2017 Porsche Macan front view
“Is that really a Porsche, or just a fancy Audi Q5?” If I had a dollar for every time I heard that during my week with the 2017 Porsche Macan, I could probably afford to upgrade to the Turbo model. It’s clear Porsche is weary of constantly justifying the Macan’s lineage, despite its shared platform with the Audi Q5.
Yes, it’s true. The Porsche Macan utilizes the Audi Q5 platform. But before you dismiss it, remember that the Q5 is a solid foundation to build upon. Frankly, when Porsche Canada offered me a press vehicle to review, I was secretly hoping for a 911, a Boxster, or even a Cayman. In my mind, Porsche’s SUVs existed primarily to fund the development of their iconic sports cars.
Yet, here I was, settling into the driver’s seat of Porsche’s compact SUV, the Macan, in its most basic configuration: the 2.0T. This presented a unique opportunity for a review. Firstly, I wanted to determine if the entry-level Macan, stripped of all the bells and whistles, truly deserved to wear the Porsche crest. Secondly, the concept of an accessible Porsche, developed in collaboration with Volkswagen, sparked a sense of déjà vu. Could the spirit of the Porsche 924, the attainable Porsche of yesteryear, be found within the Macan?
The 2017 Macan: More Hot Hatch Than Traditional SUV
Porsche Macan 2017 side profile in motion
Porsche markets the Macan (pronounced Mah-kahn) as a crossover, but in reality, it feels more like a performance-oriented hatchback. Its driving dynamics are closer to a refined Golf GTI than a lumbering truck on stilts. We’ve all heard the ubiquitous “sports car of SUVs” claim; practically every automaker now offers multiple crossovers, often emphasizing the “Sport” badge as a primary selling point.
Consider vehicles like the Mazda CX-3 or Infiniti QX50 – crossovers that prioritize sporty handling over outright practicality. However, when Porsche enters the fray, there’s a sense that the Macan isn’t solely about maximizing profits. It feels like Porsche believes that any vehicle bearing its badge must inherently deliver a genuine sports car experience. So, what exactly does the 2017 Porsche Macan 2.0T bring to the table?
2017 Porsche Macan front quarter view
Much like the Porsche 924 of the late 1970s, the 2017 Macan serves as the “attainable Porsche” for the masses. Positioned as the entry point into the Porsche lineup, the Macan aims to attract younger buyers, hoping they’ll ascend the Porsche hierarchy as their careers and lifestyles evolve. This strategy has been successfully employed by numerous automakers, and the Macan 2.0T is Porsche’s opening gambit. While the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is shared with various VW and Audi models like the Q5, TT, A4, and Golf GTI, Porsche has infused its own engineering expertise to imbue it with a distinct Porsche character. Crucially, this 2.0T is the only engine shared with Audi. All other Macan variants, from the S to the top-tier Turbo, boast Porsche-exclusive engines and transmissions.
Porsche Macan 2017 rear three quarter view
The 2017 Porsche Macan 2.0T produces a respectable 252 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive comes standard, but this isn’t Audi’s Quattro system; it’s Porsche’s own Porsche Traction Management (PTM), the same system found in the larger Cayenne SUV. PTM continuously adjusts torque distribution between the front and rear axles, enabling drivers to experience what Porsche describes as “the feeling of driving a genuine sports car“. Power is delivered through Porsche’s exceptional 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, a gem in its own right, also utilized in the Panamera.
When equipped with launch control, as my test vehicle was, this base Porsche Macan can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in a brisk 6.5 seconds. Remember, this is the slowest Porsche currently available.
The Undeniably Porsche Driving Experience
Porsche Macan 2017 driving on a winding road
Behind the wheel, the 2017 Macan delivers an impeccable driving experience – exactly what you expect from a modern Porsche. The ride quality is outstanding, striking a perfect balance between comfort and sportiness. Throughout my time with the Macan, it felt remarkably compact and agile, not at all like a raised SUV. While the four-cylinder engine does require some coaxing to unleash its full potential, it still propels the Macan with surprising enthusiasm. This engine, regardless of the vehicle it powers, continues to impress with its responsiveness and refinement. My Macan never felt underpowered, although I must admit its engine note lacked the characteristic Porsche growl.
Porsche Macan 2017 interior driver perspective
The Macan’s interior embodies classic German luxury: clean, functional design, premium materials, and exceptional build quality. While not overtly flamboyant, the interior exudes sophistication. The center console, reminiscent of the Panamera, is adorned with a plethora of buttons. While visually impressive, it requires a brief learning curve. Once mastered, however, the layout becomes intuitive and logical.
2017 Porsche Macan center console and infotainment
The Alcantara seats offer a near-perfect driving position. The steering wheel, shared with the Boxster and Cayman sports cars, is a delightful blend of leather and brushed aluminum. Its ergonomic design, particularly the thumb grooves positioned for paddle shifter operation, makes it one of the most enjoyable steering wheels I’ve ever held. The paddle shifters themselves are engineering marvels, both visually and functionally. Looking ahead, you’re greeted by the iconic Porsche tachometer.
