The initial shock of Porsche's Cayenne SUV has turned to begrudging acceptance over the years, but its presence should make the new 2015 Macan crossover much easier to stomach.

That's just as well--with a starting price of just over $50,000 for the mid-range Macan S trim, Macans will soon be everywhere--and we've taken a closer look at the important new model at the Los Angeles Auto Show. As you'll see in the video above, the Macan is much easier on the eye than its Cayenne brother, and the specification list shouldn't be too disappointing for Porsche purists either, even if there's no V-8 engine option this time.

Instead, the top-level Macan Turbo utilizes a twin-turbo, 3.6-liter V-6 gasoline unit good for 400 horsepower. A 4.6-second 0-60 mph time--4.4 seconds with the Sport Chrono package--is more than most owners will need. Even the 340-horse V-6 in the Macan S is brisk, with a 5.2-second sprint and 156-mph top speed. Overseas markets will also be offered a diesel variant, though that won't be reaching the U.S.--it's probably a step too far for North American Porsche nuts. A four-cylinder model is still in the cards, however.

Despite humble Audi Q5 underpinnings, Porsche has worked hard to make the Macan handle, with Porsche Traction Management on the all-wheel-drive system and Porsche Active Suspension Management to keep things level in the turns. A standard Sport mode button adds further focus, while optional air suspension facilitates adjustment to the ride height for light off-roading.

Sales of the 2015 Porsche Macan crossover begin next year.

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