When Porsche started developing the Macan, it wanted it to be the fastest compact SUV on the market. The flagship model of the range is the Macan Turbo, which debuts Porsche’s all-new 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 394hp (400PS) and 549 Nm (405 lb-ft) of torque from just 1,350 rpm.

Offered as standard with a 7-speed PDK double-clutch gearbox, the Macan Turbo delivers sports car performance figures, hitting 100 km/h (62 mph) from standstill in 4.6 seconds with the Sport Chrono package and a top speed of 266 km/h (165 mph). But does it feel like a sports car, as Porsche says?

Well, Autocar’s Steve Sutcliffe says it doesn’t, and that’s mainly because it has a higher driving position than a sports car. However, the driver sits lower than in most SUVs. Although the Macan Turbo weighs 1,925 kg (4,244 lbs), the reviewer says the car feels composed, with little body roll and no sense of uncontrolled inertia that can be experienced in similar SUVs.

Scroll down to find out what the Macan is like to drive on a track from the video review.

By Dan Mihalascu

VIDEO