2020 Porsche Macan

The Macan is slowly making its mark in the US market with prominent features and performance. Porsche loyalists have an option for the most pocket-friendly compact everyday or family SUV. The car does retain all the Porsche capabilities and adds some more spice to the performance with the turbocharged engine options.

It takes up battle against the already established Germans, namely Mercedes & BMW, which rule the performance SUV segment. Let us find out how the Porsche would fare in this competitive segment.

The baby Porsche now comes in single trims offering with a list of standard features that simplify daily driving. The Macan is equipped with a 2L turbocharged inline-four with a 7-speed automatic PDK transmission.

Trim	Macan	Macan S
MSRP AWD	$50,900	$59,400
Key features	10.9-inch touchscreen display	Adds/Upgrades to macan
	Bose/Burmester surround-sound system	Sport front seats
	Connect Plus	LED headlights
		Porsche Connection Management

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The Macan has every aspect to make it the best in the segment, the only thing that's keeping that from happening is the price tag. The single trim option does have various features installed and if the high price does not seem a bit much, this compact SUV is something anyone would cherish.

The compact SUV makes some serious power under the hood. Both engine variations have enough candor to make office commute fun. The base engine option which is the 2L turbocharged inline-four is capable none the less producing 248HP and 273lb-ft of torque. These figures go well on the roads giving the Macan enough power reserve that is unleashed by slamming the throttle.

The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic PDK transmission. The transmission complements the engine well by giving it all the right shifts at all the right times. The high performance on the SUV seems a tad bit unnecessary but that much more fun. It can induce an adrenaline rush which is fueled by the great handling and planted demeanor of the Macan.

Models	Porsche Macan	BMW X3	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300	Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport Carbon
MSRP	$50,900	$43,950	$44,500	$52,245
Engine	2.0-liter turbocharged I4	2.0-liter TwinPower turbo I4	2.0-liter turbo I4	2.0-liter direct-injection turbo I4
Transmission	7-speed PDK	8-speed sport automatic	9G-TRONIC 9-speed	8-speed automatic
Horsepower	248 hp @ 5000rpm	248 hp @ 5200rpm	255 hp @ 5800rpm	280 hp @ 5200rpm
Torque	273 lb.-ft. @ 1600rpm	258 lb.-ft. @ 1450rpm	273 lb.-ft. @ 1800rpm	306 lb.-ft. @ 2000rpm

All SUVs in this segment have the same engine capacity but what differs is the tuning that the brands have in their pots to set themselves apart. Alfa seems to have gotten the perfect tuning to their engines making the most power out of the lot followed by the Merc. The BMW and Porsche offerings make similar power but the Porsche has more torque in comparison.

Acceleration

The Macan is a Porsche in its true essence of existence. It most definitely drives and handles like one for sure. The only hiccup with the Macan line up is the underpowered 2L inline-four which delivers sub-par performance. The throttle response in the Macan is good, rather linear than exponential like all Porsches.

The transmission plays an excellent supporting role to assist the engine to achieve peak power in every gear. This gear optimization and well-timed shifts improve the experience when the gas pedal is floored.

Model	Porsche Macan	BMW X3	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300	Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport Carbon
0-60 MPH	6.3	6.0	6.1	5.4
Quarter Mile	14.9	14.8	14.8	14.0
Engine	2.0L I4	2.0L I4	2.0L I4	2.0L I4
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr)	8.4	6.9	7.3	7.4

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Sport Carbon is the fastest out of the lot owing this feat to its well-tuned engine. BMW and Mercedes are neck to neck in the 0-60 dash while completing the quarter-mile mark at the same time. The Porsche does seem to slug in the 0-60 dash but manages well to keep up with BMW and Mercedes in the quarter-mile mark.

Braking

The brake pedal is well-modulated with a firm feel on press making it easy to come to a complete halt moving high speeds. The brakes controls are precise and instill enough confidence to gun the gas due to the responsive brakes. The front wheels house the 13.6" ventilated rotors and 13" rotor in the rear giving the required brake horsepower to halt the torque running through the wheels. 

