Crown

RC:

FlatSix911:

Is there any word on a factory sport exhaust for the Macan Turbo?

This is what I was talking about. 

The Macan sales brochure and my dealer told me that the factory sports exhaust will be available as an option for the Macan S and Macan Turbo with production from November 2014. It's coming.

rulesdontapply

2008 Porsche Boxster S PDE2
2012 Porsche Cayenne S

rulesdontapply:

The Macan sales brochure and my dealer told me that the factory sports exhaust will be available as an option for the Macan S and Macan Turbo with production from November 2014. It's coming.

Good news! Thanks.

Any word on PDCC?

Christian, excellent review Like you a felt that the Macan was a good idea on Porsche's part. My question is why would anyone spend over $100,000 for a crossover SUV? Just to say they own a Porsche?

Based on your review and what others had to say what does this car offer in the performance/value category? Limited interior space, mediocre power, no sensual stimulus and small cargo space. Someone would pay over a $100,000 for this SUV?

A pretty loaded Macan turbo is less than $100k... A similar Cayenne turbo is $140k... Even more insane IMHO...

Saw my first one today on the streets, great presence, better than I thought, a turbo in agate grey. Unfortunately it looked darker than I hoped, my wife is not going to be happy, hopefully she will love the red interior to contract the bland exterior... It didn't look small either.

A fair comparison is to compare the Macan Turbo to the Cayenne S, both have 400HP. Only with the Cayenne you get a V8 and more space (and weight).

2012 Cayenne S White/Espresso 

Ex: 993 Targa, 986S, 986 and 964 C2

SciFrog:

A pretty loaded Macan turbo ...

It didn't look small either.

that is because it isn't small at least on the outside

2013 Lotus Evora S/ 2008 Cayenne GTS Manual

2012 991 C2S -PDK / 2010 997.2 turbo cab manual, sold //2008 RS 60 sold /04 C4S sold - 08 Cayenne Turbo PDCC sold

Maybe a comparison will help and yes, I know...a Mercedes is not a Porsche (and I mean it).

AutoBILD Sportscars compared the GLA 45 AMG with the Macan Turbo. Performance-wise, there is very little difference between both (0-100 kph in 4.5 sec. Macan, 4.7 sec. GLA, 0-200 kph in 18 sec. Macan and 18.3 sec. GLA) but on the track, the GLA is almost as agile as the Macan, which surprised everybody during the comparison. On the track, the GLA was only one second slower and the Macan was equipped with all performance goodies, incl. torque vectoring and PCCB.

Now I don't really like how the GLA 45 AMG looks but the price tag is around 25k EUR lower vs. a BASE Macan. Since Mercedes provides good rebates and the options don't cost that much, I think that the real life price difference between a Macan Turbo and a GLA 45 AMG would be around 30k EUR. Ouch, ouch and again...ouch.

Yes, compared to the Cayenne, the Macan is a bargain but if you look at other products too, things start to look less shiny.

RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 991 Turbo S, Porsche Boxster S (981), Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT (2014), BMW X3 35d (2013)

RC:

Maybe a comparison will help and yes, I know...a Mercedes is not a Porsche (and I mean it).

Say no more.........No Further Comment.

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"Form follows function"

reginos:

RC:

Maybe a comparison will help and yes, I know...a Mercedes is not a Porsche (and I mean it).

Say no more.........No Further Comment.

--

"Form follows function"

Some here commented that they are using the Macan Turbo as a small SUV for daily usage, to complement their more sporty garage content. This is why I think that a GLA 45 AMG could be an interesting alternative if the brand name isn't that important to people.

You can even attract some attention with the GLA 45 AMG if you really want to...this is the Edition 1 version. 

RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 991 Turbo S, Porsche Boxster S (981), Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT (2014), BMW X3 35d (2013)

reginos:

RC:

Maybe a comparison will help and yes, I know...a Mercedes is not a Porsche (and I mean it).

Say no more.........No Further Comment.

