The Best Porsche Macan Model Years & Variants Ever Produced

What Makes It Special

Popular automotive site Edmunds picked the Porsche Macan as one of the best luxury SUVs for the year, citing reasons such as the Macan's agile handling, high-quality interior, and exterior styling. 

With the Macan, Porsche had been able to create a compelling argument for a performance SUV that blends athleticism with everyday usability.

The 2018 Macan introduced changes like new exterior and interior colour options, an updated infotainment system and a new Sport Edition model. A turbocharged 4-cylinder powers the base model, while the S and GTS models get a more powerful twin-turbo V6 option.

The Macan S offers the best balance between value and performance. It is only 20 hp less powerful than the GT3 trim, and there's still plenty on offer to deliver an engaging driving experience behind the wheel.

What Makes It Special

There was a significant refresh for the 2019 Porsche Macan. The mid-cycle update included new front and rear bumpers.

The rear also received a full-width LED taillight strip, connecting the taillights and giving it a more modern Porsche family look, similar to the Cayenne and Panamera.

New wheel designs were offered, and the side blades (trim pieces on the lower doors) became available in silver, black, or body colour. While not a complete overhaul, the interior received updates, including new colour options and a larger 10.9-inch infotainment screen.

Under the skin, the base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produced 248 hp, while the 3.0-litre V6 for the more potent S had 100 hp more.

The base model is a bit underpowered for spirited driving, so you will want to pick the more powerful S variant.

What Makes It Special

The Macan EV, first introduced for the 2024 model year, remains one of the model highlights. It is built on an entirely new platform and pairs Porsche's characteristic agility with the immediate power of electric motors.

The Macan EV is positioned as a separate lineup from the traditional ICE siblings. The base model Macan EV is rear-wheel-drive only, while other trims have two motors driving both axles. The headliner is the top-trim Macan Turbo EV with over 600 hp on tap. Besides the Macan EVs, the ICE options like the Macan S and T still form part of the current lineup. However, Porsche has stated that the production of the ICE Macan will end in mid-2025, leaving only the EV option in the lineup.

Standard features include an updated infotainment system and LED headlights. However, as with most Porsche models, you'll need to splurge on optional packages like the Sport Chrono pack to get the best out of any Macan you purchase.

What Makes It Special

The highlight for the 2017 model year had to be the addition of a new GTS trim to the Macan lineup. The Macan GTS slotted between the S and the Turbo trim, providing a compelling alternative to those who wanted something more than the Macan S but were put off by the pricey Macan Turbo.

The Macan GTS had the same twin-turbo V6 found in the S, but in this case, a few mechanical tweaks meant it had a higher torque output for more spirited driving.

It also came standard with air suspension, adaptive dampers, larger brakes and GTS-specific aesthetic elements.

Porsche's updated touchscreen infotainment was added to all Macan variants as a standard feature, alongside HID headlights, Alcantara seat centres, a piano black interior package and a lane departure warning system. At the same time, the extensive options list grew even larger with add-ons like LED headlights, microsuede-trimmed steering wheel and new exterior colours.

What Makes It Special

By now, the Porsche Macan had been around for about a decade, and an all-electric replacement was in the works. That did not stop Porsche from consolidating the existing lineup with a new Macan T variant (where the T stands for 'Touring'). 

It was positioned between the base Macan and the Macan S. It boasted the same turbocharged inline-four engine as the base model, but the package was spiced up with the addition of certain performance goodies as standard. They included launch control and Porsche's Active Suspension Management System.

The 2023 Macan T, in particular, offered a compelling proposition for buyers seeking a more engaging driving experience without the significant price jump associated with the S or GTS models.

In addition to the Macan T addition, Porsche added a few more features, such as adaptive cruise control and a 10-speaker system, as standard across all the Macan variants. The 2023 model is also highly rated on popular review sites like Kelley Blue Book.

What Makes It Special

The 2015 Macan represents excellent value, offering Porsche's renowned driving dynamics at a more accessible price point compared to the newer models. This compact SUV, while sharing underpinnings with the Audi Q5, was undeniably a Porsche through and through.

The Macan sported a unique design with a distinctive clamshell hood and a lower, sportier stance. Porsche engineers meticulously refined the Q5 platform, enhancing driving dynamics through unique suspension tuning, quicker steering, and a more rear-biased all-wheel-drive system.

