Porsche recently updated the Macan SUV with a new look, new features, and more power.
As a result, the mid-range Macan S now comes in at a South African starting price of R1,271,000.
This puts it firmly in the crosshairs of Mercedes-AMG’s similarly-priced performance SUV, the GLC43 4Matic.
Below, we compare these SUVs to see how the Porsche stacks up against the Mercedes-AMG.
Features
The Porsche Macan S and Mercedes-AMG GLC43 are two of the most premium compact SUVs on the market, falling just short of the top-of-the-line models.
Although they do not offer every option that is available in the range, both bring a high grade of standard equipment that makes them stand out in their segment.
In the Porsche, passengers are treated to leather upholstery, electrically-adjustable front seats, three-zone climate control, a 10.9-inch infotainment display, a semi-digital instrument cluster, and automatic LED headlights with cornering lights, speed-sensitive range control, and adverse weather assist.
Dynamic details inside the Macan include a high-gloss black styling package, aluminium scuff plates, a turbo boost pressure gauge, the 911 range’s GT Sport steering wheel, a shortened gear lever with Sports mode, and an analogue clock on the dash.
Buyers of the GLC43 get artificial leather/fabric seats, dual-zone climate control, live traffic information, keyless entry and start, a digital instrument cluster, a 10.2-inch central screen, and automatic LED headlights with adaptive highbeam assist.
The AMG genes stand out with a Nappa leather performance steering wheel, illuminated AMG door sills, AMG floor mats, and the dynamic select drive mode adjuster.
Both SUVs also come with rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, ambient lighting, integrated navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
An automatic tailgate does make the Porsche a little easier to live with, but the GLC boasts front seat heating to make up for it.
Safety
Passenger safety is another area where no corners were cut.
The Macan and GLC score 5-star Euro NCAP ratings and are thoroughly kitted with passive and active safety systems.
ABS with brake assist, hill hold assist, parking sensors, and auto start/stop functionalities are present in both.
In addition, the Macan sports lane departure warning and a multi-collision braking system that automatically brings the vehicle to a halt after an accident.
The Mercedes-AMG pulls ahead in the safety department with trailer stabilisation, a parking assistant, the pre-safe impact protection system, and urban guard.
The parking assistant allows the GLC43 to parallel park itself, while pre-safe will prepare the SUV for an imminent collision by closing the windows, tightening the seatbelts, and adjusting the headrests.
Urban Guard then lets owners keep tabs on their vehicle when it is parked by providing warnings for collision damage, tow-away protection, and emergency calls to their smartphone.
Performance
The Porsche Macan S is powered by a 2.9-litre, V6, twin-turbocharged engine that generates 280kW and 520Nm.
This engine is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, the Porsche Traction Management all-wheel-drive system, and the Porsche Active Suspension Management system that was specially tuned for this updated generation.
It results in a 0-100km/h acceleration of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 259km/h.
Fitted to the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4Matic is a 3.0-litre, V6, biturbo motor producing 287kW and 520Nm.
The engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and the AMG ride control adaptive suspension set-up – and sends power to all four wheels.
This assures a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.9 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.
Practicality
If you are in the market for one of these performance SUVs, but practicality is a must in your books, rest assured that both the Macan and GLC43 are safe bets.
In five-seater mode, the Macan fits 488 litres of cargo, whereas the GLC manages 550 litres. With the rear seats down, this grows to 1,503 litres and 1,600 litres, respectively.
Additionally, the Mercedes-AMG supports a maximum braked towing capacity of 2,460kg. Porsche has not said how much their new Macan can tow, but the previous generation was able to pull around 2 tonnes.
The Macan then measures 70mm longer and 37mm wider than the GLC, at 4,726mm and 1,927mm, but offers 14mm less ground clearance – at 187mm.
Price
The Porsche Macan S has a South African price of R1,271,000.
Along with this comes a 3-year/100,000km Driveplan maintenance agreement.
The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4Matic has a South African price of R1,255,640.
Each purchase includes a 5-year/100,000km PremiumDrive maintenance contract.
Porsche Macan S
Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4Matic
Keyword: Porsche Macan S vs Mercedes-AMG GLC43 – Performance SUV comparison