Sport utility success maker: Porsche Macan

The 2015 Porsche Macan compact crossover is the German company’s third, non-sports car model, but its introduction hardly comes as a surprise. For all the head-scratching Porsche caused when it debuted its first sport utility vehicle back in 2003, consumer interest proved the company was on the mark, with the Cayenne becoming the company’s biggest seller.

Porsche’s Macan crossover joins the Cayenne on the SUV side of the lineup with a sleek-looking athletic form and a hunkered down stance. Compared to Cayenne, the newest Porsche is 6.8 inches shorter, 2.6 inches narrower, and sits 4 inches lower. Therefore, Macan plays the compact role alongside Cayenne’s midsize spot in the luxury utility vehicle class.

Two models are offered at introduction — S and Turbo — with two more models said to be in development (diesel and hybrid). My test vehicle was a top-ranging Turbo. A handful of options pushed the price from $72,300 to an as-tested price of $80,990.

As the top trim model, Macan Turbo is heavily loaded. The most notable piece of that content is the drivetrain. Under hood is an all-new 5.2-liter V-6. The twin turbo six checks in with a robust 400 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 406 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,350 to 4,500 rpm.

Though consumer purchase take rates on manual transmissions continue to decline throughout the industry, it’s still something of a surprise that Porsche doesn’t offer either Macan model with a manual transmission. There’s some consolation in the fact that the seven-speed PDK is a very responsive automatic.

The PDK dual-clutch transmission shifts briskly with paddle shifters or can be left to its own devices. Either way, the V-6 and seven-speed combo is impressively quick, as demonstrated by acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds (4.4 with the $1,290 Sport Chrono package).

The turbo six is a fine driving companion: Very responsive when throttled; it’s also quite content to cruise quietly. EPA estimates for fuel economy are 17 city/23 highway. Those numbers are under whelming, but also unlikely to discourage the Macan’s target market.

Macan S models are equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 rated at 340 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque. So equipped, the Macan gets to 60 from a standstill in 5.2 seconds (5.0 with the Sport Chrono package). MPG estimates are identical to the bigger turbo engine.

The bar is generally low when it comes to handling for crossovers; lower still for SUVs. While Macan doesn’t rival Porsche’s two-seaters when it comes to drivability, it certainly blurs the lines between car and crossover. It’s entertaining to drive.

Few are the drivers who will take a Macan seriously off-road. Far more Macan buyers will tap the standard All-Wheel-Drive system to combat winter weather conditions. Either way, Macan is ready to oblige.

AWD is part of Porsche’s Traction Management system. Up to 100 percent of the available torque can be shifted from the rear axle to the front as needed, via multi-plate clutch. Macan’s off-road mode can accessed by the touch of a center console button. Engaged at any speed between 0-50 mph, this mode adjusts all relevant systems to a traction-oriented program.

The torque split between front and rear axles and throttle response are adjusted to off-road conditions. Opt for the available air suspension system ($1,385), and you can boost maximum ground clearance by an additional 1.58 inches, for a total of 9.06 inches. Hill Control (also activated via console button) maintains a steady speed (adjustable from 2-18 mph) during hill trail descents, without need for pedal intervention.

Macan is on the lower end of its segment in terms of both back-seat legroom and cargo capacity. With 6 footers in front, like-sized folks are a tight squeeze in back. Stowage space ranges from 17.7 to 53 cubic feet. However, rear seatbacks split and fold to a flat floor, and the liftover height in back is nominal.

The front cabin impresses for fit, finish, and function, though the monotone black color scheme on my test vehicle came off as somewhat sedate looking. The 18-way adaptive sport seats are comfortably supportive. Visibility is enhanced by oversized, outside rearview mirrors, and hampered by an undersized, inside rearview mirror. The center stack is thickly settled with switchgear. The array is busy but organized, so the driver’s first task is to learn which areas to focus on for the required adjustments, cutting down on the distraction factor.

While the sheer power and added content of the top-shelf Turbo are enticing, Macan shoppers would do well to consider the S model which offers more performance than most drivers will ever need. And, the difference in sticker price ($22,400), will allow buyers the luxury of selecting some key options, and pocketing the difference.