--

"Form follows function"

Agree ! Never had a issue with any of the Mercedes for years  

RC:

Maybe a comparison will help and yes, I know...a Mercedes is not a Porsche (and I mean it).

AutoBILD Sportscars compared the GLA 45 AMG with the Macan Turbo. Performance-wise, there is very little difference between both (0-100 kph in 4.5 sec. Macan, 4.7 sec. GLA, 0-200 kph in 18 sec. Macan and 18.3 sec. GLA) but on the track, the GLA is almost as agile as the Macan, which surprised everybody during the comparison. On the track, the GLA was only one second slower and the Macan was equipped with all performance goodies, incl. torque vectoring and PCCB.

Now I don't really like how the GLA 45 AMG looks but the price tag is around 25k EUR lower vs. a BASE Macan. Since Mercedes provides good rebates and the options don't cost that much, I think that the real life price difference between a Macan Turbo and a GLA 45 AMG would be around 30k EUR. Ouch, ouch and again...ouch.

Yes, compared to the Cayenne, the Macan is a bargain but if you look at other products too, things start to look less shiny.

Christian, 

GLA 45 was almost 2s faster on the track then Macan Turbo in this comparison.

I've been told the Macan was one second faster, I will try to read the magazine this evening.

If you are right, it would be even more embarrassing.

RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 991 Turbo S, Porsche Boxster S (981), Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT (2014), BMW X3 35d (2013)

i wouldn't even consider the GLA, no matter how good it is. A t the end of the day it's just another Mercedes like there are at every street corner...

SciFrog:

i wouldn't even consider the GLA, no matter how good it is. A t the end of the day it's just another Mercedes like there are at every street corner...

+1

i don't even get the comparison between a Macan and a GLA... The GLA is a hatchback on steroids, not a SUV. Its rivals are BMW X1 and Audi Q3. In the case of the AMG version, one can only compare it with the RS Q3 which is a lot lore fun to drive and looks 10x better as well.

Besides that, I recently got a drive in the A45 AMG that friends bought and which has the same powertrain as the GLA. It has the worst dual clutch transmission in the world. So bad, that  i even thought it was a bad example of an old fashioned automatic. They had to convince me it was a dual clutch. You can read the manual between the point where you pull the lever and the moment the thing actually shifts! Awful car.

Suzy

2013 Porsche Boxster S (MT) | Basalt black metallic
2014 Audi A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI Quattro | Moonshine blue metallic
 

Also if the GLA is that good, how do you think they will even sell any RS Q3? Let alone Macan... Look at RC review. Sportiest SUV on the planet... Good enough for me...

RC:

You can even attract some attention with the GLA 45 AMG if you really want to...this is the Edition 1 version. 

Woah! It has almost more air inlets, spoilers and carbon fiber trim than a Corvette C7. Must be targeted at the US market  

2014 991 Carrera 4S | Dark Blue Metallic | PDK | S-PASM (-20mm) | PSE

2010 Audi S5 cabrio | Ibis White

Even in the US that abomination in the pic wouldn't sell 

SciFrog:

Also if the GLA is that good, how do you think they will even sell any RS Q3? Let alone Macan... Look at RC review. Sportiest SUV on the planet... Good enough for me...

The GLA certainly has some weaknesses, the biggest one is the design (way to overstyled, Mercedes probably hopes to attract a younger audience). However, from a performance/handling, off-road (if there is such thing) and passenger/luggage room capacity point of view, it really is an interesting and much cheaper offer. If you choose a darker color and no Edition 1 version, the GLA 45 AMG is quite acceptable. It looks much worse in photos.

Don't get me wrong: I would still get the Macan Turbo if I had to choose but so far, the Macan Turbo has kind of underwhelmed me a little bit. Maybe the Turbo S will do a better job. I cannot even imagine how the Macan base model will perform but everything below the Macan S is just insane (from a performance point of view).

RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 991 Turbo S, Porsche Boxster S (981), Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT (2014), BMW X3 35d (2013)

RC, you drive a 911 Turbo S and you will be underwhelmed by anything this side of a F12 or Aventador, never mind a small SUV.

The vast majority of Macan buyers have a lower reference point than yours. For example the Diesel S will be more than satisfactory for 95% of motorists, particularly for the purpose intended.

"Form follows function"

reginos:

RC, you drive a 911 Turbo S and you will be underwhelmed by anything this side of a F12 or Aventador, never mind a small SUV.

You are wrong. I also drive the Jeep GC SRT and a Mini Cooper S Countryman and the Macan Turbo reminds me A LOT of the Mini...fast (for the power and weight) but no emotions involved. The Jeep feels heavier than the Macan Turbo but oh boy, does this car create emotions (sound and throttle response from standstill). Have I also mentioned that I do at least half a dozen test drives per month, just for the fun of it. Including the new Opel Adam, which is a toy car in my opinion but I really like it. The version I drove had only 100 hp (or less).

The vast majority of Macan buyers have a lower reference point than yours. For example the Diesel S will be more than satisfactory for 95% of motorists, particularly for the purpose intended.

I am looking at Porsche cars always in a different way. For me, Porsche is a performance car manufacturer, no matter if it is about pure sports cars or SUVs or the Panamera. This is also the reason I do not like the (weaker) Diesel versions or the V6 engines in the Cayenne and Panamera. Also not a fan of the base engines in the Boxster or Cayman but there, at least, they are acceptable.

If Porsche wants to become another BMW or Audi, be my guest but I will move on.

Porsche needs to build the fastest SUV and the tastest midsize SUV on the planet to keep up their brand reputation. A Cayenne Turbo S means something (well, actually a Cayenne Turbo meant something until Mercedes and BMW rained on Porsche's high performance SUV parade) and a Macan Turbo should mean something too but so far, this car has failed to create that special feeling in me, that "I want this badly and I want it now" feeling. 

Many of you have never tested the Macan Turbo (not even talking about the other models), so please do a test-drive to make sure you are getting the right car. For me, the Macan Turbo is history. I may get the Macan Turbo S though if this car delivers but from what I heard (rumors and all), I think that the next gen Cayenne Turbo or Turbo S is going to be my future family SUV. Unless Chrysler comes up with something really badass, like a Jeep SRT with that rumored hellcat engine and over 600 horses. My wife would surely love a Macan, even the Diesel but thats my point: She loves the Macan because it looks nice, it is comfortable and because it is a Porsche. If this is enough for you, go ahead. The Macan is a fine midsize (well, almost) SUV. If you are expecting a Cayenne Turbo at a much lower price, you are going to be disappointed.

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RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 991 Turbo S, Porsche Boxster S (981), Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT (2014), BMW X3 35d (2013)

RC, I think we all value you opinion, you have driven many cars.

Your perception of "emotions" however is different than many out there. You seem to struggle with low power cars. For example I am greatly filled with the emotions of with my 6 year old manual Mini Cooper S convertible (with LSD). It is one of the most fun cars I have driven, drive like a cart, small turbo engine. At the same time I did not like the Panamera turbo with triple the power, left me totally cold... Maybe the GTS was better but didn't even want to try...

Other german manufacturers have always tried to outdo Porsche in some form or the other. More power, better acceleration figures, better sound, better engines, even faster track times. But they never bested Porsche for the overall package as you have said yourself many times. Their prices are becoming unrealistic however for some models, but that's another discussions.

Anyway I should get my car within a few days, so I will know for sure. But everything I read so far says the Macan turbo is the ultimate DD crossover (for USA) for sale today.

I truly hope you are going to like your car and my review wasn't meant to diminish your excitement getting your new toy.

Yes, I love cars with a lot of power but more important is the weight to power ratio and pure performance. From Porsche, I don't expect less but more and recently, Porsche kind of made it a habit to underwhelm me here and there, something which hasn't ever happened before.

