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 unmistakeable hallmarks of the vehicle include its proportions, design 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.

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 design 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 Porsche 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 sportscar. 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.

A true Porsche from all angles

The impressive, assertive front of the Macan is a distinctive component of the design. The large air intakes are typical of Porsche and highlight the performance class to which the brand’s vehicles typically belong. In the Macan Turbo, stylistic elements known as C-blades fitted in the air intakes on the right and left of the vehicle accentuate the sporty look and provide a sophisticated aerodynamic response.

The wraparound bonnet creates an impressive design detail, enclosing the headlights and extending down to the wheel arches. The imposing size of the bonnet and its precision lines running to the front of the vehicle give the Macan a broad and powerful appearance, while the seamless surface of the bonnet presents a clean front to the vehicle. The Macan’s concentration on the road is particularly evident when viewed from the front.

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 Porsche 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, which 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 underline 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 in the foot of the windscreen wiper, 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.

Porsche interior design

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.

Even the standard equipment on the Macan S with the Piano Black interior package and the comfort seats with Alcantara seat centre conjures up a sense of sportiness and quality. The Macan Turbo is fitted with adaptive sports seats as standard, including the 18-way power seats with memory package in leather and the brushed aluminium interior package. In addition, all models are available with the Dark Burl Walnut and Carbon décors as an option.

Performance and efficiency

Porsche is offering the Macan with three advanced engines. All combine rich torque with impressive power, ensuring each variant features trademark Porsche qualities. The engines are also highly efficient and environmentally friendly, with all three versions of the Macan meeting the Euro 6 emissions standard. The NEDC fuel consumption figures range from 9.2litres (Macan Turbo) to 6.1 litres/100 km (Porsche Macan S-Diesel).

The Macan Turbo is unrivalled in the compact SUV segment in terms of its driving performance. The 3.6-litre V6 biturbo engine unleashes its maximum output of 400 bhp (294 kW) at 6000 rpm. Two turbochargers with a boost pressure of 1.2 bar ensure powerful ventilation. This power results in acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 266 km/h. The Macan is the first Porsche to feature this engine. The engine is based on a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine with a stroke that has been increased by 83 millimetres. All of the dimensions and specifications are based on decades of Porsche experience in developing sport engines.

The Macan S is powered by the new 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine from Porsche. The engine is particularly high-revving, thanks to its 96-millimetre bore and short 69-millimetre stroke. When tuning the new engine, the engineers focused on providing uniform performance development and an even torque curve. By combining two turbochargers, positioned in a compact format on the left and the right, which together deliver a boost pressure of 1.0 bar, exceptional performance values have been achieved: The engine reaches its maximum power of 340 bhp (250 kW) at between 5500 to 6500 rpm. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 5.4 seconds and the vehicle reaches a top speed of around 254 km/h.

The Porsche VarioCam Plus valve stroke variable system in both of the V6 biturbo engines ensures that the variable inlet and outlet camshaft control is continuously and infinitely adjusted and allows the engine to respond in a flexible manner to the relevant performance requirements. The result is spontaneous acceleration and exceptionally smooth running. The revised direct fuel injection (DFI) concept with multi-hole injectors and a high pressure of 200 bar enables optimum fuel distribution. The jet and taper angles have been optimised with torque, power, fuel consumption and emissions in mind. DFI also improves internal cooling within the combustion chamber as the fuel-air mixture is generated in the cylinder directly. The resulting higher compression ratio provides greater engine power and better engine efficiency. The turbochargers have been specially tailored to the engines and are capable of building up the boost pressure very quickly in response to power requirements.

Integrated dry-sump lubrication and a modified oil sump shape have been developed for the petrol engines destined for use in the Macan. These modifications enable optimum engine lubrication – even in extreme driving situations – and contribute to a particularly low centre of gravity while allowing the ground clearance to be increased. The diesel engine relies on a pressure-fed lubrication concept with a wet sump.

With its 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine, the Macan S Diesel is a true long-distance sports car that combines an excellent performance level with minimum fuel consumption. The 258-bhp (190-kW) engine, taken from the Cayenne and subsequently enhanced, has been specially designed for the Macan. It also works perfectly alongside the PDK transmission and is consistent with the vehicle’s sportscar characteristics. The high torque of 580 Nm at between 1750 and 2500 rpm allows confident acceleration in every driving situation. The vehicle reaches a top speed of 230 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds (or 6.1 seconds with the Sport Chrono package fitted). The optimised common rail fuel injection system enables quiet combustion development while also allowing high turbine speeds within the turbocharger, even at a low engine speed, thereby creates a higher boost pressure. Some of the results of this set-up include better volumetric efficiency, increased power and more torque. The advanced diesel engine is equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system for lower emissions. This system injects a urea solution (AdBlue) into the exhaust gas, and the resulting chemical reaction transforms nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water.

All Macan models feature an engine with sportscar characteristics and they sound like a sportscar too: The sound of the Macan engines is robust and emotive, indicating that the vehicle is always ready to demonstrate its capabilities on any terrain. As part of the sound design, the petrol models include an exhaust flap, in addition to various other components. The flap is map-controlled and load-dependent, which dictates when it opens and shuts.

Power and efficiency in perfect harmony

Performance is not the only attribute of the Macan – maximum efficiency is another one of its defining features. Multiple technologies contribute to the vehicle’s low fuel consumption level alongside the standard PDK and the intelligent mix of materials used to construct the Macan.

Together, all of these measures result in fuel consumption figures that speak for themselves. The standard automatic Start Stop function shuts off the engine as soon as the Macan brakes to a speed of 2 km/h – even when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is activated. When the brake is released, the engine is restarted quickly and smoothly by the system. When drivers lift their foot off the accelerator pedal, the coasting function decouples the engine to allow the vehicle to roll over a longer distance than if the engine was engaged. As soon as the accelerator pedal or brake is actuated again, the PDK selects the appropriate gear and engages the clutch. Up to 1.0 litre of fuel can be saved per 100 kilometres in everyday driving situations.

Electro-mechanical power steering is another of the efficiency technologies in use in the Porsche Macan: Thanks to this feature, the electric motor is only supplied with energy if steering intervention takes place – the advantage for fuel consumption being a saving of up to 0.1 litres per 100 kilometres. Depending on the driving situation and cooling requirements, the radiator shutters on the Macan can also be closed – a function that is controlled by the engine management system. Similarly, the underbody shield keeps drag to a minimum by optimising the air flow under the vehicle and reducing turbulence. Electrical system recuperation is another of the efficiency measures featured by the Macan: This concept charges the battery more intensely during the braking and overrun phases. Restricting the charging current of the generator when the battery is fully charged in turn reduces the load on the combustion engine during acceleration phases because the engine does not have to use as much power to charge the battery. In addition, the intelligent thermal management system in the Macan manages the temperature of the engine and transmission to reduce friction losses during the warm-up phase following a cold start. To do this, the thermal flows are managed in a targeted manner and the different coolant circuits are switched on gradually when needed, allowing the engine and transmission to heat up faster.