Model	Porsche Macan	BMW X3	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300	Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport Carbon
Brake front (in.)	13.6	13.0	13.5	13.0
Brake Rear (in.)	13.0	13.0	12.6	12.5
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4099	4041	3977	4044
60-0 MPH (ft.)	110	115	116	117

The Macan is among the heaviest cars in the lineup and yet it is the soonest to come to a halt. It does have the biggest brakes which help it stop entirely that much sooner. The Macan clearly takes the win here followed by the BMW and the Mercedes in that order.

Ride and Handling

One thing that Porsche has gained a good reputation for would be its handling and driving dynamics. The Macan is no different when compared to all other Porsche in terms of the way it performs. The SUV corners and handles like a proper sports car which makes it even more thrilling to drive despite the weight and the height.

With the best possible suspension tuning in both the front and back, the body roll is minimum while attacking a corner with all zeal. It is not an off-roader but can handle broken roads and some  The optional height-adjustable with two-chamber air suspension helps in making the handling better.

Porsche has not tuned the Macan to be a frugal engine in any way. The heavy frame and the high power returns make it difficult for the Macan to return a good MPG figure. If fuel efficiency does make a difference to anyone, a light foot on the gas pedal and low RPMs might get the job done. Highways would also make a good route to hit for getting the best MPGs on the Macan.

Model	Porsche Macan	BMW X3	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300	Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport Carbon
MPG (city)	19	24	21	22
MPG (highway)	23	29	28	28
MPG (combined)	21	26	24	24
Fuel tank capacity (gallons)	19.8	17.2	17.4	16.9
Range (city/highway) (miles)	376/455	413/499	365/487	372/473

It is evident from the figures available that the Macan is the lowest MPG returning vehicle out of the lot. But due to a large tank, it manages to give a good range which is still a tad bit shy from the range that the likes of the BMW and Merc return. BMW is the most efficient utilitarian out of the lot followed by the Stelvio which is a surprise due to the kind of power it makes. 

Porsches have been known to cut some corners to ensure the car corners well, the interior is an aspect that takes the biggest hit due to this. The interior in the Macan gets the same treatment, the quality of materials used is not good enough to justify the price tag it flaunts. The front seats are decently bolstered to give support to the passengers on the turns and corners and ensure the best possible position in all conditions. The front seats are 8-way adjustable to offer an excellent driving position.

The rear seats are a bit of a hassle with the 3 seater bench as 3 adults would feel rather couped up inside. The best comfort is possible when 2 adults are seated and can be comfortable for long journeys as well. The headroom is no problem thanks to Porsche’s coupe-like roof flow. The problem for the taller passengers in the backseat would be the legroom.

Interior Features

In order to make the Macan’s interior as involving as its performance, Porsche has equipped this SUV with comfort features like:

• High-quality leather interior
• Heated multifunction sport steering wheel
• Heated front-row seats
• Bose/Burmester surround sound system

Model	Porsche Macan	BMW X3	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300	Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport Carbon
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	N/A	41.1/57.6/40.3	37.8/57.3/40.8	40.2/NA/36.6
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	N/A	39.1/56.0/36.4	38.5/56.5/37.3	38.9/NA/35.9

Both BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 offer similar levels of the cabin space. Though the second row of the GLC 300 is the more spacious. The Stelvio isn’t as accommodating as its rivals.

Does it come loaded with tech inside?

Porsche has installed an all-new 10.5inch touchscreen infotainment system in the Macan which is quite intuitive. Its full-HD display delivers a sharp experience too. It does offer smartphone connectivity for ease of access.

Infotainment Features

The features included in this personalized screen are:

• Navigation
• Connect Plus
• Porsche Connect App

Cargo Capacity

Macan might be a Sport Utility Vehicle which does deliver good performance but it does, however, miss out on the utilitarian aspect. The cargo storage much like the rear seats is not as accommodating as an SUV should be. The small size does help it perform better but takes away utility as a price.

