2022 Porsche Macan T review Car News

When Porsche resurrected its “T” touring specification for the 911 Carrera T in 2017, and followed it up with the 718 Boxster T/Cayman T combo two years later, we began to wonder the inevitable: when a four-door model get the same? processing?

There wasn’t long to wait. The Macan T (which in Porsche speaks means Touring) arrives this summer with a sharper dynamic brief than the vanilla Porsche Macan, as well as sportier styling and an extended equipment list as standard.

The entry-level car’s 263bhp four-cylinder petrol engine is retained, meaning it falls below the V6-powered Porsche Macan S in performance, but a retuned chassis, Stiffer anti-roll bars and a 15mm lower ride height (25mm with optional air suspension) promise greater driver appeal.

Visual tweaks include a metallic agate gray front splitter, mirrors and side blades, as well as a roof spoiler and 20-inch alloy wheels in exclusive colors. Their appearance depends on the color, but all help to distinguish it from the standard car.

Inside, the sports seats get Soft-Tex inserts with silver-striped stitching and are heated as standard. The Sport Chrono package is also included. If you specified a standard Macan at the same level, it would eclipse the pre-options price of a Macan S.

What the T lacks in power compared to the Macan S, it makes up for in weight savings, with 58kg less mass on the front axle. As a result, it feels more nimble when cornering, letting you navigate corners with the precision normally expected of a sports sedan rather than a compact SUV. The steering is perfectly weighted and minimal body roll is well controlled.

Porsche retuned the all-wheel-drive system for a stronger rear bias, and you don’t have to push particularly hard to feel it. Come out of a particularly tight corner under hard throttle and the rear end pops out ever so slightly, before pulling itself together and pressing down. It allows for an entertaining yet controlled ride when you want it, and inspiring levels of grip everywhere else.

The stiffer setup is felt through the car’s ability to cling to the road at high speeds. Sport Plus mode hones things to the extreme, especially with the optional air suspension that lowers the ride height by an additional 10mm on demand, but it also makes you feel every imperfection in the road, no matter how small- she. Normal mode is much more relaxed for daily driving.