When developing a new model Porsche tends to take its time to make sure the car they send out is going to be a segment-buster. So although they made the decision that they need a compact crossover many years ago, the Macan is still a few years away from actually hitting the showrooms.

It is shaping up pretty nicely though, as seen in these latest series of daylight spyshots. In profile, the Macan looks like a shrunk Cayenne. But there are some nice details that set it apart. After all, we are talking about Porsche design here. If the Cayenne and the Panamera are any indication, we should keep our expectations low.

The Evoque-rivalling Macan features a sports bumper at the front with a contrasting skidplate typical of large off-roaders. That’s probably there to give it some of that fake off-road look the crossovers love so much! The car also sports nicely designed LED daytimers, partially covered in these pictures. The Camouflage is heavier at the back, but you can get a clue on what the taillights look like, and also see the diffuser with its four tailpipe design.

The Macan certainly isn’t as sexy as the Evoque, but you can be sure it is going to be a much better car, in the same way the Cayenne is better than the Range Rover. When the going gets rough though, it’s the Rangie that gets ahead again. So it all comes down to what you expect from your next crossover.

Porsche Macan will be powered by a range of four and six-cylinder engines, including the new bi-turbo V6. There will also be a couple of diesels on the list.

Hat tip to Toldi for the pictures.