Is the Porsche Macan S a sports car?
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- čas přidán 25. 08. 2024
- The Porsche Macan S is a twin-turbo V6 2.9-litre SUV for those who want a sports car but NEED a family car. It's also the vehicle most likely to be a first-time Porsche owner's entry into the marque. Before I drove it, I wanted to answer this question: Is it good enough to replace my Porsche Boxster and my family SUV? In other words, is it 'Porsche enough' to be practical, comfortable, AND sporty...?
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Regarding your comment that the “aircon turns off every time you get into the car”.
You can program each key with the some settings such as the AC. I usually set mine differently depending on the season, then press set memory -> the key logo button (just as you would save the seat memory).
Based on my experience with the 95B.1 Macan GTS, the key then memorizes the driving seat position when the ignition is on, the AC parameters, instrument cluster layout, lighting settings and so on.
The second key can be set differently.
Very helpful, thank you.
We just ordered a Macan T as an daily driver addition to our Boxster 981 S and Cayman 987 :-)
Lovely!
Great vid, and lovely pics at the end 👍. Most definitely two cars in one for me, especially if new to the brand and you don’t need something the size of a Cayenne. Probably why it’s been Porsche’s best seller for such a long time now. However, if your driving soul has already connected with a Boxster, as good of a sporty SUV that the Macan S is, it will never truly take the Boxter’s place - understandably so. Ultimately, I think that’s what makes Porsche so good - once you connect with one of their products, it can truly capture you, IMO anyway.
Your comment is as concise as it is true. I completely agree with you.
@@peterfritzphoto Thanks Peter. I’ll let you know that I’m currently awaiting delivery of my new Macan S. I needed something compact, practical and I also enjoy (and actually need) a sporty drive, so it ticked all the boxes perfectly for me. Probably the reason why the algorithm found your vid, as I’ve spent a quite a bit of time checking out this market. Very good review/insight by you - keep up the good work, sir.
@@scowil456 Much appreciated - thank you. I have to say, I look at the Macan S and GTS with new eyes, now. It really is a stellar machine.
I have a 2024 Macan S and it has phone wireless charging. Although I wasn’t happy about not having Android Auto, I found wireless Apple CarPlay connection is more stable and good enough for my liking. For me, the Macan S has just fulfilled my criteria, sporty, compact, luxurious SUV.
Great video. If you’re looking for an even more sporty drive you seriously need to consider the latest generation Macan GTS. It’s still got the comfort and luxury but with 434bhp. In sports plus mode it’s amazing and definitely worthy of being thought of as a sports car.
Thanks, Paul. I’m desperate to drive one of those!
@@peterfritzphoto The difference between the Gen 3 S (I've owned one for nearly 3 years) and the GTS (I have one on order) is negligible. The S is smoother, quieter and a more relaxed drive,. The reason I'm going to a GTS is because I missed a couple of options off my S that are annoying me + its coming to the end of the lease and I want to get a GTS before they stop production. I honestly think the S and the GTS are pretty much as quick as each other, but one is a GT and one is a sports SUV. BTW, the suspension, exhaust, drive modes etc can all be set from the mode selector switch on the dashboard, so need to use the buttons on the centre console
@@omnicognatesnr5947 Thank you for the insights. Enjoy the GTS. 👍
Agree 100% about the touchscreens
Great photographer and amazing knowledge for cars as well 🙌👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Perfect video. I’ve been wondering this exact same thing. My 718 Boxster is so much fun. But I really dislike having two cars. I end up barely driving the Porsche.
But if I were to part with the Boxster why wouldn’t I get an M3 instead? Better backseat and about the same practicality as a Macan but also a better sports car.
Valid points, Tobi. The M3 is certainly a stellar machine.
Take the rear head rests out for much improved visibility. The 20” wheels give a better ride.
The S or the GTS is closer to a race car than a sports car because it beats more sports cars on all metrics.
