Porsche Macan Turbo tested on track - Is this the new SUV benchmark?

The new Porsche Macan Turbo is more high-riding Cayman than junior Cayenne - in fact it's the most fluid and engaging SUV we've ever driven. Steve Sutcliffe puts it to the test on track.

The Porsche Macan Turbo might owe its underpinnings to the Audi Q5, but you'll not mind much else from Audi here. What Porsche has done in the development of the Macan is not only build a compact SUV that's ferociously fast and superb fun to drive, but established a new benchmark on which to measure SUV dynamics. In this exclusive test drive, Steve Sutcliffe puts the Macan to the test on track.

Autocar, the world's leading motoring magazine and website, delivers industry-leading news, the most in-depth car reviews and opinion from our team of experts. Our presenters include some of the world's top motoring journalists who have unrivalled access to the world's fastest, rarest, most exotic and most exciting cars on some of the world's best roads and race tracks.

Can a supercar beat a superbike? Can a Audi A1 outrun a Nissan GT-R on a wet circuit? Can a Porsche 911 slay a Corvette on the drag strip? Autocar pitches the giants of the performance car world against each other to deliver the all-important verdict.

[perarduaadastra]

Great reviewer. This guy’s a breath of fresh air. Lovely calm commentary. No irritating over enthused hysteria of other

[rousseau]

It's good to see that Porsche is putting the proper paddles on their multifunction steering wheels. The push-pull buttons were ridiculous.

[andrewlacroix]

Steve Sutcliffe is an outstanding presenter. He can drive, is extremely articulate and gives you all the information you might want about the car he is reviewing. I drove one of these things and it is incredibly composed and bloody fast for an SUV. It does not feel like a sports car - too large - but Porsche has done a masterful job making it as close to a sports car as the laws of physics will permit.

[christianbarboza]

I respect the presenter as he is a great pilot as well a brilliant speaker. He appears to have a lot of knowledge and understanding for what enthusiasts seek after in their cars. Good job hiring this fellow.

[infidelrr]

Sutcliffe is the man, thanks for giving it a proper test for all of us... been looking for a video of you in this car, glad I found it!

[lambosuperl]

4:22 hahah "I just wanted to do a little Chris Harris :( " xD

[gaptoofgranny]

It's a pretty sick car. It feels more like a large four-door hatchback than an SUV

[tim]

Bought one and love it more each time I drive it! You're review is right on.

[asb_]

The launch control sounded a bit like a baby Aventador :)

[diztorcion]

I don't think it's pointless, I think it might be one of the greatest all around cars ever. hear me out. I live in NY there's some snow but most of all there's salt in the winter, there's no way I'm putting a 911 through that cause of the ground clearance. This thing has all the advantages of an suv plus great handling maybe not sporty enough for track days but certainly enough for twisty mountain roads, and enough power to make you smile, good looks in and out, makes a great noise, and porsche reliability and badge. it might not be an all out sportscar but 98% percent of the time it'll be just as good, and when you have to tow, avoid snow/salt, good mpg's, bring friends along or just ride comfortably in shitty nyc streets it's the best. A macan and my motorcycle and I'm all set.

[UDPride]

Looks better than a Cayenne, drives better than a Cayenne, as fast or faster than a Cayenne, cheaper than a Cayenne.  Why would you then shop a Cayenne?  To carry an extra baby stroller?  At this price point I think the Macan may be Porsche's "best buy" alongside the Cayman. Im not even sure Id be interested in the Turbo. The Macan S with 340HP is $15, 000 cheaper. Thats a huge premium for 60 ponies.

[motodxb]

always enjoy watching your reviews. Beautiful car, Can't wait to see the New Cayenne in a few years.

[VorpalBunnysRevenge]

I love my Macan Turbo. I let my brother borrow it when he was moving back to Houston and he needed a ride to go house shopping. He called it "easy speed".

[pwoo]

Imagine if Chris Harris drove that.. he'd be escorted off the premises

[fikes]

Nobody puts Sutcliffe in a corner. Haha freakin uptight porsche, let um flog it

[Richenergy]

Before you people judge this car, maybe you should drive on!! this car drives absolutely crazy and its not a hatchback at all its a real small SUV!!

[SScars]

Fantastic car. Not too big, handles well but could do with more power, really!

[kwfown]

@ 1:30 Launch control is absolute key to SUV, just as rock climb is essential to a VW Bug.

[BlueframeVideo]

Wow, so much Power....
Greetings Roland

[steelbandhire]

Nice video, well presented and an excellent account of the Macan. Hoping to buy one soon.