World premiere for the compact SUV from Porsche The Macan is a Porsche through and through
Porsche is expanding its range to include a whole new class of vehicle. The Macan is the first Porsche model to break into the compact SUV segment and is poised to set new standards in the field of driving dynamics and enjoyment – on both paved streets uneven terrain. The Macan combines the typical handling characteristics that Porsche has represented right from the outset: maximum acceleration and braking values, vast engine power, extreme agility and optimum steering precision. What's more, all of these features are teamed with a high level of comfort and everyday suitability. The sporty DNA of the Macan, as with all Porsche vehicles, is also immediately recognisable in the design. The Sports Utility Vehicle is unrivalled in its flat and broad profile on the road. The wraparound bonnet and gently sloping roof line accentuate the overall impression of sporty elegance and powerful dynamics. Many of the design elements have been taken from other Porsche sportscars and enhanced for the Macan, making it clear to see from the very first glance that the Porsche Macan heralds the first sportscar in the compact SUV segment. The Macan is “Made in Germany", produced at the Leipzig plant. Porsche has invested 500 million euro in the plant and has established an entire production line there. The line is set up to produce around 50,000 vehicles per year – all manufactured with the utmost precision and to the highest level of quality. Just what you would expect from Porsche.
Three models comprise the Macan product range at market launch. The (1)Macan S is equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine delivering 340 bhp (250 kW) and also features an 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 as required and almost without any interruption in tractive force, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds (or 5.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package fitted). The vehicle reaches a top speed of 254 km/h, and its NEDC* fuel consumption figures are between 9.0 and 8.7 litres/100 km, which corresponds to a CO2 emissions level of between 212 and 204 g/km.
The (2)Macan S Diesel is the economical long-distance runner of the three Macan models. Its 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine achieves NEDC* fuel consumption figures of between just 6.3 and 6.1 litres/100 km, which corresponds to a CO2 value of between 164 and 159 g/km. Nevertheless, the Macan S Diesel accelerates from 0 to 100 km in just 6.3 seconds (or 6.1 seconds with the Sport Chrono package fitted) thanks to its 258-bhp (190-kW) engine, and achieves a top speed of 230 km/h.
As the top model in the Macan model line, the (3)Macan Turbo is set to be the most powerful vehicle in the compact SUV segment. The 3.6-litre V6 biturbo engine, which is being used in a Porsche model for the very first time, achieves an unrivalled 400 bhp (294 kW) and catapults the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. With the Sport Chrono package fitted, it is even possible to achieve such a speed in 4.6 seconds. Although the top speed is 266 km/h, the Macan Turbo delivers NEDC* fuel consumption figures of between just 9.2 and 8.9 litres/100 km, which equates to a CO2 value of between 216 and 208 g/km.
Its name comes from the Indonesian word for tiger. And the Macan really does live up to its name: powerful and ready to pounce at any time, yet light-footed and tenacious on off-road terrain. The latest stage of evolution of the all-wheel drive – known as Porsche Traction Management (PTM) – has produced one of the world's most powerful drive systems. In launching the Macan, Porsche now offers sporty all-wheel-drive vehicles across an unprecedented range.
A glance at the performance specifications reveals that the Macan has been designed with agility in mind. Further unmistakable hallmarks of the vehicle include its proportions, de sign and the mixed tyres on large wheels. The engines, drive systems and seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) bring the vehicle's characteristics to bear in dynamic and efficient fashion both on and off road, making for a true Porsche driving experience. The driver and passenger seats feature the low position typical of sportscars.
The range of equipment fitted on the Macan as standard is extensive, and includes the all-wheel drive, PDK, multi-function sport steering wheel with shift paddles, large wheels, high-performance audio system and an electrically operated tailgate. The list of optional special equipment offers further highlights, such as the air suspension system, which the Macan features as the only vehicle in its segment. There is also the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) system, which has been specially tailored to the Macan. This system distributes varying levels of drive torque to the rear wheels and works in conjunction with an electronically controlled rear-axle differential lock. The list of Porsche options includes the much sought-after dynamic high beam forming part of the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus), which continuously adjusts the headlight level in keeping with the traffic ahead and any oncoming traffic.
Design: Deeply rooted in Porsche's legacy of sportscars
The sportscar heritage of the Macan is evident in many details of its design. The designers have pulled out all the stops to ensure the model's proportions and lines live up to this claim. The result can be summarised in two words typical of a sportscar: broad and low. The de sign embodies sportiness, dynamism and precision, together with elegance and lightweight construction. Round lines are combined with strategically positioned precision edges. With its harmonious proportions, the Macan appears compact, powerful and close to the road.
Even when stationary, design details taken from Porsche sportscars highlight what the Macan has to offer in terms of performance. For instance, the side view window graphics and the sloping roof line at the rear end, known at Porsche as the flyline, are a clear nod to the 911. The rear wings also have the soft profile of the 911.
