First deliveries of the all-new Macan, Porsche’s fifth model line, will start on April 12. The introduction marks Porsche’s pioneering move into a new segment, following in the footsteps of the brand‘s most successful model in the luxury SUV range, the Cayenne.

Christer Ekberg, managing director of Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, and Salman Jassem al-Darwish, chairman and CEO of Porsche Centre Doha led the launch event.

Ekberg expressed confidence that Macan will be another success for Porsche, with the long-term commitment and intensive efforts of Porsche Centre Doha.

The new Macan boasts the typical sporty handling characteristics that have become synonymous with the Porsche brand. Many of the design and performance elements have been inspired by the brand’s sports cars, including the 911 and the 918 Spyder.

Exceptional acceleration, vast engine power, extreme agility and optimum steering precision are among the salient features of the Macan. The sporty DNA of the Macan, as with all Porsche vehicles, is immediately recognisable in the design.

The wrap-around bonnet and gently sloping roof line accentuate the overall impression of sporty elegance and powerful dynamics. Three derivatives are available at Porsche Centre Doha for order: Macan S, Macan S Diesel and Macan Turbo.

The Macan S is equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine, delivering 340hp and also features an active all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch. This all-wheel drive is fitted on all Macan models.

From the outset the Macan boasts the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), which transfers power as required and almost free of interruption in tractive force. This enables the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono package, and reaches a top speed of 254 km/h.

The Macan S Diesel, with a 3.0-litre V6 turbo, 245hp diesel engine achieves New European Driving Cycle fuel consumption figures of between just 6.3 and 6.1 litres/100 km, but accelerates from 0 to 100km in just 6.1 seconds, when fitted with the Sport Chrono package. It achieves a top speed of 230km/h.

As the top derivative, the Macan Turbo is set to be the most powerful petrol-powered vehicle in the compact SUV segment. The 3.6-litre V6 biturbo engine, which is being used in a Porsche model for the first time, achieves 400 hp and catapults the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds (with Sport Chrono package), reaching a top speed of 266km/h.

Al-Darwish said: “We have had a great deal of interest in the new Macan. Last year the Cayenne, our luxury SUV, proved our most popular model range and we are excited to expand our SUV offering, reaching a new group of customers. The sporty dynamics of the Macan inject an added dose of fun which I believe is set to redefine the SUV market.”

The name Macan comes from the Indonesian word for tiger, a spirit the car truly embodies. Boasting pure Porsche power and assertiveness, the Macan is also a nimble yet tenacious off-roader. The latest stage of evolution of the all-wheel drive - known as Porsche Traction Management - has produced one of the world’s most powerful drive systems.

The range of equipment fitted on the Macan as standard is extensive and includes the all-wheel drive, PDK, multi-function sport steering wheel with shift paddles, high-performance audio system and an electrically operated tailgate. The Macan features the air suspension system as the only vehicle in its segment and it comes as standard.

The basic retail prices of the new Macan in Qatar are: Macan S - QR251,900; Macan S Diesel - QR247,800 and Macan Turbo QR347,300.