Comparison - Porsche Macan turbo 2015 - vs - Lexus RX 450h Base 2015

The 2015 Porsche Macan is an all-new compact luxury crossover SUV.
Just like the Cayenne before it, the 2015 Porsche Macan should be a hit with luxury crossover shoppers, as it offers similar performance in a smaller, sportier package.

Given the great success Porsche has had with its midsize Cayenne crossover SUV, it was just a matter of time before the company expanded the family with a compact crossover offering. But just because it's smaller and less expensive doesn't mean the 2015 Porsche Macan is any less worthy of that iconic crest-shaped hood emblem. Make no mistake, the new Macan comes packed with the speed, handling and engaging driving character one would rightfully expect from the maker of the 911 and Cayenne.

Although it shares some components with the 2015 Audi Q5, the 2015 Porsche Macan (pronounced "Ma-cahn") has its own engines, suspension design and, of course, styling. Furthermore, Porsche has engineered it to drive more like a rear-wheel-drive performance car than most premium-brand crossovers. The Macan's standard all-wheel-drive system normally directs most of the engine's power to the rear wheels, and that power is only redirected to the front wheels when needed to maintain traction.

Pros
Spirited performance even in base trim
Athletic and engaging to drive
Comfortable and quiet ride
Highly customizable.
cons

Cons
Expensive for its class
Less rear seat/cargo space than some rivals

Without doubt, the Porsche Macan is the most complete high-performance SUV on the planet right now

To hail the Porsche Macan Turbo as the new class leader in the mid-size luxury SUV segment simply isn’t enough - this is a serious example of all-wheel-drive mastery from Stuttgart that properly smashes the ball out of the park.

Not only does it offer the most driver-focussed dynamics ever delivered in an SUV, it does so without compromising any of the key features of today’s most popular family haulers.

Visually, you’ll be hard pressed picking the range-topping Turbo from its less-expensive Porsche Macan siblings, at least beyond the badging - subtlety is the name of game here.

That’s not to say that the Macan, even the even the entry-level Macan S, isn’t a superb looker. In my opinion, it’s got the most contemporary and most complete styling of any luxury SUV on the market today, including the popular Range Rover Evoque.

Pros
Great styling
Superb all-round performance and handling
Silk smooth and fast shifting dual-clutch transmission
Brilliant ride
Beautifully built and engineered

Cons
The exhaust note doesn't live up to the Macan Turbo's ballistic performance
Can be thirsty when you're pushing hard

If having the ultimate is what matters, then the Porsche Macan Turbo is the model for you. It combining the image, comfort and practicality of a high-riding SUV with driving dynamics most sports cars would kill for, plus there's a high-quality finish, plenty of pace and on-road prowess. But, it's worth considering whether you really need it. The standard Macan S with the Sport Chrono pack and the PASM active suspension fitted will feel almost identical from behind the wheel, but you're also saving a lot of cash in the process, and you'll still end up with the best-handling compact SUV on the road.

The first thing that strikes you about the Macan’s styling is its low nose. For an SUV this is unusual, and although the edge of the bonnet still stands quite tall, the sleek shape and clever visual tricks – such as the dark insert at the bottom of the bumper – mean Porsche’s mid-size SUV cuts a sharp figure.

Step things up and select Sport or Sport Plus modes and the Macan’s chassis tenses up. The car feels more alert and changes direction quicker, and this extra response doesn’t hurt ride quality too much. Porsche’s Torque Vectoring system gives crisp turn-in to corners, and when you push the accelerator hard on the way out of a bend you can feel the four-wheel-drive system shuffling power to the back wheels to deliver that rear-biased sports car feel.