Porsche Macan turbo Performance package tops model line for sporty compact SUVs

Power lead extended

As the sports car of the compact SUV segment, the Macan has been setting standards in terms of driving dynamics since its debut… and now Porsche is upping the ante once again, extending its power lead as the fastest production compact SUV money can buy.  

In terms of acceleration, the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 is posing a new threat, snapping at the Macan turbo heels:  the GLC43 gets to hundred in 4.9, with the Macan turbo at 4.8 sec.  Top-end is still Porsche victory, with a 266 km/h speed, whereas other countrymen restrict their vehicles to 250.

Macan turbo versus Macan turbo Performance package

Porsche marketing wants to name it Turbo, but the script lettering on all Porsche turbo models are written with a crossed lowercase t.  

The Macan turbo extracts 294kW and 550Nm from its 3.6-litre V6 turbo engine, beating new GLC43’s 270/520.  The Macan turbo Performance package adds 30kW and 50Nm, so does 324kW alongside 600Nm.  The 0-100 is trimmed to 4.4 seconds, and max goes to 272 km/h.  That is plenty to see off any challengers to the compact SUV power crown.  Incidentally, the new-generation 2016 Panamera 4S uses a new 2.9T V6, and it produces a matching 324kW, and 550Nm.

The Porsche “Exclusive Powerkit”, as badged on the engine cover, has been available as an option on a number of other Porsches, and now offered on Macan turbo, too.  Equipped with this Performance package, the Macan turbo now tops off the model line, “impressing with enhanced driving properties, increased agility and an even greater emotional appeal”, say the Porsche people.

This also increases the tractive force: In Sport Plus mode, the time taken to accelerate from 80 km/h to 120 km/h has dropped to 2.9 seconds (a reduction of 0.2 seconds) which would shame many a sports car.  

Depending on the tyres fitted (the Macan can be specced with up to 21-inch large wheels, as pictured here) with fuel consumption in line with the NEDC risining to between 9.4 l/100 km and 9.7 l/100 km.

turbo S for later?

Is Porsche reserving the revered turbo S naming for its Cayenne, Panamera and 911 ranges?  Or are they planning an even hotter version (in the wake of the rumoured AMG GLC63) which will become Macan turbo S?  If Porsche can squeeze the new Panamera turbo 404kW/770Nm 4.0 V8 into the Macan… ooooh!

Not just more power

Not only is the engine power given a boost, but the Macan turbo Performance package benefits from a newly developed brake system, lowered body, controlled sports chassis, Sport Chrono package and sports exhaust system – all fitted as standard.  Instead of the Macan turbo squarish exhaust outlets, the Performance Package can be identified by its 4 fat chrome round exhausts.

The front axle features grooved brake discs with a diameter of 390 millimetres, which are 30 millimetres larger than the brake discs fitted on the Macan turbo variant.  The discs are gripped by 6-piston brake callipers completed with a red paint finish.

The quickest Macan has the optimally-tuned Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), available at the push of a button, to deliver an exceptionally sporty position on the road, and it is lowered by 15 millimetres.  Air suspension with self-levelling function and height adjustment, lowered by 10 millimetres, is also available as an option.

With the Sport Chrono package, drivers can ramp up the performance of the Macan turbo even further.  In Sport Plus mode, this package ensures the chassis, engine and transmission are tuned to sporty effect, accompanied by even more sound from the sports exhaust system.

The automatic 7-speed PDK double-clutch transmission is now designed to deliver extremely short response times, optimum switching points and increased torque during gear changes for maximum acceleration.

Tailored packages

To customise the Macan turbo with Performance Package, a range of tailored equipment options are available, such as the Turbo Exterior Package.  Features available with this package include 21-inch wheels in the 911 turbo design with lateral spokes painted in high-gloss black, LED main headlights equipped with PDLS Plus, and numerous other elements finished in black.

The Turbo Interior Package delivers a black leather interior with lavish Alcantara elements, colour appliqué in numerous areas, and carbon elements such as the door entry guards with the model logo lit up in white.

Porsche Macan turbo with Performance Package – price in South Africa

The Porsche Macan turbo with Performance Package is available for order now in South Africa, retailing at R 120 000 extra (over the turbo, including the extra equipment) making the new top model ZAR 1 540 000 on the 3-year Drive plan (R 50 000 more to extend by 2 years) inclusive of VAT and green tax.  The most powerful compact SUV is also, appreciably, the most expensive.