2015 Porsche Macan

The 2015 Porsche Macan comes in 2 exciting trim levels which are; S and Turbo S, the base trim S is priced at $49,900 and is equipped with a less powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine which is a bit more focused on fuel efficiency. As you opt for the higher trim, the prices just skyrocket to $73,300 for the Turbo version where the engine is more gnarly and sporty. The table below gives you insight into the features available on both trim levels.

Which Trim should you buy?

Both the trim suits different kinds of people, the Macan S is focused to fill the family SUV niche. Whereas, the Turbo trim is for performance enthusiasts who love to do hyper driving and track days. People looking for a luxury family SUV with good power and a hefty package of luxury features can go for the Macan S. But if you are someone who is power-hungry and needs a more engaging experience behind the wheel. It is more like a driver’s car.

The Porsches are made to go fast and this Macan is no different. Despite being a heavy car it performs quite astonishingly. The standard engine which you’ll find in the base trim S is a 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which is capable enough of churning out 340 hp @ 5500 RPM and 339 lb-ft @ 1450 RPM of peak torque. This engine would be a great option if you have budget constraints, but if money doesn’t matter and you are willing to spend a few more bucks for the top Turbo trim, it will give you a better engine option which is a 3.6L twin-turbocharged V6 which manages to deliver 400 @ 6000 RPM and has a max torque output of 406 @ 1350 RPM. Speaking of the performance, both the engines have a character of their own. The base trim does 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds and can easily hit a top speed of 156 mph. However, the Turbo is a bit faster with a top speed of 164 mph.

Comparing the competition, the performance figures clearly depict that Porsche has the most powerful engine and also the fastest car off the line. The BMW X3 is much quicker and goes from 0-60 mph in just 6.3 seconds but it is not even close to Porsche. The Audi is even slower with its less powerful engine producing 272 hp @4780 RPM and 295 lb-ft torque @2150 RPM. However, the Porsche Macan Turbo S has no top speed restrictions and is capable of hitting 164 mph.

The colossal power of the engine clearly reflects in its fuel economy as it offers a dismal fuel economy in its class. The Porsche Macan is an SUV with a mostly focussed on performance but it still manages to offer a decent fuel economy in isolation. With a city mileage of 17 MPG and highway mileage of 23 MPG, and a combined fuel economy of 19 mpg and it turns out to be the least fuel-efficient in its segment. Having a tank capacity of 19.8 gallons, it also gives a range of 333.6 in the city and 455.4 while cruising down the highway.

Overall, the 2015 Audi Q5 gives better fuel economy in city, highway, and combined which makes it the most fuel-efficient car in the segment. Due to its sporty nature, the Porsche offers the least fuel economy of 17 mpg in the city, 19 mpg while cruising on the highway, and combined mileage of 19 mpg. The BMW on the other offers a modest fuel economy with a combined 24 mpg.

The interior of the Porsche is clearly opulent and sporty at the same time. The interior boasts many dual-tone color options to choose from. To start with, the analog clock at the center of the dashboard gives a classic touch to the cabin of the car. The buttons near the gear knob are very well sorted out and easy to use. It also incorporates leather upholstery. An 18-way adaptive sport seat to make yourself very comfortable and cozy. 

You can also opt for wood trim accents on the dashboard. It offers a lot of interior color options such as Chestnut / Black, Titanium Gray, Luxor Beige, Medium Dark Flint w / Solid Ebony, and a few other colors. It can accommodate 5 passengers with comfort. However, the dimensions of the interior are not specified. On the downside, it has a cargo capacity of 17.7 cubic feet which is sub-par in its segment.

The 2015 BMW X3 has clearly the best numbers in terms of headroom, legroom, and cargo space and is the clear winner in the interior proportions. The Audi Q5 falls last in terms of rear headroom and legroom. When it comes to cargo capacity, the Audi Q5 offers oodles of cargo space measuring 29.1 cubic feet. Some of the standout and optional interior features of the interior are:

• Leatherette Door Trim Insert
• Metal-Look Interior Accents
• Leather/Metal-Look Gear Shifter Material
• Full Alcantara Simulated Suede Headliner
• Sport Heated Leather/Metal-Look Steering Wheel
• 18-Way Adaptive Sport Seats 

What’s there to keep you entertained?

All trims come with a 7-inch touchscreen display. However Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available and an integrated navigation system is standard. Overall the system has a good high resolution, clarity, and easy-to-use interface. As standard, you get an 11 speaker audio system. There’s also a 16-speaker Burmester Audio Systemwhich makes every commuting a live show with its premium music quality. Some of the primary infotainment systems include

• 7-inch touchscreen display
• 11-speaker audio system
• iPod Audio interface
• USB Ports
• Voice command

The exterior design of the Porsche Macan is one of the most alluring things about the Porsche. The styling of the car stays true to its character. The headlights are inspired by the Porsche Cayenne’s headlights. It gets two active bi-xenon headlights with surrounded DRLs. The grille is huge and you can figure out that it’s a Porsche at your first glance. The taillights look sleek, stylish, and very appealing. 

Moving on to the exterior dimensions. It is the lightest car of the lot weighing around 3124 lbs and also the largest car with a length of 184 inches, a width of 76 inches, and a height of 63 inches, and has a ground clearance of 8 inches which is the segment standard. Moreover, it also sports a wheelbase of 110.5 inches which is the smallest in the segment. As the wheelbase gets smaller, the cornering speed and agility get higher.

Among the competition, the Porsche is the longest and widest SUV by a considerable margin but has the shortest wheelbase and loses to the Audi and BMW. However, the Mercedes Benz and BMW X3 on the other hand measure a length of 183 inches. Furthermore, the BMW X3 is the tallest car in the segment measuring 66 inches. Some highlight features of the exterior are:

• Active bi-xenon headlights
• LED fog lights
• Power/heated side-view mirrors
• Panoramic sunroof
• Front and rear parking sensors

The Porsche Macan is equipped with an extensive suite of safety features. To prove that the Porsche Macan is safe, the NHTSA and the IIHS are yet to test due to their high cost. However, the Porsche comes with a wide array of active and passive safety features at your disposal. It features a tire pressure monitoring system that monitors the tire pressure of all the tires and alerts you if it gets low. It also gets a rearview camera as standard. Some other notable and optional safety features include

• Lane-keeping alerts
• blind-spot monitors
• Adaptive cruise control.
• Side Impact Beams
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

The Porsche Macan is the right balance of sheer performance and comfort with some decent off-roading capabilities. It is a Porsche you can take anywhere and also daily drive with opulence and refinement. You can have a blast in the track and also take it to drop off your kids at school. It looks, drives, and feels like a Porsche should. Moreover, it is the most lively car to drive in its competition. Hence, if you are searching for a luxury SUV that also drives like a sports car. Be in no doubt, the Porsche will tick all the boxes.