Porsche Macan 2017 instrument cluster with tachometer
To the left of the prominent tachometer sits a smaller, almost vestigial speedometer with 50 km/h increments, a nod to classic 911s. Fortunately, a digital speedometer is integrated into the tachometer for practical use. Simplicity and elegance define the Macan’s interior presentation.
Porsche Macan 2017 gear selector and center console detail
Are there any shortcomings? Rear passenger space is somewhat limited, and the trunk’s shape compromises cargo capacity. However, these are forgivable compromises, as practicality isn’t the primary reason for purchasing a Porsche. Period. Oh, and the brake pedal feel is a bit softer than expected for a Porsche.
Porsche Macan 2017 wheel detail
The 2017 Macan offers three driving modes. The default mode prioritizes comfort and smoothness, resulting in slightly muted throttle response due to electronic throttle control and turbo lag. However, the PDK transmission operates seamlessly, prioritizing higher gears for optimal fuel efficiency. Sport and Sport Plus modes awaken the Macan, significantly enhancing throttle and steering response. The transmission becomes more aggressive, holding gears longer and executing rev-matched downshifts, effectively minimizing any perceived turbo lag. Disabling traction control puts Porsche Stability Management (PSM) into its sportiest setting. Pushing hard out of corners in this configuration reveals the sophisticated torque vectoring system as the Macan confidently claws for grip. The harder you push, the better it handles. Despite its SUV ride height, body roll is minimal, and cornering transitions are surprisingly rapid, surpassing many sports sedans I’ve tested.
The overall driving experience is genuinely enjoyable. While it could use a touch more power, the Macan 2.0T is undeniably fun to drive. Some might argue that the four-cylinder model offers superior handling compared to the heavier six-cylinder variants due to its lighter engine.
Macan vs. Audi Q5: More Than Just a Badge
Porsche Macan 2017 front grille and headlights
The burning question: how much does the 2017 Porsche Macan truly differ from its Audi Q5 sibling? Surprisingly, Porsche has gone far beyond simply dressing up a Q5 with Porsche badges and marketing jargon. There are significant engineering distinctions. Visually, the Macan is longer and wider than the Q5, resulting in a more assertive stance. It’s also lighter. Beyond aesthetics, the suspension, brakes, and wheels are all unique to the Porsche. Then there’s the aluminum clamshell hood, which not only looks impressive when open but also functions as an active air duct. Airflow enters through the main grille, passes through the radiator, and is then channeled through hood pockets, directing air to either side of the engine (specifically designed for the four-cylinder in this case). This clever system enhances engine breathing and improves throttle response. The diagram below illustrates this airflow management system.
Porsche Macan active air duct diagram
The Macan also features a quicker steering rack than the Audi Q5 – 14.3:1 compared to 15.9:1. This translates to sharper steering response and contributes significantly to the Macan’s nimble, sports car-like handling.
Ultimately, there’s the intangible “Porsche factor.” The styling is undeniably captivating, and the vehicle exudes engineering excellence from every angle. I particularly admire the Macan’s taillight design, which I find more visually appealing than the Cayenne’s. In fact, the Macan is arguably more attractive than its larger sibling in almost every aspect.
So, what’s the price of entry for this “affordable” Porsche? It largely depends on optional extras, and this is where costs can escalate rapidly. My test Macan was quite basic, lacking features like a sunroof, proximity key, blind-spot monitoring, or navigation – features now commonly found even in a Honda Civic. Base prices start at $52,700 (Canadian dollars, as per the original article context), but my test vehicle, equipped with upgraded 19-inch wheels and the Sport Chrono Package (including launch control), came in at $57,270. Buyers can then ascend the Macan hierarchy, choosing from the Macan S, Macan GTS, Macan Turbo, and the range-topping Macan Turbo with Performance Package, which commands a staggering $97,600.
While the Macan Turbo is undoubtedly desirable, the accessibility of owning a Porsche for under $60,000 is a compelling proposition.
Porsche Macan 2017 badge detail
In conclusion, let’s revisit the Porsche 924 analogy. Over three decades ago, Porsche created an affordable sports car powered by an Audi four-cylinder engine, aiming to broaden the Porsche brand’s appeal. Like the Macan, the 924 faced criticism from purists who questioned its Porsche authenticity. However, the 924 (and later 944) evolved into a respected and capable sports car, now remembered as perhaps the best front-engine Porsche ever built. How will the 2017 Porsche Macan be remembered? Porsche calls it a crossover, but its performance capabilities align more closely with Porsche’s sports car heritage than typical “sport-oriented” SUVs. Like the 924, the Macan defies easy categorization. Regardless of labels, it’s a vehicle that only Porsche could have created.
Clavey’s Verdict
Review of the 2017 Porsche Macan 2.0T by William Clavey – *2016 Top 10 Contender
9 / 10 Luxury Compact Crossovers
Pros:
- Stunning exterior design.
- Sports car performance in an SUV body.
- Lightning-quick transmission.
Cons:
- Can become expensive, especially with options.
- Entry-level models lack some basic convenience features.
- Not the most practical SUV in its class.
Clavey’s Corner is based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Prices and trim levels mentioned reflect the Canadian market.
Special Thanks: Porsche Canada / Sanair
Photography: Appearance
Contact the Author: [email protected]