The result was a vehicle that felt more agile, more responsive, and ultimately, more engaging to drive than its platform-mate or any rival in its class, for that matter.

Given the age of the 2015 Macan, potential purchasers are advised to proceed with caution. Although an excellent vehicle, a comprehensive inspection by a qualified mechanic is crucial to assess its current condition and identify potential issues.

What Makes It Special

The Porsche Macan Turbo is the variant that established the Macan’s reputation as the driver’s SUV. When it launched, it redefined expectations for the compact luxury SUV segment, delivering sports-sedan handling and acceleration in a practical, all-weather package. Its twin-turbo V6 offered effortless mid-range punch, while Porsche’s chassis tuning made it feel smaller and lighter than any rival.

What set the early Macan Turbo apart was steering feel. Hydraulic steering (on early examples) delivered road feedback that even many modern sports cars lack, making this Macan unusually engaging on winding roads. Combined with standard all-wheel drive and optional air suspension, it was a vehicle that inspired confidence and rewarded enthusiastic driving.

From today’s perspective, the pre-facelift Macan Turbo is especially appealing to purists. It represents the most analog-feeling Macan, with fewer digital layers between driver and road. Well-kept examples remain highly sought after, particularly among enthusiasts who value steering feel and mechanical character over sheer tech upgrades.

What Makes It Special

The Porsche Macan 4S Electric marks a major shift for the Macan lineup, replacing the internal combustion versions with a fully electric architecture designed from the ground up for performance. It’s not just an EV — it’s Porsche’s most dynamic take on an electric SUV in its class, balancing acceleration, handling, and everyday usability with the brand’s sporting heritage.

Instant torque from electric motors gives the Macan 4S Electric blistering acceleration from a standstill, while Porsche’s engineers have tuned chassis dynamics to deliver confidence and precision through corners that outshine many competitors — even traditional gasoline-powered SUVs. Unlike earlier electrified SUVs that felt heavy and uninspired, this Macan feels like a true Porsche on the road.

Inside, the 4S Electric brings the latest technology, connectivity, and driver-assistance features. The interior quality and ergonomics reflect Porsche’s commitment to premium build and intuitive controls, making it not just a performance SUV but a comfortable daily driver for a wide range of buyers.

As early adopter sentiment grows for performance EVs, the Macan 4S Electric carries strong enthusiast interest and potential appreciation — especially as one of the first electric SUVs to truly wear the Porsche badge with confidence.

What Makes It Special

The Porsche Macan GTS is often regarded as the most characterful Macan of the first generation. Positioned between the S and Turbo, the GTS received a more aggressive suspension setup, standard Sport Exhaust, and distinctive styling touches that made it feel special straight from the factory.

Unlike the Turbo, which prioritized outright speed, the GTS focused on driving involvement. Steering calibration, throttle response, and exhaust tuning were all sharpened, creating a more immersive experience at everyday speeds. For many owners, this made the GTS more enjoyable on real roads than the higher-output Turbo.

As production numbers were lower than the S models, the 2017–2018 GTS has become increasingly desirable. It’s widely seen as the sweet spot of the first-generation Macan lineup — offering performance, personality, and relative simplicity in one cohesive package.

What Makes It Special

The Porsche Macan T occupies a unique position in the Macan lineup. Rather than chasing outright power figures, the Macan T hones the core attributes that make the Macan engaging — steering feel, chassis tuning, and a balanced driving experience — while shaving unnecessary weight and complexity.

With targeted suspension upgrades, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+), and Sport Chrono as standard, the Macan T feels sharper and more communicative than the base Macan S, yet more focused than the higher-powered non-GTS models. It’s the Macan variant that best captures the “driver’s SUV” ethos without leaning on a big-power engine, making every twisty road feel more involving.

For buyers who want a Macan that feels special rather than just being fast, the Macan T offers compelling value. It blends enthusiast-leaning dynamics with everyday usability and remains one of the most rewarding variants to drive on a variety of roads.

What Makes It Special

The Porsche Macan GTS represents the high point of the internal combustion Macan era. Porsche consolidated its range and focused the GTS variant as the performance-tuned centerpiece — inheriting a powerful twin-turbo V6 while refining steering, suspension calibration, and interior quality.