Maybe the competition got stronger too, it is quite obvious but I really really expected more from Porsche.

--

RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 991 Turbo S, Porsche Boxster S (981), Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT (2014), BMW X3 35d (2013)

RC:

I truly hope you are going to like your car and my review wasn't meant to diminish your excitement getting your new toy.

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RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 991 Turbo S, Porsche Boxster S (981), Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT (2014), BMW X3 35d (2013)

Hopefully not.  You have your preferences and priorities just like all of us do. Porsche has a certain design ethos about it that is present in all models and appeals to most of us here I think. That and the handling and steering feel make all Porsches very special.  I went by my dealer today and they had a couple of Macan demos on hand.  Nice looking car!  I think the back seat room will be fine, not a problem for me, and the luggage space appears adequate. I'll know more after I take my first trip. Checked on the status of my Macan: it arrived in Houston and is in transport to Austin. Should be here in 2-3 days. 

Well...you should definitely write up a short review, just to hear your side of the story too. Especially since I didn't have the time to test-drive the Macan S yet.  

I bet you just can't wait...2-3 days is just killing. I know how it feels. 

RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 991 Turbo S, Porsche Boxster S (981), Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT (2014), BMW X3 35d (2013)

I only had a short visit at the dealer yesterday but I did hear the Macan S exhaust, which seemed to have a pleasant low frequency burble to it. I was talking to one of the service techs who opined that the S had a more pleasing exhaust note than the Turbo. Interesting. 

Naturally aspirated cars always have a more pleasing exhaust than turbocharged engines.  Congrats on your order!

keithos27:

Naturally aspirated cars always have a more pleasing exhaust than turbocharged engines.  Congrats on your order!

The Macan S is turbocharged too.

3.0 V6 twin-turbo

--

"Form follows function"

LOL... oops!  I just assumed it wasn't.  I'm getting too confused with all of the Porsches out there.  

keithos27:

LOL... oops!  I just assumed it wasn't.  I'm getting too confused with all of the Porsches out there.  

Actually, the Macan S and the Turbo have basically the same engine, just in 3.0 and 3.6 l capacity flavor. Why didn't Porsche use the same engine capacity for both? Well, I guess it has something to do with the upcoming Turbo S and of course the future facelift. They didn't really want to develop an engine which is at it's power peak, despite the twin turbo setup. Keep in mind that emissions play a huge role in development too.

The Macan S sounds indeed a tiny bit better from the outside but from the inside, there is nothing. Same as Turbo. I haven't driven the Macan S yet but one of our sources who drove them both for a longer period of time confirmed this. 

Also, the Macan sounds much better from the outside and revving from standstill than during driving, as weird as this may sound. So basically, don't keep your hopes up, the Macan S won't sound much different than the Macan Turbo I'm afraid. The sport exhaust (available end of the year...hopefully) may change this if they succeed in doing some tweaks to it but right now, even the sport exhaust isn't really what I would call a "breakthrough" if they cannot certify it the way it intends to sound. 

Btw: Avoid ordering the noise insulation glass if you are not driving often at very high speeds. This glass actually takes away some of the (somehow available) sound.

--

RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 991 Turbo S, Porsche Boxster S (981), Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT (2014), BMW X3 35d (2013)

SuzyF:

SciFrog:

i wouldn't even consider the GLA, no matter how good it is. A t the end of the day it's just another Mercedes like there are at every street corner...

+1

i don't even get the comparison between a Macan and a GLA... The GLA is a hatchback on steroids, not a SUV. 

To be fair, RC said the Macan could only hold 2 suitcases as well. IMO The Macan is no more an SUV than the GLA. Both too small and overpriced. Just get a nice hatchback or an actual SUV with some reasonable space.

I think in this small SUV sector, I'd go for the Land Rover Evoque. Never driven one, but at least it looks good. Macan looks like a crappy Cayenne, which itself isn't really a looker to begin with. Porsche design just doesn't translate beyond sports cars IMO.