Automotive

Recently the PuristSPro Moderator Team joined Beverly Hills Porsche for the Southern California debut of the new 2015 Porsche Macan.  




The showroom and dealership lot was cleared to make space for a large number of Porsche Macan S and Macan Turbo.  After checking in at the front gate, we walked into a club-like atmosphere with neon lights, a cocktail bar, and a dj playing music in the background.  I was impressed with the number of Macans available to view with a majority of it in the S trim. 






Actually the Macan S is the base version and is powered by 3 liter V-6 twin-turbocharged powerplant that produces 340hp with 339ft/lb of torque.  The engine specs were surprising to me because the Macan is a smaller version of the Porsche Cayenne, but the Cayenne base engine only produces 300hp.  The Macan shares the same chassis as the Audi Q5 but from the test drives we had the Macan was much more nimble with better steering road feel and overall speed.

  Up front on the Macan S is the bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and are similar to Porsche Panamera. The front grille and intakes are larger than the Porsche Cayenne and gives an aggressive look to the front fascia.  The sales representative mentioned the active grille shutters help with the aerodynamics but I didn't see exactly how it works.

Standard wheels are 18" split 5 spoke designs, but just like all other Porsches there are several factory options including 21" 911 turbo designed wheels.  Most of the wheels I saw were the 20" Porsche SportDesign wheels in a satin brushed chrome finish.  One detail that I wish Porsche would make as standard equipment is the optional wheel center caps with the colored Porsche crest.  I think these really make the wheels stand out.  About half on the showroom had the standard engraved/etched black logos.

The rear of the Macan S is attractive to me.  The bright brake lights with the center red lighting system reminds me of the rectangular shape of the Porsche 918 Spyder brakelights.  A third brakelight is located on the top of the rear spoiler.  Quad exhaust tips look great and there's an optional black colored trim.  The exterior body has rear fenders that flair out and reminds me of the shape of 911 rear.

Interior fit and finish was very nice with lots of chrome plated trims on the door, dash and center console.  Since this is a small/compact SUV, the ingress and egress was easy without have to jump up into the drivers seat.

Standard equipment on the Macan S is a 7 speed dual-clutch transmission that Porsche calls PDK.  All wheel drive is standard as well.  The PDK shift paddles are chrome trimmed and a bit smaller than I would like.  The dash reminds me of the recent drive in the Ferreri 458 Spyder where there is a subdial with the Porsche Macan S SUV picture and name brightly shown.  The tachometer and speedometer are similar to what I've seen on other Porsches and there's a small gauge to indicate which gear it is in.

An analog clock was placed near the top center of the dash.

Inside the dealer showroom was a fully loaded Porsche Macan Turbo.  This version has a turbocharged 3.6 liter V6 powerplant that produces 400hp at 6000rpm.  Standard equipment on the Macan Turbo includes special adaptive suspension dampers, 19" wheels, and special Turbo front and rear facias.  The interior features full leather upholstery, heated front seats, and Porsche Navigation System.

The sample on the showroom floor had upgraded interior with carbon fiber trim. 

One of my complaints about the Porsche Macan (and the Panamera) is the center console.  There is just way too many buttons in area.  It took me a while to figure out where the controls were and even with the pictograms on the buttons it felt overwhelming. 





In the middle of the console is a nice chrome plaque with the Macan script logo and a push button parking brake.

Interior details are typical for a Porsche and the Macan S was dressed up in a beautifulBlack and Garnet Red leather.  There were two Macan S' that were paired with the red interior that looked great.

It was a fun event hosted by Porsche and after the test drives we were treated to passed hors d'ouvres and a dessert table.

  Overall I'm impressed with the new Porsche Macan S.  I think it is a viable alternative to compact SUV's such as the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Range Rover Evoque. 

Regards,
ED-209
 

The more and more I read about the Macan, the more I think that it will be a great success for Porsche.  

Thanks Patrick, hope you get behind the wheel of a Macan soon, I think it is a good addition to Porsche's lineup.
Regards,
ED-209

The Audi SQ5 has a similar chassis and background.  Slightly different powertrain, suspension, and transmission.  

Can't wait to see these Macans on the road.  I've always like the Audi Q5 and the Range Rover Evoque, so now there will be another contender in this category.

Cheers,
Anthony

I like the Range Rover Evoque too and from last year's offroad driving experience I think Range Rover is the best in that environment.  But the Macan looks great and much sportier.  Hope you can test drive one soon.
Regards,
ED-209

I like how you wrote the rear lights remind you on the 918, very cool!

Thanks Salman.  The Macan S looks like it's going to be a winner for Porsche, but i'm sure that MB 6x6 will beat it on a real offroad course LOL.
Regards,
ED-209