2019 PORSCHE MACANS
Sports-car DNA makes this utility vehicle a thrilling ride
The Porsche crest attached to the nose of any vehicle essentially guarantees you exceptional performance across all operational facets.
This certainly applies to the fivepassenger PorscheMacan S utility vehicle that combines luxury and sporting behavior into a well-rounded package.
The arrival of the updated 2019 Macan S follows that of the base model. They account for roughly 40 percent of Porsche’s total North American sales and receive their first updates since arriving for the 2015 model year.
The exterior refit includes a new frontend design with reshaped side- and lower-air intakes, and new LED headlights. A light-bar strip extends across the liftgate to connect the taillights.
TheMacan uses the same platform as before, but front-suspension components are now made from aluminum instead of steel and the front and rear sway bars have been revised for claimed handling improvements. There are also new shock absorbers for the optional Porsche Active Suspension Management. The system comes with a heightadjustable air suspension that, in off-road mode, provides 1.6 additional inches of ground clearance. There are larger-diameter front disc brakes and rear tires that are a size wider than the fronts. Inside, a new 10.9-inch touchscreen includes an easy-to-use voiceactivated navigation system.
Easily the most significant change is a single-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that replaces the original twin-turbocharged 3.0. Output is now 348 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, an increase of eight horsepower and 13 pound-feet. The baseMacan’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 248 horses and 273 pound-feet.
A seven-speed automated manual transmission with paddle shifters is standard for all models.
According to Porsche’s stopwatch, the Macan S sprints to 60 mph from rest in 5.1 seconds, which is slightly better than the 2018 model.
Fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg city, 23 highway and 20 combined.
As before, the standard all-wheeldrive setup can ship up to 100 percent of engine power to the front axle, if needed.
Behind the wheel, theMacan S’s sportscar-like reflexes are readily apparent. The turbo V-6 accelerates without any perceived delay. Porsche says the engine’s turbo— positioned between the cylinder banks— gets the credit. As well, the seven-speed transmission always seems to have the correct gear at the ready, whether a gentle touch on the throttle or amore forceful stab is required.
TheMacan S soaks up the bumps without unduly jostling or jarring occupants. But when taking winding roads at higher speeds, the revised suspension helps keep the vehicle glued to the pavement.
Of course all this fun and games comes at a price, which for theMacan S starts at $59,850 including destination charges.
That’s $8,700 more than the baseMacan. You get a reasonable amount of content, but Porsche tries its level best to temp you with a plethora of options.
For example, the Premium Plus package contains a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated 14-way power front seats withmemory, and a Bose sound system.
Other option groupings are geared to performance. The $1,360 Sport Chrono package gets youSport andSport+ settings for the engine, transmission and chassis.
However, spending nearly $1,000 extra for chrome-plated stainless-steel tailpipes, or $540 for a painted vehicle key with leather pouch, seems over the top. Likewise, an $8,600 outlay for the carbon-ceramic brakes option would be useful if you planned on attacking your local racecourse, but is well beyond the needs of an urban commuter.
These and other extras too numerous to outline could send the final purchase price into the stratosphere, but this is typical of how Porsche markets its vehicles.
Whatever the configuration, the Macan S is a practical wagon with a penchant for pampering and performance. Frankly, itmakes much more sense as an all-around vehicle than any of the company’s two-door sports cars. It’s a way to get the Porsche pedigree in a primarymode of transportation.