Model	Porsche Macan	BMW X3	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300	Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport Carbon
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)	17.6	28.7	19.4	18.5

The BMW X3 manages to get back at the GLC 300 with its best in class boot space taking the win in this comparison. The GLC misses a huge mark here with comparatively lower storage capacity. The Romeo comes in third here followed by the Macan with the least space out of the lot.

Porsche's first SUV attempt was a failure in terms of design, enthusiasts and critiques were equally resistant to the styling and designs incorporated in the SUV. Fast-forward to the year 2019, Porsche reveals the New design for the Macan making it look more aggressive and sporty than the Cayenne giving it that distinctive flare it lacked. 

From the front, the Macan gets the typical Porsche styling with the downward hood paired with the LED headlights alongside and the wide air intakes just below towards the lip. Everyone would second the fact that Macan holds resemblance to the Cayenne.

Porsche gave the Macan an external refresh for the model year 2019 and the 2020 Macan carries over unchanged. Those changes though simple proved to be plenty effective for the Macan. Some might argue that the Macan looks even sportier than the Cayenne, which it resembles.

Upfront, wide air intakes with outer vents make the Macan look commanding. At the same time, the downward diving hood with LED headlights make the Macan look like a typical Porsche. Its sides have been neatly carved with a minimalistic approach to enhance presence.

Towards the rear, the Porsche gets 3D LED taillights that look exquisite and do their part in making the Macan look as sporty as it can be. The dual exhaust setup looks rather stunning housed within the diffuser.

Model	Porsche Macan	BMW X3	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300	Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport Carbon
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4099	4041	3977	4044
Length (in.)	184.9	185.9	183.3	N/A
Width (in.)	76.2	74.4	74.8	74.9
Height (in.)	63.9	66.0	64.7	66.0
Ground Clearance (in.)	N/A	8.0	5.0	N/A
Wheelbase (in.)	110.5	112.8	113.1	111.0
Track Width (in.) F/R	65.2/65.0	63.8/64.4	63.9/63.7	63.5/65.0

Macan stands to be the heaviest and the widest SUV in this lineup which is aided by the fact that it has a short wheelbase making it handle better. The BMW is the longest out of the lot, it does, however, come in second behind the Macan in terms of weight.

Exterior Features

The revamped exterior elements that make the Macan look aggressive and attractive at the same time are:

• Blacked out grille
• Wide air intakes
• Bulging fenders
• Spoiler
• Dual exhausts
• 3D LED taillight strip

The Macan has not been crash-tested by NHTSA or the IIHS which is why it isn't possible to have an official take on the safety. But, we do know that the chassis is made out of alloys of aluminum and steel making it rather reliable and sturdy. Along with having good structural integrity the Macan also has various sensors for autonomous driver-assist ensuring further safety. Porsche has been compliant with all the safety requirements laid out for vehicle manufacturers.

Safety Features

• ABS
• Airbags
• DRLS
• Traction control
• Parking aid
• Tire pressure monitor
• Back-up camera
• Lane keep assist

 Porsche Macan vs. BMW X3

BMW is a name that has helped make the performance SUV segment something that is so relevant to all. The X3 outperforms the Porsche in various comparisons and also arises as the segment leader in various other comparisons. It's more than just a utilitarian vehicle as it performs, handles and provides comfort like that of a luxury sports vehicle. With all the facts considered, the X3 is the winner here.

Porsche Macan vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

Mercedes has been in the SUV game for a long time now. It can even be called a game-changer in terms of SUVs that is the level of relevance the brand holds in the segment. The GLC is a big SUV with lot of utilitarian benefits that the Porsche misses out on. Even in terms of performance, it is the Merc that takes the win, with a lower price tag it does win this head to head comparison in our books.

Currently in the market looking for a compact SUV that is fairly premium and offers levels of excitement like a smaller sports car? The Macan does answer those requirements with the feeling of being in a compact sports coupe due to the cramped interiors. The SUV does handle like a Porsche and is eager to go fast and attack corners with confidence. The price tag on the Macan does not bode well, but a person that appreciates design and practicality or has a soft spot for the Porsche badge, this SUV would be a good add in the garage.