The Porsche Macan has become the most affordable model from the German brand with a confirmed starting price of $84,900.
The new mid-sized SUV sibling to the popular Cayenne is due in June 2014 locally and will become the only Porsche to cost less than $100,000. It is expected to replace its bigger brother as the company’s best-selling vehicle.
There are three models forming the Porsche Macan range, with the $84,900 diesel-powered SD joined by the $87,200 twin-turbo V6 S and $122,900 Turbo.
Macan S is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 with 250kW and 460Nm. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in up to 5.2 seconds when the Sport Chrono pack is fitted, with fuel consumption rated between 8.7 and 9.0 litres per 100km.
The 190kW/580Nm Macan S Diesel, predictably, is slower with sprint performance of between 6.3 and 6.1 seconds but also consumes the least fuel, at 6.1 to 6.3L/100km.
The Turbo generates 294kW and 550Nm from its twin-turbo 3.6-litre V6 and is capable of reaching 100km/h from standstill in 4.6 seconds with Sports Chrono. It uses between 8.7 and 9.0 litres of fuel every 100km.
Each engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission with paddleshift levers, sending power to all four wheels.
A high-performance audio system and electrically operated tailgate are standard across the range. Options will include air suspension and a Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus system will be available that can distribute pulling power between the rear wheels to help push the Macan around corners.
The starting price for the Porsche Macan will lower at a later point with the arrival of smaller-engined models that include 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines in petrol and diesel form.
The Macan sits on the same platform as the Audi Q5 but is longer, wider and lower. It is 4699mm long, 1923mm wide and 1624mm tall.
