In 2022, Porsche is breaking tradition and has announced a new Macan T model. The T (Touring) badge in the Porsche range has usually been used to identify a mid-spec model, the 911 and 718. Ever since it showed up for the first time in the 60s, the badge has been reserved for its two-door sports cars.
The 2022 Porsche Macan is the first four-door model and the first SUV to get the Touring treatment. Porsche’s Touring models are designed to offer an especially authentic driving experience thanks to special chassis and suspension tuning, exclusive equipment, and performance. So we outline everything you need to know about the new Porsche Macan T and what it has to offer.
Porsche Macan T: The Bridge Variant
The Porsche Macan T will sit between the standard Macan and the Macan S models. The Macan Touring packs a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Porsche claims that the smaller motor makes the SUV lighter and improves agility. This package allows for an ideal balance of weight and performance. The 2.9-liter V6 in the Macan S and GTS models essentially adds 130 lbs onto the front axle.
However, the engine gains no additional power boost. The V6 models offer between 375-434 horsepower. The four-banger in the Macan T still makes 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The motor is paired with the slick-shifting 7-speed PDK gearbox and the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive as standard.
Porsche says that with the Sport Chrono Package, and dialed into the correct setting on the Sport Response button on the steering, the Macan T accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.2 seconds and onwards to the 144 miles per hour top speed. Meaning, that it is 2 mph slower than the standard car.
The Real Changes The Macan T Brings To The Table
Top speed is largely irrelevant in the real world unless you’re overtaking on the autobahn. The real essence of the Macan T is how it is designed to offer a comfortable experience while it maneuvers around the bends.
The Macan T is the only Porsche in the range currently to feature steel suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard. Porsche has lowered the car by 0.6-inches. However, they will offer the adaptive air suspension with PASM as an option that will lower the car further by another 0.4-inches.
The chassis has been tuned and firmed up thanks to the firmer anti-roll bars. Porsche believes it creates the perfect suspension setup and powertrain combination for the model. It is specifically designed to offer responsive steering and agility when handling corners.
The all-wheel-drive system used on the Macan T is rear-biased says, Porsche. It works with the optional Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PVT Plus). This helps further sharpen the driving dynamics of the compact SUV’s Touring model.
Touring Exclusive Comes To The Macan
Porsche’s Touring models are made available with some special equipment and features. The Macan T is no different. The exterior appearance of the specific model is enhanced with some differentiating design elements. The front trim, door mirrors, roof-mounted spoiler, badges, and side blades feature a special Agate Gray Metallic color.
The exhaust tips and window frame trims get a high-gloss black finish, along with the Macan T logo. Porsche will allow the mid-spec Macan T to wear the same 20-inch wheels as the Macan S, but in a dark titanium finish. Customers will have the option to spec their Macan T in a range of 13 plain, metallic and special exterior colors.
The interior has its distinct characteristics. The Macan T comes with the Black leather package with heated sports seats. They also feature the Sport-Tex Stripe pattern and, of course, the Porsche crest embossed on the headrests. The heated steering wheel and Sport Chrono stopwatch come standard with the Macan T. Furthermore, the Macan T also benefits from the latest tech upgrades recently provided to the model. They include the internet-enabled Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with the 10.9-inch touchscreen with online navigation and a brand-new center console design among a lot more.
Macan Saves The Day
The Porsche Macan and Cayenne SUVs helped elevate the sports car brand to what it is today. The German automakers sold nearly 25,000 Macan SUVs in the US in 2021. The automaker believes the Macan T will draw in more buyers. US pricing details of the Macan T are still unclear. At the moment, the entry model Macan costs around $55,000 while the Macan S is priced around $65,000. We expect the Macan T to sit right in the middle, around the $60,000 mark (before options) when it eventually goes on sale later this year.