The Porsche Macan: Sports Car Soul in SUV Form

The SUV That Drives Like a Sports Car 

The Porsche Macan has always been something of a rebel in the mid-sized premium SUV segment. While other manufacturers focus on comfort, luxury, and practicality, Porsche has created an SUV that genuinely puts the emphasis on "Sport" rather than "Utility." 

This latest update to the combustion-powered Macan (which will sell alongside the all-new electric Macan until late 2025) continues that tradition, with refinements to styling, technology, and performance that keep it feeling fresh despite the basic design dating back to 2014. 

Key Points 

• Sports car feel: Handles like a Porsche should, despite its SUV body style 

• All-petrol lineup: No diesel or hybrid options, just efficient turbocharged engines 

• Multiple power options: Standard 2.0-liter with 265PS, S with 380PS V6, GTS with 440PS V6 

• Quick performance: Even the base model hits 62mph in 6.2 seconds 

• All-wheel drive: Standard across the range with rear-biased power delivery 

• Refined styling: Updated in 2021 with new front end design and larger wheels 

• Digital upgrades: Modern interior with 10.9-inch touchscreen and haptic controls 

• Practical packaging: 500-liter boot expandable to 1,500 liters with seats folded 

• Premium pricing: Starts at around £55,000, rising to £73,400 for the GTS 

• Limited lifespan: Will sell alongside the new electric Macan until late 2025 

The SUV That Drives Like a Sports Car 

The Porsche Macan has always been something of a rebel in the mid-sized premium SUV segment. While other manufacturers focus on comfort, luxury, and practicality, Porsche has created an SUV that genuinely puts the emphasis on "Sport" rather than "Utility." 

This latest update to the combustion-powered Macan (which will sell alongside the all-new electric Macan until late 2025) continues that tradition, with refinements to styling, technology, and performance that keep it feeling fresh despite the basic design dating back to 2014. 

Petrol Power Only 

The Macan range is now exclusively petrol-powered, with Porsche having dropped diesel engines from all its models some time ago. Somewhat surprisingly, there's no hybrid option either – unlike most of Porsche's other models. 

The range starts with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265PS, available in either standard form or the more focused "Macan T" version with sportier chassis settings. This entry-level engine is more than capable, propelling the Macan to 62mph in 6.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 144mph. 

If you want more power, there's the mid-range Macan S with a 2.9-liter V6 producing 380PS, or the range-topping GTS with the same engine tuned to 440PS. The GTS essentially replaces the old Turbo model in the lineup and delivers seriously impressive performance for an SUV. 

All models come with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox as standard, complete with a Sport button to sharpen shift times, throttle response, and steering when you're in the mood for some fun. 

Handling That Defies Physics 

The Macan was already the handling benchmark in its class, but Porsche says the chassis has been further optimized in this updated model to respond more directly and with greater sensitivity. 

All versions come with four-wheel drive as standard, but this is a rear-biased system – in normal road conditions, 100% of torque is directed to the back axle for a more sports car-like feel. Only when slip is detected does power get sent to the front wheels. 

For those who want the ultimate in handling, the GTS comes with Sports air suspension that lowers the ride height by 10mm. There's also a torque vectoring system to help the car rotate into corners, while a torque vectoring rear differential is optional for even more agility. 

Despite all this on-road focus, the Macan hasn't forgotten its SUV roots. There's a dedicated off-road mode that optimizes the torque split and gearbox shift points for better grip when things get slippery. 

Subtle Visual Updates 

The Macan received a major styling update in 2018, and Porsche refined it further in 2021. The redesigned nose now features an exterior color inlay, and LED headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System are standard across the range. 

Larger wheels are now fitted – 19-inches on the standard Macan, 20-inches on the Macan T and S, and 21-inches on the GTS. The GTS also gets a black-finished nose section and a more striking rear diffuser to emphasize its position at the top of the range. 

Overall, it's still recognisably a Macan, with its sleek, sporty profile and distinctive Porsche design cues. It's aged remarkably well for a design that's been around for nearly a decade. 

Modernised Interior 

Inside, the most notable change in recent updates is the new center console with haptic touch surfaces replacing physical buttons. There's also a shorter gear lever and an analog clock at the top of the dashboard – a nice traditional touch in an increasingly digital world. 

The 10.9-inch Porsche Communication Management infotainment screen dominates the center of the dash, offering voice activation, online functions, 4G connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker DAB audio system as standard. 

The classic three-dial instrument layout remains, with the right-hand pod incorporating a screen that can display navigation information directly in your line of sight. 

Practical Too 

Despite its sporting focus, the Macan doesn't forget about practicality. The rear seats can accommodate three adults for shorter journeys, though the high centre transmission tunnel does mean the middle passenger might not be entirely comfortable. 

The boot offers 500 litres of space, which is decent if not class-leading. The rear seats fold in a 40:20:40 split, allowing you to carry longer items like skis while still accommodating rear passengers. With all seats folded, the capacity increases to 1,500 litres. 

Pricing and Model Range 

The Macan range starts at just under £55,000 for the standard 2.0-liter model. Around £60,000 gives you the choice of either the more focused Macan T with the same engine or the more powerful V6-engined Macan S at around £61,500. 

At the top of the range sits the £73,400 Macan GTS, which offers performance that would have been considered supercar territory not too long ago. 

That pricing does mean the upper end of the Macan range overlaps with the entry-level versions of Porsche's larger Cayenne SUV, which starts at around £63,000. But the Macan's more compact dimensions and sportier character give it a distinct appeal. 

Running Costs 

Despite its performance credentials, the Macan is reasonably efficient by class standards. The entry-level 2.0-liter turbo returns up to 28.0mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and emits 228g/km of CO2. 

The V6 Macan S manages up to 25.4mpg and 251g/km, while the GTS returns up to 25.0mpg and 255g/km. These aren't figures that will impress environmentalists, but they're respectable for a performance SUV. 

The PDK gearbox helps with efficiency thanks to its coasting function, which decouples the engine and gearbox when you lift off the throttle on the motorway. There's also start/stop technology to cut fuel consumption in traffic. 

Insurance is predictably high, with groupings starting at 45E for the base model and rising to group 50 for the GTS. 

The Bottom Line 

Porsche describes the Macan as offering "Life, intensified," and it's hard to argue with that assessment. This is an SUV that manages to deliver genuine sports car thrills while still offering the practicality and versatility expected of a family car. 

While most SUVs are born out of compromise, the Macan somehow manages to minimize those compromises to deliver something truly special. Yes, it's expensive, and yes, there are more practical options in this segment. But none can match the Macan's driving dynamics or the feel-good factor it delivers. 

If you need the space and versatility of an SUV but still dream about that sports car you used to own (or always wanted), the Macan offers perhaps the best of both worlds. It remains the benchmark that all other sporting SUVs aspire to, and this latest update ensures it will stay that way until the combustion version is eventually phased out in favour of its electric successor. 

For those who aren't yet ready to make the switch to electric motoring, this could be your last chance to experience one of the best combustion-engine SUVs ever made.