Love our Macan S, one car fits both functions
Macan S is the best model
the lower modes are lame irl and lack hp and the gts is over priced
after market parts for the Macan S is amazing i have more hp than the gts atm
also the Macan S has bigger liter vs gts
air suspension and the better rear ptv system is a must for that car
u will kick ur self if u miss those options
The car he tested here had no SC, no Air PASM, no sport exhaust, and very likely no PTV. Also no 18 way seats (which are a personal preference but add to the sportiness).
In the recent models yes (past 2022) as the engine is the same as the GTS pretty much. There was a benefit getting the GTS in older models, but nowadays you're just paying for the tag... Not to mention that the GTS/S disappeared with the new EV Macan.
What's the after market stuff you have installed?
thanks
Thanks for this great commentary. I also have a Macan S and although it's incredibly capable, I've never considered it a sports car. To be honest, the driving dynamics of a BMW 3 or even a 5 series sedan is much more enjoyable. That said, I'm very lucky I also have a MX-5 Miata ND2 always ready to go--when I want to really enjoy my drive.
Ah, that sounds like the perfect the combo! I still miss my ND.
Interesting comparison, I actually have a late gen 2 987 boxster S and an Audi sq5 which is ‘similarly’ aimed market wise. The fact that the sq5 is trying to be sporty sometimes is its undoing making it leapfrog out of junctions when the turbo comes on. It is very quick but really not a one or the other for me. The Macan s is potentially my replacement for the sq5 but the slightly older model has buttons not touch screen for the console which I would go for. The boxster s is the keeper.
I think my Boxster is a keeper, too. I'll only replace it with another Boxster - perhaps a 25th Anniversary or GTS 4.0. Damn those bloody touchscreens...
having both is the go
I think you might be right.
Yup 981 pair with macan is the humble beginnings to the brand! Need to climb up to Porsche ladder to get special edition like Boxster 25 years for instance 😅
@@lebronkiddz The 981/781 flat sixes are two of the best models they’ve ever made. If I could justify buying a 25th Anniversary tomorrow, I would. 👍
Great content, thanks for your videos. Have you driven a Volvo XC60 Polestar, if so how does it compare ?
@@sergioalvarez6124 Thanks, Sergio. No, I’m afraid I haven’t.
Great comparison, Peter.
Tough dilemma - picking between two diametrically opposed vehicles: a sports car and a sporty SUV. I’m in the why not have both camp. My 987 does exactly what I want it to when I need it to. But instead of a Macan, I opted for a lightly used 2019 Audi Q5. It eliminates some of the foibles of the Macan, but because it’s an Audi I really don’t have to worry too much about it. And it does have hill descent control, along with much more usable storage and rear seats that recline. It’s plenty sporty, and rides well on 20 inch wheels.
When you add up my investment in the 987 and the Q5, I have less in two cars than I would in a new Macan, especially if it were an S. Definitely happy with that conclusion.
Makes a lot of sense - on all fronts.
Nice review Pete!! And hi from Sydney 😁
Here in Sydney my local dealer has a nicely-spec'd Macan S (Crayon colour) coming in in July. Gonna try negotiate with them a bit in terms of pricing.. Tesla Model Y Performance is also a top contender...
Still trying to make up my mind lol
Thank you, mate. Buy the Porsche - it's gorgeous, and will put a smile on your face every time you boot it and hear that glorious engine.
Overall size, height, weight and the lack of a manual gearbox breaks the Macan sports car bubble for me.
You could buy a Stevie Quadrifoglio second hand / near new at half the price of the Macan and twice as good to drive. See for yourself. And keep the Boxster.
True. But then I’d have to look at it… Ripper car, though.
After receiving bad customer service from Porche Doncaster, I reached out to Porsche Australia for Porsche Classic..and to my surprise they sent me a complete set of Originale….and Porsche classic for now includes 986 so Macan would be on the list when we land in Mars :-)
Sorry, you lost me at Originale... What are you saying?
