PERFORMANCE SUV models have long needed to come back to Earth. Very often when an engineer talks about the dynamics of a high-riding soft-roader, the term ‘car like’ is nominated as a development aim – an implicit admission that raising ride height instantly lowers handling ability.

So quite literally, the Porsche Macan Turbo Performance Package has returned back to Terra Firma, with adaptive suspension that drops ride height by 15mm. The option pack also features higher outputs, a switchable sports exhaust, launch control and beefier brakes, all for a pretty penny.

What reduced ground clearance – in addition to low-profile tyres – also does is virtually eliminate any ability go off the beaten track, but the people have spoken without care. Off-road terrain might halt performance SUVs in their wide tracks, but they remain an unstoppable force in the market.

With SUV heft remaining sans off-road pretence, and the promise of sports car handling, are Macan Turbo Performance Package buyers grounded in reality or are they up with the stars?