Porsche unveils today its first compact SUV, the Macan.

Porsche chose the Los Angeles auto show for the world premier of the Macan. The goal of the german carmaker is to position the Macan as the sportiest compact SUV on the nmarket. Based on the VW Group MLB platform, Porsche focused on specific chassis settings and powertrains.

Three models will be available at launch in April 2014. The Macan S receives a twin turbo 3.0L (2997 cm3) V6 putting out 340 hp from 5500 to 6500 rpm with a peak torque of 460 Nm from 1450 t/min to 5000 t/min (top speed 254 km/h, 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, 9.0 to 8.7 L/100 km) and a DIN kerb weight of 1865 kg. The Macan Turbo receives a 3.6L twinturbo V6 V6 with an output of 400 hp at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 550 Nm from 1350 to 4500 rpm (top speed 266 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, 9.2 to 8.9 L/100 km) and a DIN kerb weight of 1925 kg. The Macan Diesel S is equiped with a 3.0L Turbodiesel putting out 258 hp (230 km/h, 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, 6.3 to 6.1 L/100 km). All models come with all-wheel-drive transmission and the 7 gear PDK twin clutch gearbox.

The steering wheel is borrowed from the Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid supercar. The seating position is designed to be low for the segment. Three chassis options will be available, including an optional pneumatic suspension, thereby increasing ground clearance to 230mm. The Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus system applying torque steer and coupled to an electronic differential is also on the option list. Macan S dimensions are 1.624 mm in height for 1.923 mm in width, a 2.807 mm wheelbase and 4.681 mm in length (4699mm for the Macan Turbo). The luggage compartment is rated at 500L, and up to 1500 L by folding the rear seats. Porsche invested 500 million euros in its Leipzig, Germany plant for a dedicated assembly line designed for a capacity of 50’000 Macan per year. Pricing in Germany is EUR 57.930 for the Macan S and Macan S Diesel, and EUR 79.826 for the Macan Turbo, TVA included. Prices for Switzerland are CHF 76’100 the Macan S and Macan S Diesel, while the Macan Turbo will cost you CHF 105’000.

Standing in front of the Macan, the choices made by Porsche regarding its size and proportions stand out. The hood stands much lower than customary in this class, about 4in/10cm lower than an Audi Q5 or Porsche Cayenne. The roof line is low as well. Combined with a width similar to the Cayenne, this gives the Macan a novel stance. The trunk window is very slanted, giving a dynamic look to the midsize SUV. As with the latest generation 911, designers took a more conservative approach to the design of the front facia, and made bolder choices at the rear. The license tag is located very low and the electric trunk opening command is integrated with the windshield wiper base.

Inside the Macan, the floor and seat height are also lower than most cars in the segment. Headroom is sufficient at the front, but problematic for adults at the rear. I measure 179cm (5ft10″) and my head touches the outline of the panoramic roof, which the four cars on display in Los Angeles are equiped with. The steering wheel is new, borrowed from the 918, minus a few buttons. The gear change paddles are smaller than on other Porsches, their travel has been reduced and the click actuation force is firmer.

Many buttons decor the door handles, center console and roof hub. All models exposed feature the extended leather option, and the interior fit and finish quality is impressive. The clock combined with the optional Sport Chrono pack can apparently be replaced by a compass.

It is very likely that the Macan will become the biggest selling Porsche model on the market and help propel overall Porsche sales beyond the 200’000 mark. The commercial launch is scheduled for April 5 2014 in Europe and May 17 2014 in the US.