2023 Porsche Macan T

What do you think of when Porsche pops into conversation? Posh, premium, powerful? Maybe some other adjectives. What about the letter “T?” Well, that letter is exactly why Porsche brought us out to Los Angeles: to check out the upcoming 2023 Macan T SUV.

The Macan has been in the United States since the 2015 model year, but the 2023 Macan T is all new. In fact, this is the first time the “T” designation will make its way outside of the 911 and 718 line. The T, by the way, stands for “Touring”-- not Turbo. The Macan Turbo is no longer in the lineup.

That being said, there is a turbo present in the Macan T’s 2-liter 4-cylinder engine, boosted to 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This power plant is paired to a 7-speed PDK transmission, so shifts are quick and slick through the standard all-wheel drive system. Combined with Porsche’s Traction Management system and a standard Sport Chrono Package, the Macan T will complete 60 mile per hour runs in 5.8 seconds; ultimately topping out at 144 miles per hour.

Of course, the Macan is still built with luxury in mind. It’s smooth and predictable at a leisurely pace. That’s part of the Macan’s DNA, but the Macan T adds a little something else into the genetic code: performance. Turn the dial into sport or sport plus and feel it transform. Senses heightened, the computer works in tandem with the engine and PDK to let the revs ride, making each throttle input feel that much more impactful. But it’s not just raw power; the active suspension keeps things tight while special-built anti-roll bars help minimize body roll. Add the optional torque vectoring, and you’ve got one lean machine.

"The Macan T is a perfect example how-- to make a car more engaging, or more fun, you don’t necessarily need to give it more horsepower. It utilizes the base Macan’s powerplant, but not once did I think that was a hindrance. In fact, I just finished up a mountain carving session in the Socal twisties and the entire time it was agile, it was dextrous, and it was fun."

A five seater, entry-level Porsche SUV with a little bit of an edge. The effects of that sharpening are minimized inside by plush materials across all touchpoints and beyond. The black leather seats are contrasted by silver stitching and striped Sport-Tex inserts. Our demo model had optional alcantara across the wheel, shifter and headliner, as well as some carbon fiber tying together that stealthy aesthetic. Infotainment and driver-controls are about what you’d expect: a little bit of a learning curve, but intuitive once you grew accustomed to it.

Outside, the Macan T signifies itself with special 20-inch wheels, sport tailpipes, and various trim pieces. They’re painted in Agate Gray, along with the rear spoiler and front trim. Speaking of, the front end features new 3D structure with integrated air intakes.

The 2023 Porsche Macan T is an exciting new addition to the automaker’s lineup. A little more sport to the Macan without going full-bore with the GTS. Starting price is yet to be confirmed for the T and the particular configuration we drove, but expect it to price out somewhere between the base Macan and the S, or GTS-- closer to the low 60-k’s.