Sorry was replying to your message whilst at the gym ..my bad :-)
It’s the Porsche classic Originale…it’s the only finest
Brand that stand behind their workmanship
The lack of recline angle in the rear seats makes them really uncomfortable - even moreso then the poor knee room. Given how long the car is, the interior room is pitiful.
I guess it’s a byproduct of exterior form over interior function.
A Macan T..... did in fact replace my Boxster and Jeep Grand Cherokee.....lol
Its truely a great car. I have a new 911 S but i miss the Macan S for its practicality. No kids but you can have mates in the back and my partner preferred the Macan S to a 911 S she thinks 3:57 the 911 S was too showy flash etc. If you don't like the Macan audio and tech you wont like the new 911 S
Interesting comment on the touch screens I’m sure they are cheaper to manufacture but can be frustrating. I’m currently driving the all electric Lexus while my other ride is getting serviced and apart from the disconcerting quietness I find the huge display in the centre of the console which in its current configuration is mostly white very distracting in the lower corner of my left eye. Interestingly the Macan S is NZ$ 140,000 and the Lexus fully electric is NZ$152,000 which seems hard to justify given the complexity and pedigree of the Porsche and despite the undeniable difference in the cost per km I know which vehicle would be the more practical for me ! I agree reaching across for a volume nob is nowhere near as distracting as an in screen slider. I’d really like to see some real world simulations of the actual difference in driver distraction between the old and new vehicle designs. That Macan S looks like a nice ride for sure 😀 oh and great pictures 👍.
It must be a cost issue - and that they're easier to 'upgrade' and reconfigure with subsequent models. I'm a big fan of Lexus - one of the best cars I ever owned was my LS400. I'm very tempted to get a Lexus GX or LX when I've finished my 30,000 km per year duty taking my son to and from school (three more years...).
Totally agree! Missus macan has no way to place the iphone! But it’s lazy boy on 4 wheels, so comfortable
Hi Peter, love your channel. I'm considering the Macan S after considering ALL models. Are you able to tell me the average service fee? Would that be every 10,000km?
Thank you, but I can’t. You’ll need to check with a Porsche dealer in your country.
i went to Porsche Museum in Stuttgart 2 weeks ago, there no Cayenne and Macan on display, so i guess even Porsche think these SUVs are not Porsche enough, i would keep the Pajero sport so it can go remote areas for photo shoot, or get a new prado/lexus GX
Interesting. Surprised they don't showcase the Cayenne, since it helped them remain financially viable and become genuinely profitable for the first time in many years. The Mitsubishi is great - smooth, quiet, economical, and extremely cheap to maintain. I bought it to drive 30,000 km a year taking my son to and from school. Once he finishes school, I'll probably get a Lexus GX or LX. Once of the best-made cars I ever owned was the LS400.
interesting enough from my private tour in the museum, porsche employee thinks that it was the introduction of boxster and cayman and adpoting toyota quality management system that turned them around financially @@peterfritzphoto
Macan + GT3
Very interesting! But what I did not understand: Why can`t the Macan replace your Boxster and the SUV? Did I miss something?
Excellent question. It’s mainly psychological. For me, a sports car is about escapism. It needs to be a bit indulgent; something I can’t use every day. The Macan S is definitely very sporty, but for me, I can’t wrap my sports car experience into my daily driver experience. They must live separately.
@@peterfritzphoto Thanks for your answer! I totally agree with you.
Is that the optional sport exhaust? Sounds good
I don’t think so, no. It does sound great, though.
did you have any interior squeaks or rattles? My '22 Cayenne has a 3-4 intermittent rattles (one of which occurred right when I drove it off the lot!) Anyways, hopefully, since the Macan is built in Germany, not Brataslavia, the build quality might just be that much better?! Looking to trade in my Cayenne for either a Macan S or Merc GLE580, hence my question haha!
Thankfully, no. I absolutely HATE squeaks and rattles.
@@peterfritzphoto Thanks!
What are your thoughts on the base Macan over S given the price points?
