Porsche Macan T: A pinch more pepper

The compact SUV is approaching the end of its model cycle. As a special model, the Macan T is intended to boost business once again. Is a revised chassis enough?

The side mirrors and front of the vehicle are painted in agate gray – this is how you can recognize the Macan T.

PD

The first all-electric Porsche Macan is scheduled to be launched next year. It will not only differ from today’s Macan in terms of the drive and the new vehicle platform, but also visually, as Porsche has already announced. At the same time, the current Macan continues to run, so as not to offend die-hard Porsche drivers too much.

To ensure that the current Macan series remains attractive, Porsche is launching the Macan T model variant. The additional letter stands for touring and was first used in 1968 for a variant of the Porsche 911 that was reduced to the minimum. It was not until 2017 that the manufacturer revived the T, again in a 911, and the Macan T is the first four-door in this select group.

There are hardly any visual differences to the basic Macan. Side mirrors, radiator surrounds at the front and the exhaust tailpipes are set off in agate grey. Inside there is upholstery with fabric center panels in a wide pinstripe pattern as well as silver topstitching and embossed Porsche crests in the headrests.

Inside there is little to suggest the Macan T, such as the pinstripe fabric panels of the sports seats.

Inside there is little to suggest the Macan T, such as the pinstripe fabric panels of the sports seats.

PD

As far as the drive is concerned, the Macan T is no different from the basic four-cylinder model with 265 hp and 400 Nm. The Sport Chrono package is now standard, and a lowering of 15 millimeters and reinforced stabilizers on the front axle should ensure an even sportier driving experience than in the basic Macan.

The Macan T is equipped with a steel spring chassis as standard. An optional air suspension lowers the car by 10 millimeters, which means that the ground clearance then corresponds to that of the top model Macan GTS. If you then select the Sport+ driving mode, it goes down another 10 millimeters. That doesn’t have much to do with an SUV anymore.

Other measures to make the four-cylinder Macan more sporty are standard 20-inch wheels, slightly more direct steering and traction management that is even more rear-biased than before.

The roof spoiler and tailpipes are also painted in agate grey.

The roof spoiler and tailpipes are also painted in agate grey.

PD

On the test drive, the comparison of the two chassis resulted in a clear verdict: the optional air suspension allows for comfortable travel, just like the T for touring, but the steel suspension has an even more direct effect and provides even more feedback from the road – just as you would normally expect from a sports car wishes.

Both chassis provide sufficient traction. There is a slight tendency to oversteer in fast corners, but the Macan T appears even more manageable with the steel chassis, making driving close to the limit a pleasure.

As a result, the Porsche Macan T is somewhat more dynamic than the entry-level model in the series. This may come as a surprise, because Porsche hasn’t changed anything in terms of the engine performance of the T; the goal of improved sportiness was only achieved through improvements to the chassis and electronics. However, the improvements also cost 6200 francs more than the basic model.

However, the appearance of the Porsche Macan T could have negative consequences for the basic Macan. If you want to buy a four-cylinder Macan, you should choose the T in most cases. This cannibalizes his model brother. This will not matter to Porsche as long as the sales figures for the Macan model series increase.

The Macan T is likely to be the new favorite of customers interested in the four-cylinder model.

The Macan T is likely to be the new favorite of customers interested in the four-cylinder model.

PD

Porsche Macan T

displacement1984cc
engine typeR4, petrol, turbo
drive/transmissionAWD/PDK7
Maximum power195 kW / 265 hp
Max. Torque400 Nm at 1800-4500 rpm
Length Width Height4.73/1.93/1.61m
Curb weight DIN1865kg
0-100km/h6.2s
EU standard consumption (WLTP)10.8L/100km
CO₂ emission244g/km
energy classG
base price85,800 francs

Porsche sales in Switzerland

2012-2021, by models

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