Porsche Macan Diesel S vs rivals

Just over a decade after Porsche redefined the SUV sector with the Cayenne, and it’s hoping to make waves again with the new Macan. 

The Porsche's second 4x4 combines compact SUV dimensions with the promise of a sports car-inspired driving experience, plus it comes with a choice of three petrol engines and one diesel. The order book is filling fast, but just how good is the new Macan? 

To find out, we’ve lined up the Macan Diesel S against a pair of very talented rivals. 

First up is the Range Rover Evoque, which is our reigning compact SUV champion, and now boasts a new nine-speed gearbox. Meanwhile, the flagship BMW 335d xDrive M Sport Touring is a fine handling, fast and practical all-wheel-drive premium estate car. 

So can the new Porsche challenge both? To find out which one of these models  makes the biggest splash, we hit the road and track to deliver our definitive verdict.

Click the links below for the full verdict on each car...

• Porsche Macan review

• BMW 3 Series Touring review

• Range Rover Evoque review

Now read our head-to-head group test results below...

Head-to-head

Off-road 

Owners of these cars are unlikely to get too adventurous, but the Range Rover and Porsche offer a wider range of abilities than the 3 Series. The Macan has off-road mode and hill-descent control, plus with the £1,785 air-suspension it raises the ride height – giving an approach angle of 26.6 degrees. The Terrain Response system lets owners tune their Evoque to different surfaces – it can tackle slopes of up to 25 degrees. 

Efficiency 

All three cars in this test come with stop-start as standard. The 148g/km BMW is the cleanest, but the two SUVs both emit 159g/km – impressive given their size and weight. The Porsche is the heaviest car here, but has active radiator shutters and a coasting function in the PDK transmission. 

Handling 

Decent handling SUVs are nothing new. The Evoque is nice to drive, but the Macan takes things to a new level. This is a car in which you’ll seek out a twisty road just for the pleasure of driving – as you would in a Porsche Cayman or 911. 

Verdict

1st place: Porsche

If there was ever any doubt that an SUV could wear a Porsche badge, the Macan dispels it once and for all. Sublime handling is matched to impressive refinement and a class-leading diesel engine. Just watch out for costly options.  

2nd place: BMW

The 335d Touring delivers huge performance with the reassurance of all-wheel drive. It’s spacious, well built and efficient, too. But it’s a mark of the Macan’s abilities that the 3 Series is simply outclassed by Porsche’s new SUV.  

3rd place: Range Rover

It’s a familiar sight, but the Evoque can still turn heads. It’s also decent to drive, well equipped and oozes upmarket class. It just feels off the pace in this company. The four-cylinder engine lacks performance and falls short of its competitors here.