In this new series, we from AutoExperience use the online configurator of a specific car brand and model in order to get the nicest overall package. To get the best price / performance and price / equipment is the ultimate goal. Prices are according to the Dutch configurator, but we’ll advise on how to convert this to your own country.

In this first episode, we go into a relatively new car, namely Porsche’s offering in the mid-size SUV segment, the Macan. Based on the Audi Q5 (also recently renewed) Porsche is offering an attractive and sporty exterior with powerful engines and top notch interior quality. This definitely makes the car an expensive piece of steel, so it’s not for everyone. Potential buyers? Think:

• Porsche customers wanting more practicality
• Porsche customers who think the Cayenne is too mondane, large, or pricy
• German SUV buyers wanting to step up their game when it comes to dynamic driving and overall quality
• German SUV buyers who just like the Porsche brand more than the obligatory Audi, BMW, or Mercedes

There are always additional specific demands when shopping for a new car. Some want it to be as business-fit as possible, other like a more daring design. Same goes for diesel versus petrol. In this case; we’re not being too difficult a customer. We are owners of a small company and have the budget to afford a bit more than the usual lease-A6. The wife already has her own (practical) car, so we don’t need to think about that either. Because the Macan will be our (only) daily driver, it needs to well equipped but not too tinhorn since it might give the wrong impression at work. Mileage is no issue, so petrol is our preference.

Starting off with the engines, we opt for the Macan Turbo. There is also a Macan (regular) and a Macan S, but we’re a bit disappointed with their performance. Acceleration of these models is comparable to the common Volvo V60 D6 plugin and the Mercedes C350e plugin, and we wouldnt want that with a car costing >30k more. The premium for the Turbo is hefty but not unreasable and already contains some goodies we want anyway. Exterior is also more modern for the Turbo, while its not as screaming as the GTS. The Turbo performance package is overdone for an SUV, according to us.

Technical:

• 3.6 litre biturbo V6 with 440 hp / 550 Nm
• 0-100 in 4.8 / top 266 (enough to safely beat cars limited at 250)
• PDK dual clutch automatic transmission
• 1900 kg

Additional specification:

• ‘Agate Grey’ metallic (sporty, but decent)
• 21 inch ‘911 Turbo’ alloys (more distinguished and elegant than stock wheels)
• ‘Turbo’ Exterior pack (matte black accents)
• Nature leather ‘Espresso’
• Adaptive Sport Seats
• LED lights with PDLS+
• Park Assist front + rear (no cam needed, its not a limo)
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Roofrails matte black
• Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus PTV+ (rear differentials)
• Sport Chrono
• BLIS / LDWS / ACC
• Heated Seats front
• Side Airbags rear
• Gauges Luxor Beige

…To be continued!