The sun was just starting to dip behind the wooded hills of Müggelberge, casting a warm golden glow over the twisting roads that wind through Berlin’s southeastern edge. This spot is not just any run, of, the, mill testing ground , it’s a playground for those who appreciate a mix of tight bends, open stretches, and a hint of elevation changes that can reveal everything a car is truly capable of. And this time, my companion on this exhilarating journey was the Porsche Macan S.
The Macan has always held a special place in the Porsche lineup , a rare breed that manages to combine sporty performance with everyday practicality. Though the combustion Macan is no longer sold new in Europe, it’s still a beast worth talking about. Especially the Macan S, which sits perfectly between the base Macan T and the fiery GTS, boasting a robust 3.0, liter turbocharged V6 that now pumps out 380 horsepower. Before Porsche fully switches to electric Macans, I wanted to dive deep into what this combustion powerhouse offers on real roads, especially in a challenging environment like Müggelberge.
The Heartbeat of the Macan S: Engine and Performance
Slipping into the driver’s seat, the first thing that strikes you is the feeling of a performance car disguised as an SUV. The 3.0, liter turbocharged V6 engine under the hood is the soul of this Macan S. It develops a strong 280 kW (380 hp) and a hefty 520 Nm of torque, pushing this mid, sized SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. Not bad for something tipping the scales at just over two tons.
What truly impressed me in Müggelberge was how effortlessly the Macan S handles the tight switchbacks and sudden elevation changes. Thanks to Porsche’s signature all, wheel, drive system and the quick, shifting 7, speed dual, clutch PDK transmission, power delivery is immediate and precise. The engine breathes deeply in the mid, range, offering a satisfying growl especially when pushed past 3,000 rpm, but it does come with some vibrations around 2,500, 3,000 rpm , not what you’d expect from a Porsche six, cylinder, but nothing that detracts too much from the overall experience.
Out on the open stretches, the Macan feels stable and planted. The top speed easily surpasses 250 km/h, though I kept it legal, savoring the smooth surge rather than the thrill of speed alone. It’s in the acceleration and mid, corner responses where the Macan S shines brightest.
Suspension and Handling: Taming Müggelberge’s Curves
Müggelberge’s roads are not just about speed; they’re about control, balance, and connection to the asphalt. The Macan S’s optional air suspension with variable damping makes a noticeable difference here. Even in Comfort mode, the suspension maintains that Porsche firmness but skillfully soaks up bumps and cobblestone, like rough patches that line some sections of these hills.
The steering is precise and communicative, giving you the confidence to dive into corners with gusto and the ability to make micro, adjustments on the fly. There’s a slight tendency for the Macan to follow grooves on the road at high speed due to its wide tires, but it never felt intrusive. The agility and responsiveness in the corners left me smiling every time I braked hard and accelerated out of the bends.
The Driving Experience: Sport Mode vs. Comfort Mode
Switching between driving modes is where the Macan S flexes its versatility. In Comfort, the transmission shifts early, promoting smoothness and relaxed cruising. It’s perfect for those long drives outside the city or when you want to soak in the Müggelberge scenery without the adrenaline spike.
Switch to Sport mode, and the whole character changes. The engine holds revs longer, the throttle becomes more sensitive, and gear changes snap quickly. The V6 sings in this mode, and you get a better sense of the SUV’s sporting pedigree. It’s not a track car, but the Macan S could easily hold its own on a sporty weekend jaunt or spirited drive through challenging backroads.
The PDK transmission supports manual gear changes via paddles on the steering wheel, which is a fun way to engage with the car on winding roads. The start, stop system works smoothly, and the auto hold function is a lifesaver on the steep hills of Müggelberge when you stop at junctions or traffic lights.
Interior Comfort and Infotainment: Luxury Meets Practicality
Inside, the Macan S blends sporty aesthetics with high, quality materials and a layout that prioritizes driver convenience. The cockpit is dominated by an 11, inch touchscreen infotainment system that feels modern and responsive, providing seamless access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings. Connectivity is comprehensive , with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, Wi, Fi hotspot, and multiple USB ports.
What I appreciated the most was Porsche’s choice to retain some physical buttons below the touchscreen. In a world of overly complicated touch, only interfaces, this mix allows for quicker, more intuitive control while driving , especially when you want to adjust volume or switch to navigation quickly without looking away from the road.
Space, wise, the Macan is not the largest SUV out there, but it is perfectly adequate for everyday use. Front seats are supportive and comfortable, even on longer drives. Rear space is decent but not generous , something to consider if you frequently carry adult passengers in the back or a lot of cargo. The trunk offers 488 liters, which expands nicely to 1,503 liters with the rear seats folded.
Real, World Fuel Consumption and Efficiency
One area where the Macan S doesn’t exactly shine is fuel economy. The combined consumption, according to WLTP, hovers around 11.1 liters per 100 kilometers, and in real, world driving during my Müggelberge test, it averaged about 10.7 liters. For a sporty SUV with this much power, this is expected, but it is something buyers need to be mindful of, especially with rising fuel prices.
Despite that, the thrill and quality of driving the Macan S easily outweigh the higher fuel consumption if you prioritize driving enjoyment.
Conclusion: The Macan S , A Sporty SUV for the Enthusiast
Driving the Porsche Macan S through Müggelberge was a vivid reminder that this SUV is not just about utility but about the joy of driving itself. It strikes a beautiful balance between sporty performance, comfortable cruising, and day, to, day practicality. The powerful V6 engine combined with Porsche’s advanced chassis technology ensures that you’re always connected to the road, whether blasting through curves or navigating city streets.
Yes, fuel consumption is high compared to modern electric SUVs, and the rear space might feel a bit cramped for some, but if driving excitement and brand prestige matter to you, the Macan S delivers in spades. As the last combustion, powered Macan for the European market, it holds a special place for enthusiasts who want that classic Porsche SUV experience before the electric era fully takes over.
How does the Macan S perform compared to other SUVs?
It offers sportscar, like agility and acceleration unmatched by most mid, sized SUVs, thanks to its turbocharged V6 engine and Porsche, tuned suspension.
What is the fuel consumption like?
Expect around 11 liters per 100 km in combined driving, which is high but typical for a sporty SUV of this caliber.
Is the Macan still worth buying despite the switch to electric?
If you’re into visceral driving experiences, yes. The combustion Macan S still has a lot to offer, especially for enthusiasts and cyclists looking for that dual, purpose vehicle.
