Porsche Macan 2019 Review

In the luxury mid-size SUV market, the Porsche Macan has always been a "Dream Car" for many consumers—it not only carries Porsche's sporty genes but also meets the practicality needs of daily use. This time, we got the 2019 Macan and Macan S test drive cars, with the primary goal of seeing whether these two vehicles can strike a balance between performance and practicality under Malaysian road conditions.

Starting with the exterior, the design of the 2019 Macan follows Porsche's family styling, with smooth and dynamic lines overall. The large front air intakes paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides provide high recognition; the side profile’s waistline stretches from the front fenders to the rear, combined with the 19-inch (Macan) or 20-inch (Macan S) alloy wheels, offering a sporty vibe. At the rear, the dual exhaust layout (quad exhaust for the Macan S) and the full-width LED tail lights make it easy to spot during night driving. On the details, the body panel gaps are delicately handled, and the paint quality aligns with the positioning of a luxury vehicle.

Sitting inside, the interior craftsmanship and materials also impress. The center console is wrapped in soft-touch materials, complemented by metal trim and piano lacquer panels, delivering a premium feel. A 10.9-inch touch screen comes standard, with a simple and user-friendly interface that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making everyday use convenient. The multifunction steering wheel feels very comfortable to hold, with integrated common functions like cruise control and volume adjustment, making it easy to operate. As for the seats, both Macan and Macan S are equipped with sports-style seats that provide good support and wrapping, ensuring long driving sessions are not tiring.

In terms of space, both vehicles have a wheelbase of 2807mm, with the front-row space being quite roomy. Passengers who are 180cm tall will find adequate headroom and legroom. The rear space is average for a mid-size SUV; it can feel a bit cramped for three adults, but seating two adults is no problem at all, with about two fist-widths of legroom. The trunk's volume is 488L, which can easily fit two 28-inch suitcases and some smaller items. The rear seats support proportional folding, expanding the volume to around 1500L, offering strong practicality. Additionally, there are numerous storage spaces in the cabin, such as door pockets and a center armrest storage box, ensuring everyday carry items have their place.

In terms of power, the Macan is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 252PS and a peak torque of 370N·m, paired with a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. The Macan S, on the other hand, has a 3.0T V6 turbocharged engine, offering a maximum horsepower of 354PS and a peak torque of 480N·m, also matched with a 7-speed PDK transmission. During actual driving, the Macan provides agile starts, with a responsive throttle, and its official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 6.7 seconds, making overtaking in daily scenarios effortless. The Macan S delivers even more robust power, with a significant pushing-back sensation at launch; its 0-100km/h acceleration takes only 5.3 seconds, and its high-speed acceleration is equally powerful. Both vehicles feature smooth gear shifting with the transmission, virtually free of jerking sensations.

Handling is Porsche's strong suit, and the Macan and Macan S are no exception. The steering is precise with minimal play, and body roll is well-controlled during cornering, giving the driver a good amount of confidence. As for the suspension system, the Macan is equipped with a standard suspension, while the Macan S features adaptive air suspension. Both models do a good job of filtering out most vibrations on bumpy roads, offering decent comfort. However, the air suspension on the Macan S can be adjusted for stiffness and height. In Sport mode, the suspension becomes firmer with better support, while in Comfort mode, it softens, making it more suitable for daily commuting.

In terms of fuel consumption, the Macan has an average fuel consumption of about 9.5L per 100 kilometers, while the Macan S averages about 11.5L per 100 kilometers. For SUVs of this class, the performance is fair. Regarding noise control, both models perform well, with minimal wind and tire noise at high speeds, ensuring that conversations inside the cabin are not disturbed.

To summarize, the main highlights of the 2019 Macan and Macan S are obvious: sporty exterior, luxurious interior, strong performance, precise handling, and sufficient space and practicality for daily family use. Compared to competitors like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC in the same class, the Macan stands out for its sporty performance, while the Macan S offers an advantage in terms of power. However, their prices are relatively high, with the Macan priced at RM 455,000 and the Macan S at RM 625,000.

Overall, the 2019 Macan is suitable for consumers who value brand and sporty performance while still needing a family-friendly car. On the other hand, the Macan S is more suited for those with higher demands for power. If you enjoy driving and also need to take care of your family, the Macan would be a good choice; if you're pursuing an ultimate power experience, then the Macan S would be a better fit for you.

All in all, the 2019 Macan and Macan S are not just "showpieces" — they truly balance performance and practicality, making them strong competitors in the luxury mid-size SUV market.