Porsche Macan wins Best Luxury SUV Under $150K

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Luxury SUVs continue to prosper in Australia, their blend of family practicality and comfort, and unashamed badge cachet alluring to plenty of buyers.

But more than just a badge on the grille, today's luxury SUV needs to offer plush interiors with plenty of quality materials, the newest in-car technology money can buy, and a driving experience from behind the wheel that is the embodiment of luxury – powerful, effortless and comfortable.

This year's judging started out with 10 contenders, one of the most hotly-contested segments in DCOTY history. Whittling the field down to three finalists was no easy task.

But whittle it down the judges did and the three finalists – Cadillac Lyriq, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Porsche Macan – stood tall in a category of giants.

It's telling, and a sign of the times, that of the three finalists, two – the Macan and Cadillac – are full battery-electric, leaving the Mercedes-GLC as the lone petrol-powered contender.

And after much debate and to-and-fro between the judges, one vehicle was deemed to best exemplify the essence of a luxury SUV, the Porsche Macan.

MORE: See the finalists for Best Luxury SUV $150,000
MORE: See all the winners – visit the Drive Car of the Year 2025 hub

Winner: Porsche Macan

Drive’s pick: Porsche Macan 4 $134,400 MSRP

Porsche's statement-making Macan moves the game on, not just for the brand, but for the Macan itself. It's a gutsy move for what is the German brand's best-seller around the world and the jury remains out to see if this all-new electric Macan can continue where its petrol- and diesel-powered forebears left off.

But what's not up for debate is the inherent quality of this new Macan which takes the well-trodden template of the outgoing model and imbues it with a modernity and a freshness that moves the game forward.

Not only did the judges laud how the Macan stacked up as an electric vehicle, but they also praised its refined and sporty driving characteristics which live up to the Porsche badge.

Three variants come in under our $150,000 category threshold, with the entry-level rear-wheel-drive Macan the most affordable at $128,400. It wasn't available at judgement time but has since been confirmed to join the range in 2025 and represents the most affordable entrée into an electric Porsche.

For DCOTY judges however, the Macan 4 represents the best option, its blend of equipment and performance hitting the right luxury notes.

With two electric motors combining for total outputs of 300kW and 650Nm (with overboost and launch control), the Macan 4 can complete the sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.2 seconds, which is more than enough acceleration performance for most daily driving duties.

And so too its 624km claimed driving range from the Macan 4's 100kWh battery, a battery that can handle a 270kW maximum charging rate for a 10-80 recharge time of just 21 minutes. It's those numbers that ensure the Macan 4 is a practical and easy-to-live-with electric SUV.

Ride comfort hasn't been compromised either, the Macan 4 sitting on adaptive dampers do a tremendous job of not only ironing out road nasties, ensuring the in-cabin experience remains quiet and serene.

And it's inside where the Macan 4 plays its luxury trump card, with a thoughtfully designed cabin that oozes class, refinement and yes, luxury.

With quality materials throughout and a wealth of premium appointments – such as leather seat upholstery and a leather steering wheel, ambient lighting, a 10-speaker audio system, a slick 10.9-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation, and a configurable 12.6-inch curved digital instrument display – the interior of the Macan feels special inside.

For buyers who prioritise practicality, the cargo hold of the Macan 4 measures in at a generous 540L with the second row in use, expanding to 1348L with the seats folded away. An additional 84L of load space is available under the bonnet.

The Macan 4 doesn’t scrimp on safety technologies either with the full complement of Porsche's advanced driver assist and safety technologies on board.

MORE: Porsche Macan price and specifications

There are some down sides, as there are with every new car. The second row isn't as spacious as we'd like it to be and a three-year warranty is well under par in today's new car landscape.

But they don't detract greatly from what the Porsche Macan is and that's not only an accomplished electric car but also one that looks and feels premium from just about any angle and with an engaging driving experience that remains true to the Porsche brand's DNA. And that's why it's the Drive Car of the Year 2025 – Best Luxury SUV Under $150K.

FIND YOUR NEXT CAR: Search Porsche Macans for sale

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