The base's 195 kW turbo-four is still quite potent, so most people would still be very happy with it. 0-100 kmh in 6.4 seconds is quick enough for most people, and the $25k saving (in Australia) makes a compelling proposition.
@@peterfritzphoto Definitely a considerable sum that could be used towards something else such as a 2nd sports car like a Cayman/Boxster :)
Thanks. Great review. And nice photographs.
Many thanks.
Wow, you're indeed quite the videographer! Nice job weaving in the photography with the car video 👊😃
Thanks, old boy. I need to figure out how to weave car and landscape photography together - which is what I really want to get to. It ain’t easy, but so long as I don’t quit, I’ll figure it out. Unfortunately, time is my greatest obstacle right now.
@@peterfritzphoto True! It takes a lot to make these videos while juggling everything else in our lives. Hang in there, I see your channel taking off. Take care, buddy!
@@ScottymanPhoto Thanks, mate. 👍
Nice to see you again Peter and funnily enough i’ve been pondering a macan as the cayman gts is a tad too hardcore for me now, yes i’m a few years older than you so craving a more comforting ride. BUT i just love the look of the cayman 😊
Hey Jon! Yes, the Cayman is a gorgeous-looking machine! I prefer its looks over the Boxster, but I also love to peel the roof off every now and then, so I'm constantly torn. The Macan S (and by extension, the GTS), is a ripper machine. Looks cool, too.
The aircon resets to off every time? Jeepers that's a fail.
Drove me nuts. I should have asked Porsche about this. It might be tied to seat memory, perhaps. I must look into this.
I can set the a/c and all settings are maintained after shutoff and restart- at least on mine with 18 way seats with memory.
G63 AMG 😊👍🏻
Trouble is, the G63 instantly makes you look like a drug dealer…
Yes same in NYC 😅
Next video please….
These are all nice cars Peter but in reality you are just playing with toys if you are looking at anything under 400kw to take your precious cargo to school, in Brighton anyway.
I suddently feel wholly inadequate...
A Peter just get a Tesla Y rwd your wife will love you and you won't go back to Ice but keep the porsche. I have a referral code waiting for you 😅 , the Hasselblad shots are amazing but i have to much RF glass to switch without losing a lot of €
Andrew in clane
What are the speed limits there 100kmh ....
I have a feeling my wife's next car will be electric. I've driven the Model S, and I like the look of the new Y, but maybe she'll get a Macan EV... I didn't lose much money on the RF lenses I sold, and have a retained a few (24-70 f2.8, 24-105 f4-7.1, Sigma 35mm f1.4, and 50mm f1.8) for my R6 MK11 - and the Hasselblad is just sooo nice to use.
I am sure it is wonderful, but is desirable like a 911, does it make you look at your eldest child and consider if you could get enough for a deposit if did something else that night?
I think I get your drift. For me, the answer is no. It performs very much like a sports car, but for me at least, I don’t fantasise about tearing up the Black Spur with it like I do my Boxster.
I have owned an older macan s , I don’t quite understand what the problem is. Your not driving a glass box so what do you expect, and it’s not a sports car it’s just a very solid small 4 wheel drive with great build quality that can move along when needed like over taking. You guys just go on a little too much.
Sorry, which problem are you referring to? I thoroughly enjoyed the Macan.
You are right , i shot off the comment a little too early as it came of a little negative at the start. I will leave this up for a few days and then remove the comment..Thanks.@@peterfritzphoto
@@ymyone All G. 👍
Stick with the Boxster. SUVs are so blah.
I am.
It is not a sportscars in any way. It's people who want a Porsche just because they view it as a prestige brand.
I reckon that’s true for many buyers. Others, probably already own a Porsche sports car, and simply choose the same brand for their partner, or as their daily driver/family car.
The SUV is not a sports car?!?
@@ChefSayles Shocker, right?
Ok brokie
@@peterfritzphotoit is my other Porsche, back seats, wife’s car, daily driver etc