2016 Porsche Macan

The 2016 Porsche Macan is available in two trim levels: S and Turbo. The base Macan S gets a 340-horsepower 3.0-liter V6, while the Turbo gets a bigger 3.6-liter V6 motor. The Turbo trim of the SUV will be reviewed separately. Standard features of the Macan include 9-inch aluminum wheels, dual tailpipes, automatic bi-xenon headlights with auto-leveling and cleaners, a multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, tri-zone climate control, and a power-operated tailgate. The Turbo model gets some extra features as standard, while those are offered as an option in the base S trim.

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Since we are left with only one option if we keep out the Turbo trim for another article, we have to go with the base trim only. However, we would recommend the base S trim along with the Sports Chrono package for a thrilling experience. You can also opt for the additional features as per your liking and requirements.

The 2016 Porsche Macan is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 powertrain and is capable of dishing out 340 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. Porsche's 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission delivers near-instant seamless shifts, and it is standard across all variants. The V6 motor delivers a superb performance on-road and pulls with enough confidence, encouraging you to push the vehicle hard. While being all athletic and sporty, the motor has impressive refinement levels and has a sweet exhaust note as well. The 0-60 mph sprint and the standing quarter-mile times are commendable for the segment at 5.6 and 13.6 seconds, respectively.

The Audi SQ5 gets a V6 motor of similar capacity to the Macan, but it delivers more power and torque hence has quicker acceleration times. The BMW X3 is the least powerful one here, but its superior tuning of the powertrain and the drivetrain results in comparable performance to the rest of the rivals here. The Acura RDX is the least powerful one here and naturally has the lowest 0-60 mph sprint time.

Surprisingly, both the engines of the 2016 Porsche Macan return similar fuel economy, which is 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. However, the Macan is the least fuel-efficient vehicle in the segment. The SUV with its 19.8 gallons gas tank returns some decent driving range figures as compared to the rivals.

The Audi SQ5 has better fuel economy ratings than the Macan despite being more powerful and quicker than the latter. The BMW X3 is the most fuel-efficient one here, and its figures are marginally better than the SQ5 though. The Acura RDX returns some impressive gas mileage ratings since it has the least amount of performance on offer.

From the base S's piano-black trim and suede-like Alcantara seat inserts to the Turbo's leather-and-brushed aluminum interior trims, every Macan interior is crafted from premium grade material. The front seats feature great legroom and bolstering, enough to keep you happy on long journeys. However, the rear seats feel cramped for average individuals, and more than two people will suffer for space. Outward visibility is great because of the sleek pillars and wide glasses. The additional customization options and the features ensure the SUV becomes more comfortable than the base form.

The Audi SQ5 is also quite comfortable, but its cabin space is a bit tighter than the rest. The BMW X3 has a minimalistic yet elegant cabin with adequate luxury appointments and a spacious cargo hold as well. The Acura RDX has a spacious rear seat unlike the Macan and offers a decent cargo capacity as well. When comparing the cargo capacity, the BMW X3 offers the most at 29.1 cubic feet. Some interior features include:

• Three-zone automatic climate control
• Comfort lighting package
• 8-way driver’s electric seat adjustment 
• Adaptive Sports seats with comfort memory package 
• Seat heating (front and rear)
• Seat Ventilation (front) 
• Multifunction sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles

How intuitive is the 2016 Porsche Macan’s infotainment unit?

The 2016 Porsche Macan comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen display incorporating the Porsche Communication Management infotainment interface. As with other Porsche vehicles, the user interface is fluid and intuitive with crisp graphics. The system offers most of the basic infotainment and connectivity features such as Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and an 11-speaker audio system with a CD player among others. Standout infotainment features are:

• 7-inch touchscreen display with PCM interface 
• BOSE Surround Sound System
• Aux Input
• Satellite Radio
• iPod/USB audio interface
• Bluetooth Connectivity

The 2016 Porsche Macan definitely looks like a scaled-down Cayenne with smaller proportions yet looking very much like a true Porsche offering. The Macan is based on the MQB platform, which is used in the Audi A5, yet it is a completely different vehicle. It is the widest when compared with the rivals. The wide blacked-out air intake on the front bumper gives the vehicle a distinctive character along with a mild aggressive appeal as well.

The Audi SQ5 wears the best and most aggressive exterior design here with Audi’s signature front grille design adorning the front fascia with grace. The BMW X3 has a traditional Beemer design language with the kidney front grille and LED headlamps with ring-shaped LED running lights. The Acura RDX gets an interesting design language with a distinctive front grille design and unique headlamp design as well. Some exterior features are:

• 18-inch Macan S wheels
• Side window trims in aluminum
• Bi-Xenon headlights with auto-leveling and cleaners
• SportDesign side skirts
• Power liftgate
• Rear privacy glass

Being an SUV from the Porsche stable, the vehicle has to live up to its name in terms of safety, and there are absolutely no compromises on the safety front in the Macan. Although it hasn't been tested by both the NHTSA and the IIHS, the SUV comes loaded with almost all the basic as well as advanced safety techs. Moreover, the SUV has a sturdy build quality and a set of powerful brakes with various brake assist features. Some of the safety features are:

• Lane Change Assist 
• Lane Keeping Assist 
• Lane Departure Warning
• ParkAssist (front and rear) with reversing camera and Surround View 
• Adaptive Cruise Control With A Frontal Collision Warning And Mitigation System 
• Blind Spot Monitoring

The 2016 Porsche Macan comes with extravagant features along with a sporty look. The performance of the compact SUV is quite strong, and the Macan will stand strong on your expectations. Its driving dynamics are matched by no other SUV in the segment. If a luxury compact SUV is what you desire along with the driving dynamics that almost match a sports car, the Porsche Macan is a serious contender that you just can't miss.