My Brother-in-Law’s Macan Turbo

Previously, I wrote an article about test driving my brother-in-law’s Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, but before that, he drove a Macan Turbo. I borrowed that Macan Turbo for just one day back then, and “even as a compact SUV, it truly felt like a Porsche!” So, I want to jot down a review based on my husband’s impressions before I forget.

2015 Model Macan Turbo

My brother-in-law’s Macan Turbo is a 2015 model, almost fully loaded with options. The body color is dark blue metallic, slightly bluer than our Night Blue Metallic. The interior is Luxor Beige.

Personally, I might like the combination of “navy blue outside, beige inside” the best. Now, let me share my husband’s review right away.

① Ride Comfort

This Macan Turbo was equipped with air suspension, but it wore large 21-inch 911 Turbo design wheels, so based on looks alone, we initially had no expectations for ride comfort.

However, once driving it, the reality was the exact opposite — the ride comfort was outstanding. Even in Sport or Sport Plus modes, there was almost no unpleasant jolting or bouncing. Yet, the suspension was firmly damped, keeping the ride flat in every mode.

When we say “good ride comfort,” it can mean many things — soft and floaty, or firm but smooth. The Macan’s air suspension excels in delivering a “flat” ride feel.

Also, perhaps due to high precision in the drivetrain, there’s almost no friction felt. The smoothness is very pleasant, and on well-paved roads, it glides forward effortlessly. It’s the most likable air suspension I’ve ever experienced, and personally, I might even prefer it over the current Panamera’s air suspension.

My brother-in-law also said it felt more comfortable than the Range Rover Sport he later bought, and that the body felt more solid and rigid.

② Driving Performance

Nothing surprising happens when pushing it on mountain roads. Of course, with a higher center of gravity, it can’t match a 911 at the limit, but its agility is surprisingly nimble. It felt almost like “cornering in a hatchback, despite being an SUV.”

Highway stability is excellent, needless to say. Especially in Sport Plus mode, the stability and confidence it inspires are remarkable. It almost felt like you could cruise at over 180 km/h on any highway legally allowed.

③ Engine

It’s not exceptionally high-revving or lightning-fast in response, but it delivers power and responsiveness worthy of the Porsche name. You can feel it’s turbocharged, but there’s no unpleasant turbo lag or difficulty driving.

Even if someone tailgates you on the highway, a single push on the accelerator can quickly make the car behind just a tiny dot in your rearview mirror.

Any Concerns?

① PDK Transmission

The PDK of this generation sometimes makes gear noise or feels a bit jerky when shifting back and forth between 1st and 2nd gear at very low speeds.

People used to torque converter automatics might find this unpleasant, but personally, I didn’t think it was much of an issue. This felt very similar to the late-model 970 Panamera Edition I drove before.

② Rear Seats

The rear seats aren’t as spacious as you might expect from the body size.

Of course, adult men can sit comfortably, but it’s not exactly roomy, so if interior space is a priority, the Cayenne might be a better choice.

③ Interior

This particular car was almost fully optioned, so the interior quality and equipment were very luxurious.

However, the base Macan isn’t this luxurious, so if you care about interior quality, it’s best to actively choose options.

Overall Impression

Finally, here is my husband’s overall impression.

Macan Turbo. Even though it’s an SUV, there’s no doubt it’s a sports car. Before test driving, I imagined “it’s a Porsche SUV, so it must be somewhat sporty,” but once behind the wheel, it completely exceeded my expectations of sportiness.
If you haven’t driven a Macan yet and are considering SUVs in this class, I strongly recommend you take one for a test drive—you won’t regret it. And not just around town, but also on highways and curves. You’ll realize it’s a completely different kind of vehicle compared to other manufacturers’ SUVs.
Also, air suspension is highly recommended. If I were to buy a Macan, this is the one option I would definitely add. That’s how impressive the suspension was.

When my husband borrowed the Macan from my brother-in-law, he said, “Why don’t you try driving it?” but I replied, “No way, it’s a precious Porsche—what if I scratch it? I’ll pass (；ﾟДﾟ)!” So, in the end, I didn’t drive it.

Looking back, I wish I had driven it even just a little bit. (I realize I’m quite timid—I barely drove the 911 I rented in Germany or the GLS I rented in the U.S. either…)

When the new Macan comes out, I definitely want to go for a test drive.