Performance, refinement, and day-to-day usability come together in this package. The engine is powerful and responsive, the chassis is confident and poised, and the cabin offers a level of modern comfort and technology that earlier models lacked. It’s a complete package that appeals to both enthusiast drivers and practical buyers.

As one of the final high-performance ICE Macans before electrification, the 2020–2021 GTS carries both current appeal and future collector interest — making it an excellent all-around choice for buyers focused on both enjoyment and long-term value.

What Makes It Special

The Macan S is the yardstick for the compact performance SUV segment. In its most recent "95B.3" iteration, it effectively inherited the engine from the previous year’s GTS, meaning you get a detuned version of Porsche’s brilliant 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6. It strikes a perfect balance between the entry-level four-cylinder (which can feel slightly underpowered for a Porsche) and the aggressive, track-focused GTS. It is the Macan for the driver who wants a premium experience that handles better than any BMW or Audi in its class without the "stiff" ride of the performance flagships.

This generation of the Macan S comes standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and a revised interior featuring the haptic-touch console. It is a highly "usable" car, offering enough low-end torque to make city driving effortless while maintaining the top-end poise required for high-speed highway cruising. While it is common, its popularity is a testament to its competence; it does everything well and is arguably the best "all-rounder" Porsche has ever made for a suburban lifestyle.

As a buy, the Macan S is less of a "collector" car and more of a "high-retention" asset. Because it represents the most popular engine configuration for enthusiasts who can’t justify the GTS price tag, its resale value remains remarkably resilient. It is the logical choice for a buyer who wants a modern, reliable Porsche experience that still feels special every time the V6 fires up.

What Makes It Special

When the Macan eventually goes fully electric, the 95B.3 GTS will be remembered as the car that perfected the concept of the "Hot Hatch SUV." Porsche eliminated the "Turbo" trim for the internal combustion Macan in 2022, effectively rolling all the Turbo’s power into the GTS. This model sits 10mm lower than any other Macan on a specially tuned air suspension and features the Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB) as standard. It is a car that refuses to act like an SUV, diving into corners with a level of neutrality and grip that shouldn't be possible for a 4,300-pound vehicle.

For the enthusiast, the "no excuses" reason to buy this car is the chassis. The GTS is the only Macan that feels "angry." It barks on downshifts, the steering is telepathic, and it uses a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system that allows the car to rotate under power. It is the final development of a platform that Porsche spent a decade refining. Because it is the "last of its kind" before the lineup shifts heavily toward EVs, the final-production-run GTS models are expected to be the most sought-after Macans on the used market for decades to come.

Investment-wise, this is a "blue chip" SUV. Porsche GTS models historically hold their value better than any other trim across the entire brand. It represents the peak of the gasoline-powered Macan's performance, luxury, and aesthetics—often finished with the high-gloss black "GTS" accents and the coveted GTS Sport Package (which adds Python Green accents and even more aggressive tuning).

What Makes It Special

Before Porsche downsized its engines to the 2.9L V6, the top-tier Macan was powered by a massive 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6. While the standard Turbo was impressive, the rare "Turbo with Performance Package" (available only for two years) was a factory-tuned monster. It wasn't just a software flash; Porsche gave the car a 40hp boost, lowered the ride height by 15mm, and fitted it with 390mm grooved brake discs—brakes larger than those found on many dedicated supercars of the era.

This variant is the "unicorn" of the Macan world. Because it was so expensive when new—often crossing the $100k mark in 2017—very few were ordered. For the enthusiast, the 3.6L engine offers a different character than the newer 2.9L; it feels more muscular, with a deeper, more resonant exhaust note and a sledgehammer-like delivery of torque. It represents the "Old Guard" of Porsche SUV engineering, where the solution to performance was more displacement and bigger hardware.

From an investment standpoint, this is the "sleeper" pick. Most people cannot distinguish a Performance Package car from a standard Turbo at a glance, but collectors know the difference. It is the only Macan to feature that specific 440 hp output from the factory during the first generation. As the Macan market matures, these "factory-spec" special editions are the ones that will be plucked from the listings by savvy Porsche collectors looking for the absolute rarest iteration of the first-gen chassis.