How Does the 2019 Porsche Macan S Handle Off-Road?
Porsche enthusiast reviews new Macan S, and puts the performance SUV to the test.
When Porsche introduced the 2019 Macan S last year, it had a host of improvements. From the powertrain to the brakes, it was a more responsive and sportier Porsche. But how does this tougher Macan S really perform? Automotive journalist Roger Bailey put it to the test off-road; tackling trails, crawling, and challenging terrain.
The 2019 Macan S features a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged engine that generates 348 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It can sprint from 0-60 mph in around 5 seconds and reach a top speed of 157 mph. “This level of performance was Porsche 911 territory once upon a time,” says Bailey. “Its engine is creamy smooth…the throttle response is short and the performance clearly eclipses that of the [standard] Porsche Macan.”
For reference, the entry-level Macan gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 248 horsepower and 273 lb.-feet of torque. It can accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in 6.1 seconds (with Launch Control) and achieve a top speed of 142 mph.
The V6 engine of the Macan S is also used in other Porsche models such as the Panamera sedan and the Cayenne SUV. This engine has a “hot-vee” configuration. This means that the turbocharged is located between the two engine banks. “This layout shortens the exhaust paths from the combustion chambers to the turbocharger, improving responsiveness as compared to the previous powertrain,” says Porsche.
Porsche has developed Macan as a performance SUV. However, the Macan S also has strong off-roading ability. “This Macan is not like a Land Rover… [but it] can do some proper off-road stuff,” says Bailey. This is primarily because the Macan features the Porsche Traction Management all-wheel drive system. Furthermore, the Macan S is available with air suspension, which increases the vehicle’s maximum ground clearance and also its maximum wading depth. However, the air suspension on the Macan S is an optional extra and it costs $2,750.
It is very impressive to see how well the Macan S handles itself in a number of off-road tests. It performs remarkably, and makes us look at the SUV in a new light. It’s tough, but is still pure sleek Porsche with all the luxury we’d expect. It will surely shake up the market, proving that you can have the rugged chops and Porsche performance.
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