrono package fitted, this drops to 4.6 seconds. Although the top speed is 165 mph, the Macan Turbo delivers NEDC fuel consumption figures of between 30.7 and 31.7 mpg.

The Macan S is equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo engine delivering 340 bhp (250 kW) and also features Porsche Traction Management (PTM) active all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch. This all-wheel drive is fitted on all Macan models. A seven-speed double-clutch transmission transfers power, enabling acceleration of 0-to-62 mph in 5.4 seconds (or 5.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package fitted). The Macan S reaches a top speed of 158 mph, and its NEDC fuel consumption figures are between 31.4 and 32.5 mpg.

The Macan S Diesel is the most economical option out of the three Macan models. Its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine achieves NEDC fuel consumption figures of between 44.8 and 46.3 mpg, which correspond to CO2 emissions of between 164 and 159 g/km. Macan S Diesel accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.3 seconds (or 6.1 seconds with the Sport Chrono package fitted) thanks to its 258 hp engine, and achieves a top speed of 143 mph.

Technical highlights of the all-new Macan include Porsche Traction Management (PTM) active all-wheel drive and the Porsche PDK double-clutch transmission fitted as standard.

Visually the Macan is clearly Porsche. It looks a lot more sporty than the larger Cayenne, and that’s because Porsche’s designers were tasked with making sure the Macan had some 911 influence and was extremely broad and low for an SUV. For instance, the side view window graphics and the sloping roof line at the rear, known at Porsche as the ‘flyline’, are a clear nod to the 911. The rear wheelarches also have the soft profile of the 911.

Another hat-tip to Porsche’s more sporting vehicles can be found inside, where the Macan has been fitted with a multi-function sports steering wheel, the design of which is completely new and based on that in the 918 Spyder. Other interior highlights include adaptive sports seats, a choice of piano black, aluminium, walnut or carbon fiber trim, optional Alcantara seat trim, and a large center console with multi-function display.