Macan S powers to the next level

The Macan is a high-performance luxury crossover SUV that started production in 2014 and became an immediate hit with the public. For many, it was the right size in an affordable income bracket and had the emblem of a brand that was seen as prestigious.

All Macans feature a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive, along with a host of other features including air suspension.

Still in its first generation, Porsche decided to give it a needed facelift, for the third time, in its seven-year life span. The most obvious change is the larger air vents that sit below the LED headlights with a Dynamic Light System. In addition, the front grill has also been tweaked to give the vehicle a more streamlined and compact look.

Around the back, the bumper is prominent with a 3D textured diffuser. There is also the option to choose from seven new alloy wheel designs and 14 additional paint colours, my favourite of which is Papaya Metallic.

Porsche special touch

Interior wise, it still uses the 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment screen from the previous model, which functions seamlessly. Though the current system doesn’t use Android auto, the Bluetooth function and built-in map more than make up for this. It’s layered with intuitive tiles for music, car information and telephone usage. It also has a backlit design, similar to the Cayenne and Panamera.

The Porsche’s Communication Management infotainment system is a flat slab with two prominent knobs and is joined by the centre console which is on a gradient. This makes it easier to access and read the various options beside the gear lever. These include driver modes or adjustment of the suspension. The layout is meant to be both intuitive and driver friendly.

As an ode to its past, there is still an analog gauge cluster along with a circular analog clock, in the centre of the dashboard. This is a move that purists have always appreciated.

In keeping with the sports theme it uses the GT Sports steering wheel, that can be found in the 911. Throughout the interior, the leather is very plush and soft. The eight-way power front seats are true bucket seats with big bolsters to hold the driver comfortably. In addition, the double stitching throughout exemplifies luxury to complement other options such as heated seats, four USB-C ports and a 10-speaker sound system.

Around the back, there is 17.6 cubic feet of space, or 52.9 cubic feet if you fold the rear seats flat. Plus there is enough leg and head room for two six-foot adults.

Thankfully, things like parking assist and lane-departure warning are standard. However, like most German auto manufacturers, many of the features come at an extra cost, like adaptive cruise control.

Power at its best

The S model is powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, that pushes the Macan from 0 to 62mph in 4.6 seconds.

The chassis is tweaked and adaptive dampers improved to give it a more compliant ride which is very comfortable. The vehicle goes into corners at high speeds in a confident manner with no body roll. The precision steering also plays a factor and requires the attentiveness of the driver, as it is easy to change the direction of the vehicle by slightly turning the wheel.

Access to various driving modes is made easy by a circular knob close to the base of the steering wheel. Turning it will allow you to access sports, sports plus, comfort or individual mode. For me, sports mode was quite fine, as the vehicle adjusted its gears for optimal performance. Keep in mind that the vehicle has a bias for putting most of the power to the back wheels.

What is very unique to Porsche is how it actively changes the ride height to complement the mode the vehicle is in.

With the overall moderate dimensions of the vehicle, it gives the best of both worlds as a SUV and as a nimble sports car.

Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6

Torque: 375 horse power and 383 pound-feet of torque

Transmission: AWD

Fuel tank: 19.8 gallons

Body Type: luxury compact crossover SUV

Competition: Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, 2021 Jaguar F-PACE, 2021 BMW X3

Vehicle provided by ATL Motorsports, 876-754-0013, PorscheSales@atlautomotive.com