The rear end is, in my view, where the Macan differs the most from the Cayenne, largely due to the elongated horizontal taillights. In this latest official video, however, Porsche mentions nothing about the Cayenne, saying the Macan’s design “combines the best of Porsche race cars and sports cars”.
Porsche designers talk about how the Macan features elements from the 911, 918 Spyder and even Porsche racecars. However, it only takes one look at the car to realize it’s a mini-Cayenne in terms of styling (the interior is no exception).
Scroll down to watch the video for yourself.
By Dan Mihalascu
More specifically, the Macan starts at $49,900 (and not $50,895 as mentioned in a previous report) excluding a $1,195 destination and delivery charge that lifts the price to $51,095 for the base "S" model with a 3.0-liter bi-turbo V6 producing 335HP (340PS).
The base Cayenne, on the other hand, which sports a less-powerful, naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 with 300hp, starts at $49,600, or $300 less than the Macan S, while destination and delivery is also $200 less at $995, rising the difference to $500! Even if the Macan has 10+ percent more power, and possibly, but not surely, more kit, it still doesn't make sense since we are talking about a smaller model.
It's even worse when it comes to the Macan Turbo vs. the Cayenne S, as the smaller model with a 3.6-liter V6 biturbo rated at 394hp (400PS) starts at $72,300 (plus $1,195 delivery), while the bigger Cayenne S with a 394hp (400PS) 4.8-liter V8 begins from $66,800 (plus $995 delivery), increasing the difference to $5,500 or $5,700 if you take into consideration the D&H charge! Speaking of fees, it would be nice if someone from Porsche explained why they're charging an extra $200 for D&H for the smaller Macan.
Yes, Porsche will add a lower-cost, entry-level version to the Macan's range sometime in the future, but right now, we'd love to see Porsche salesmen try to explain the difference to prospect buyers…unless, of course, they're planning to increase the price of the Cayenne in the coming months…
Porsche’s first compact SUV will be available with three models at market launch - the Macan S, Macan S Diesel and Macan Turbo, all fitted as standard with all-wheel drive. The carmaker says the Macan is the sports car of the compact SUV segment, and performance specs seem to support that statement.
The Macan S is powered by a 335hp (340PS) 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine mated to a seven-speed double-clutch transmission. The SUV sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds (5.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package) and reaches a top speed of 254 km/h (158 mph). Average fuel consumption figures are between 9.0 l/100 km (26.1 mpg US) and 8.7 l/100 km (27 mpg US), corresponding to CO2 emissions of 212 and 204 g/km, respectively.
The Macan S Diesel (not offered in the States) is obviously the performer in terms of fuel economy, with its 255hp (258PS) 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel returning between 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 mpg US) and 6.1 l/100 km (38.5 mpg US), with CO2 emissions rated at 164 and 159 g/km, respectively. Still, the model is worthy of the Porsche badge, covering the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.3 seconds (6.1 seconds with the Sport Chrono package) and reaching a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph).
The fastest model in the lineup is the Macan Turbo, powered by an all-new 3.6-liter V6 biturbo engine used for the first time on a Porsche. The unit produces 394hp (400PS), catapulting the Macan from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds (4.6 seconds with the Sport Chrono package). Top speed is 266 km/h (165 mph), while average fuel economy figures are between 9.2 l/100 km (25.6 mpg US) and 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 mpg US). CO2 figures are 216 and 208 g/km, respectively.
Being an SUV, the Macan is offered as standard with an off-road mode, activated at the touch of a button in the center console at speeds between 0 and 80 km/h (50 mph). The function switches all the relevant systems to a traction-oriented off-road program. Furthermore, on models fitted with the optional air suspension (standard on the Macan Turbo), ground clearance can be increased by 40 mm (1.6in) for a maximum of 230 mm (9in).
There’s also a standard Sport button, which makes the engine even more responsive, shortens gear shifts and allows shifts at higher revs. In addition, the engine gets a racier sound and the air suspension offers a sportier feel.
Besides all-wheel drive and PDK, the Macan’s standard equipment includes a multi-function sport steering wheel with shift paddles, large wheels, high-performance audio system and an electrically operated tailgate, among others. Optional equipment includes the air suspension system, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) system, Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus) and many others.
The Macan S and Macan S Diesel are priced from €57,930 ($78,420) in Germany, while the Macan Turbo starts at €79,826 ($108,060). Deliveries begin on April 5, 2014.
In the U.S., prices start at $50,895 for the "S" model rising to $73,295 for the Turbo, excluding handling and delivery fees.
By Dan Mihalascu
