This week I got my hands on the most anticipated SUV of 2014 – the Porsche Macan. Built as the younger sibling of the mighty Cayenne, this new crossover is supposed to compete against the likes of BMW X3 and its distant cousin – the Audi Q5. Billed as the fastest compact SUV in the world, the Macan Turbo has a lot to live up to. Check out the prices and specs of Macan over here.

Exterior Design

Porsche has learned from its mistakes when designing a brand new automobile. Whether it was the Panamera or the Cayenne, the first look was never the USP. The new Macan is a breath of fresh air. It is distinctly Porsche yet nothing like you've seen before on the road. The front of the Macan bears resemblance to the Cayenne, but the character differences are clear; the Cayenne looks brutish while the Macan is a sophisticated people carrier.

The rear could use some redesign as it appears controversial, reminiscent of the Q5. The tail lamps, however, taken from the 918 model, add character to the sporty nature of the car. Overall, the Macan’s understated looks and curvy design make it resemble a car more than an SUV – an approach I appreciate.

Interior Materials

When you pay a premium, you expect a premium ride. The Macan delivers on this promise with luxurious materials throughout. Plush leather adorns the interior, and the buttons feel high quality. One standout feature is the clock, which adds an elegant touch to the cabin.

Interior Space

The Macan is marketed as a compact SUV, which implies some limitations in interior space. Although it is a 5-seater, I would recommend traveling with 4 adults and 1 child, as the middle seat is not comfortable for adults. On the bright side, the boot space is adequate for family outings.

Interior Features

As a first-timer in a Porsche, I found the button layout challenging. The cockpit resembles that of an aircraft, with buttons everywhere, which may not appeal to everyone. After some time, I discovered that the Macan is equipped with nearly every feature found in premium automobiles.

The absence of a central command unit means the screen is touch-based, but navigating through menus can be tedious and unnatural. In my opinion, a central command unit like the MMI in Audi would enhance the user experience.

Power and Performance

If there were any doubts about the Macan Turbo, pressing the accelerator obliterates them. This is the most powerful V6 SUV I have driven, producing 400 BHP. The Macan Turbo comes alive as the turbo spools up, pushing you against the seat. The launch control amplifies this experience, propelling the Macan from 0-100 in just 4.8 seconds. I recorded a personal best of 5.2 seconds, which is competitive against the Range Rover Sport Supercharged, priced at 100k AED more than the Macan Turbo.

However, this exhilarating performance impacts fuel economy, averaging around 17 liters/100km. The PDK transmission is incredibly smooth, providing crisp shifts that make the driving experience enjoyable.

You can check out a video of the Macan being tested in the UAE Dubai’s desert in this story we made a few days ago.

Handling & Suspension

The Macan features air suspension, which may seem unusual but enhances cornering and off-roading capabilities. Lowering the suspension significantly improves cornering, although some body roll is expected from an SUV. The handling remains impressive, and while it can handle light off-roading, it should not be expected to perform like a Jeep Wrangler.

Verdict

The Macan Turbo is the fastest crossover ever built, but this performance comes at a price – 350K AED. The version I drove had an additional 30K worth of extras, leading me to wonder about its competition. Surprisingly, the biggest competitor is not the BMW X3 or Audi Q5, but its bigger sibling, the Cayenne. For a similar price, you can opt for the Cayenne GTS, which offers more space and a more aggressive appearance, along with 440 BHP.

The Macan Turbo is available across all Al Nabooda Automobile showrooms.

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