Porsche Macan Review

In the luxury compact SUV market, the Porsche Macan has always been a representative of the "balance between sportiness and luxury." The 2022 model has undergone targeted upgrades based on the old model. The gradient layout from the entry-level version to the GTS performance version also covers different budget needs. This time, we test drove the entire 2022 Macan lineup, with the core purpose of examining whether its improvements in power, configuration, and practicality are worth consumers' money, especially compared to the discontinued 2019 model, to identify the advantages of the new model.

The exterior of the 2022 Macan continues the family design language but appears more refined in detail. Its overall dimensions have been slightly adjusted compared to the 2019 model, with the length increasing to 4726mm, and minor adjustments to the width and height to 1922mm and 1621mm, respectively, giving it a more elongated visual appearance. The front grille is larger, with a smoked finish inside, paired with redesigned LED headlights on each side for a highly recognizable look. The headlights incorporate dynamic turn signals with a flowing effect when lit, adding a sense of premium quality. The side profile exhibits sleek lines, with the waistline running from the front to the rear, complemented by 19-inch alloy wheels (entry-level) or larger wheels for a sporty feel. The most noticeable changes are at the rear, featuring a new LED tail light cluster with a continuous design and the Porsche logo embedded in the middle, which offers maximum recognition when illuminated at night. The diffuser at the bottom of the rear bumper has a more aggressive shape, while the exhaust layout includes dual exhausts (quad exhausts for the S and GTS versions), further emphasizing the performance vibe.

Sitting inside, the 2022 Macan’s interior still retains Porsche’s luxurious touch while offering upgraded features. The center console adopts a tiered design, with soft leather wrapping on the top, a 10.9-inch touch screen in the middle, and some physical buttons retained at the bottom, balancing a sense of technology with operational convenience. Even the entry-level model comes standard with a genuine leather multifunction steering wheel, 14-way power-adjustable seats, while the S and GTS versions are upgraded to 18-way sports seats with better support. The central screen is equipped with the latest Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It responds fluidly and has a clear operational logic. Notably, the 2022 Macan is equipped with a BOSE sound system as standard across the range (optional for some models in the old version), delivering excellent sound quality. In terms of space, the wheelbase remains at 2807mm, offering ample room in both the front and rear rows. A 180cm passenger sitting in the rear has approximately two fists of legroom. Although the official luggage compartment volume has not been explicitly disclosed, practical experience suggests it aligns with the 2019 model's 488L and can be expanded by folding down the rear seats, which should meet the needs of daily family use. Details such as front armrest storage boxes and door panel storage compartments are also practical, holding plenty of personal items.

The powertrain is the core upgrade of the 2022 Macan. The entry-level version is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 265PS, which is 13PS higher than the 252PS of the 2019 model. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is 6.4 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than the old model. During actual driving, the start is light, the turbo engages early (around 1600 rpm), the mid-range acceleration is strong, and you can feel a significant pushback when stepping on the accelerator for overtaking. The S version comes with a 2.9T twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine providing a maximum horsepower of 380PS, which is 26PS more than the 354PS of the 2019 S version. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds, with more abundant power reserves and excellent acceleration when cruising at high speeds. The GTS version represents the performance pinnacle, using the same 2.9T engine but tuned to 440PS. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds, with more responsive throttle, a deep exhaust note in sports mode, and an exhilarating driving experience. The entire lineup is paired with a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, offering fast and smooth gear shifts with virtually no noticeable jerks.

In terms of handling, the 2022 Macan inherits Porsche's sporty DNA. The steering is precise with minimal slack, and you can clearly feel the road feedback when cornering. The suspension system is tuned to be firm yet resilient, quickly filtering out vibrations on bumpy roads without feeling loose; the body roll is well-controlled during cornering, giving the driver enough confidence. The entire lineup comes standard with an all-wheel-drive system, offering excellent grip and high stability when driving on rainy or slippery surfaces. As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption for the entry-level model is 10.1L/100km, with actual city driving around 12L and highway driving about 8L; the fuel consumption for the S and GTS versions is slightly higher, at 11.1L and 11.3L respectively, which is in line with the performance of this class. On driving comfort, the sound insulation is quite good, with wind and tire noise well-controlled during high-speed driving; the seats offer strong support, so long drives don’t feel tiring.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 Porsche Macan are clear: significantly improved performance, especially the notable advances in the entry-level and S versions compared to the previous generation; richer configurations, with features like BOSE sound systems as standard across the lineup; more refined exterior and interior details, maintaining its sense of luxury. Compared to its segment rivals like the BMW X3 M40i or Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, the Macan has an edge in handling and brand prestige, with a relatively reasonable price—starting at 433,000 Malaysian Ringgit for the entry-level version, over 20,000 Ringgit less than the 2019 model, offering better value for money.

The target audience for this car is very clear: if you are a young person prioritizing driving fun, the performance of the GTS version will absolutely satisfy your needs; if you are a user who balances family and personal preferences, the S version offers balanced power and features, making it the best value; the entry-level version is suitable for consumers with a limited budget who still want to own the Porsche brand and its sporty character.

All in all, the 2022 Porsche Macan is a luxury compact SUV with "no obvious shortcomings." It meets the practicality needs for daily family use while delivering pure driving pleasure, making it an "all-rounder" in this market segment.