The 918 Spyder is already regarded as a vehicle that propelled the Porsche design DNA further forward. The Macan adopts this current DNA, for instance the basic shape of its main headlights is based on that of the 918 Spyder, while the sideblades at the bottom of the front and rear doors are reminiscent of the lower door seams on the hybrid super sports car inside, the Macan is fitted with a multi-function sports steering wheel as standard, the design of which is completely new and based on the 918 Spyder.
The side view with its sporty sloping roof line creates a sharp profile and emphasises the dynamic nature of the vehicle, while the design lines running to the rear of the vehicle accentuate the broad, sculpted wings. Together with what are known as the window graphics – the edges of all lateral glass surfaces – and the shape of the D-pillar, these design lines are a nod to the design of the 911.
A further design highlight of the side view, and another means of customising the vehicle, are the sideblades at the bottom of the front and rear doors – dynamically formed inserts that are available in different materials as an option. The design of these sideblades is reminiscent of the lower door seams on the 918 Spyder, as is the front door entry guard. Combined with the sophisticated door handles, this makes the doors appear narrower and the sides significantly more sporty and streamlined.
On the Macan S and Macan S Diesel, the sideblades are painted in Lava Black as standard. The Macan Turbo features sideblades painted in the same colour as the exterior (optional for Macan S and Macan S Diesel), adding to the classic elegance of its look. Sideblades in Genuine Carbon, available for all models as an option, add extra emphasis to the Macan's sporty character.
A further striking design detail of the Macan is its continuous side sill. Together with the long black roof spoiler, this feature adds to the vehicle's flowing design. The mixed tyres are up to 265 mm wide on the front axle and 295 mm wide on the rear axle. Alongside wheels of up to 21 inches, the tyres also under line the Macan's sporty intentions.
With its subtle lines and harmonious curves, the rear end is a fusion of sportiness and elegance. It has been consciously designed as a large, mainly undisturbed area to give the vehicle a broader look. To maintain this clean look, the switch for the powerlift tailgate has been concealed at the foot of the windscreen wiper arm, and the numberplate is located in the lower rear area.
The rear lights on the Macan are another striking feature, boasting an extremely compact three-dimensional design and LED technology – a further reference to the 918 Spyder. On all models, the rear diffuser is flanked on both sides by twin tailpipes – round on the Macan S and Macan S Diesel and square on the Turbo. All models are available with sport tailpipes made from chrome-plated stainless steel as an option.
Sporty and high-quality interior
The focus on agility and breadth continues into the Porsche Macan's interior. Sophisticated lines, precise transitions and high-quality workmanship create a harmonious fusion of sportiness, quality and elegance.
From the low front seats, the sloping centre console and the display and operation concept through to the extensive range of customisation options, the interior offers both a sense of familiarity and striking new features, such as the new multi-function sports steering wheel.
The cockpit features all the character familiar from a sportscar. The eye is immediately drawn to the standard multi-function sports steering wheel, the design of which is completely new and based on the 918 Spyder. Additional multi-function buttons fitted as standard for the telephone, radio and on-board computer, together with the ergonomically positioned shift paddles, ensure that drivers' hands are free to stay on the steering wheel and their concentration remains on the road.
Three round dials with a centrally positioned tachometer combine to form the instrument cluster. The right-hand tube is home to the high-resolution, 4.8-inch colour display. As you would expect, the ignition lock is positioned to the left of the steering wheel – as is customary on Porsche models. The forward-sloping centre console with the high-set gear selector typical of racing cars draws the driver even further into the cockpit. The buttons for the most important functions are clustered in logical groups on the centre console, allowing for simple and intuitive operation of individual functions.
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) as standard
For the first time in a new Porsche model range, all variants of the Macan feature the high- performance seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) as standard. The advantages of this transmission design include excellent start-up performance, extremely fast gear changes without any interruption in tractive force, short reaction times, low fuel consumption and outstanding shift comfort. As in virtually all Porsche vehicles that feature the PDK, there are two shifting gates: On the right, the required switching level is engaged via a typical Porsche gear selector, while the left-hand gate can be engaged manually, or with the standard shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Active all-wheel drive and Porsche Traction Management (PTM)
Active all-wheel drive is part of the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system and comes as standard for all Macan models. Together with the other elements of the system – the electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch, the Automatic Brake Differential (ABD) and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) – the all-wheel drive looks after traction and safety.
The all-wheel drive system is one of the systems with the fastest response times on the market and its design underpins the sportscar characteristics of the Macan. The rear axle is always driven, the front axle receives its drive torque from the rear axle, and the torque is dependent on the locking ratio of the electronically controlled multi-plate clutch.
Off-road mode at the touch of a button
Off-road mode comes as standard in the Macan, and the function is activated by pressing a button in the centre console at a speed of between 0 and 80 km/h. This function switches all the relevant systems to a traction-oriented off-road programme: For example, the shift revolutions and speeds are geared towards a greater level of traction, the clutch is pre-tensioned to a greater degree in order to provide the front axle with the appropriate drive torque more rapidly, and the standard torque split between the front and rear axle as well as the accelerator pedal response are adapted to off-road conditions. What's more, the ground clearance can be increased by 40 millimetres above its normal level thanks to the optional air suspension chassis, which gives a maximum ground clearance of 230 millimetres.
