It is impossible not to love a Porsche vehicle. They will say yes this is normal, they are expensive, luxurious and clearly out of reach for most people. You’d have to be terribly moody not to like her.
Special collaboration, Marc Bouchard, automotive journalist
It’s true… and quite false at the same time. Because I don’t like Porsche for the luxury, the build quality or the reputation. I like it because I like driving. No more complicated than that. The Porsche Macan T is a good example of this.
The Porsche Macan is the family’s small commercial vehicle. Base price: around $63,000, which sets it well apart from the competition. A bit more expensive for sure, but with such a resale value that you win when you exchange it.
It is true that the T version adds many elements, in particular more imposing anti-roll bars and a Sport Chrono package that allows for spectacular descents. But T here fits Touring, not Turbo. So don’t expect an overpowered and outrageously roaring vehicle. Instead, as in the base version, it was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that only produced 261 hp.
That might not seem like much, but it’s generally more than enough for most needs. It’s very good too, thanks to a PDK dual-clutch automatic gearbox (which is actually an abbreviation of a German name I’m hastening to echo to avoid confusion) whose quick response and ease of use are exceptional.
A new look
The little Macan was completely overhauled last year. It was modernized, in particular, the radiator grille and some other aesthetic elements were modified. This does not prevent him from being fully connected with the family. Just look at the familiar-looking headlights and signature curves to spot it.
The same story in the cabin, whose controls are close to those of Porsche. Easy to read dial, start to the left of the steering wheel, easy-to-grip shifter and a flanged steering wheel ideal for effective grip.
Because at Porsche everything revolves around efficiency. Everything has been designed to maximize usage and create a real pleasure and driving environment. The materials are second to none, as is the assembly, but it’s the overall feel, including the exceptional support of the seats, that makes the experience unique. Do you think I’m exaggerating? Not really.
Obviously the experience in a 911 is sharper, more radical and more spectacular. But even behind the wheel of a Macan you can feel the nuance that makes these Porsche vehicles worthy of their reputation.
Once the engine starts – yes, the roar is nice but still limited – driving becomes inspiring. The steering is precise, as are the brakes, and the level control on my test vehicle does justice to every possible trail.
The great quality of the Porsche Maca is not its interior space, which is rather limited. It’s not its looks either, which is pretty conservative overall, albeit very Porsche. Rather, it’s the fact that while driving, you can forget you’re driving an SUV. And that’s the quality we’re always looking for.
Of course, my trial had many options, including a unique color that cost $13,000 alone, which is enough to make us blush. But you need to go beyond that: driving a Porsche Macan T or any other version is simply driving one of the most exciting versions of the small-format SUV out there. Not less!
In the podcast
Yes, we talk at length about the Porsche Macan T test. But it’s also about another extraordinary vehicle, the BMW i7, and strange news that only William would know how to find. Good to hear!