I test drove Macan today. Holy...

"Jimmy Tango" (jimcalliu)
12/23/2014 at 22:44 • Filed to: None

You guessed it, Holy shit was what I said.

tl,dr: Test drove Macan, sales guy show me what G meant. My configuration was $65k going in, at the end I'm convinced a barebone Macan will do everything you need.

I have never thought I'd like a SUV. Or CUV, whatever. I always love my seating position low. Not a big fan of buying car with big space for the annual IKEA trip that one of your friend may have.

I am a selfish, impractical prick who value driving dynamic above everyday convenience.

But I always love ticking boxes on option sheet. Why buy a car of value but cheap on everything makes it better? I was really close to sign a lease on a 2015 535 M-Sport, that has M Sport Line, Cold weather package, Comfort Seat package, Comfort Access, Driver Assist package, subtotal worth north of 14k in MSRP.

So when it comes to configure Porsche Macan S, I figure, dropping $16k option on a $50k base car is not so outrageous. Plus most of the boxes I tick were under performance category. The only exception were the Exterior Sapphire Blue Metallic and Premium Package Plus.

But, I realized those are all irrelevant.

Today I get to test drive the Macan S that's heavily optioned. It has every performance options saves ceramic composite brake (PCCB). It has big wheels (21" Sport Classic) and Sport Chrono Package.

Macan is a beautiful car. Doesn't matter if you are familiar with Porsche's design language or not. Despite what a purist may said or how you feel about the controversial Panamera, Macan is the crowd favorite. The only thing I can see people differ is the side skirt, which fortunately, is an option.

The sales guy took me to a drive in Macan, and when he started the engine, I turn my head to the rear. "No way Macan is not a rear engine car, CALM DOWN YOU STUPID MAN" I thought to myself. The exhaust made sure I heard it, it's so loud that it almost made me question the insulation of Macan.

We did a pretty short drive until we switch, but he made sure we get something excited during the congested traffic hours: he almost came to a full stop at the beginning of big swirl (see below google map screen shot) on ramp, and he floored the pedal while turning with super wet road since Seattle had been dumping it down all day.

I had never dare to drive a car that fast during wet condition. I turn corners pretty fast but during wet condition I always have to make sure there is room for error if my tail goes out. Definitely not doing it on a two lane on ramp with a brand new Porsche. But boy was that exciting, Macan just keep going despite we are still fighting the curve and still looking for apex, the tires are so planted that temporary plate and myself are the only objects couldn't defy the physics. We were not even in Sports mode!

I don't have to go through all the performance stats, Travis had !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! on Macan. And the best part was, that subject line wasn't just a bait, I truly believe that a Macan would easily out-fun all the cars normal people have driven, on the track.

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While I drove Macan back to the dealership, the sales guy told me how he was invited to !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! in Alabama and they drove Macan S there. Not Turbo, just Macan. Base Macan. It was so fun and he was a believer in Macan S (instead of Turbo) from there.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Knowing that, I mean, just make you want to buy a base Macan and take it to the track. Too bad Macan doesn't have a great leasing offer (the sales guy said leasing monthly pay probably would be $1400, of which I am pretty sure I could lease a 100k M5 cheaper than that), so that means you finance and track it on your own expense.

I also test drive XF later during the day, but all what I was thinking is Macan. I almost lease a 70k 535 M Sport, and now I think that 535 is weak in performance department.

It's 6 months minimal wait time and 5k refundable deposit upfront to get into allocation. I was told if I wrote the check today, the car won't be here until July. I wonder when do you see the first used Macan on the market (all the demo Macan in the dealership were spoken of, including the one I took pictures, that was someone's car.)

Never knew you could get 340hp/339lb-ft torque for $50k? Surprised, it's also a Porsche.

In holy spirit, Happy Holiday, Oppos!

DISCUSSION (61)

Manuél Ferrari > Jimmy Tango
12/23/2014 at 22:48

Nice post!

Damn you're making me want one. But I promised myself I would never buy another car that wasn't stick shift. Hmm...

Gated Manual > Jimmy Tango
12/23/2014 at 22:52

Nice writeup. I saw one on the road the other day too. It looks good, it has good proportions.

Jimmy Tango > Manuél Ferrari
12/23/2014 at 22:55

I applaud your initiative, and we as a family cannot afford an additional toy car. When I can afford, I will get a manual Golf GTI just for myself.

Macan is super appealing to me right now. Saving for another year (which I am going to do even if I decide to lease BMW at the end) will probably get me there (20% down we are looking at 10-12k at least). I doubt Macan will depreciate as fast as their lineup brothers, but there is certainly hope....

Jimmy Tango > Gated Manual
12/23/2014 at 22:57

Thanks man! I have seen Macan (not demo) on the road maybe just a couple times so far, so curious where that 10,000 sold to (Seattle is surely a city not short of luxury cars.)

Manuél Ferrari > Jimmy Tango
12/23/2014 at 23:00

Here is the big question since you have a family - new Macan S or CPO Cayenne S? You can probably get a nice CPO Cayenne S for the same price or a little less.

I know the Cayenne S is not as fun to drive and gets worse MPGs. But it would be better for cramming lots of stuff in the car and going on a road trip.

Manuél Ferrari > Gated Manual
12/23/2014 at 23:03

Just imagine if it was available with Manuél inside...

PDK is nice, but it's not as nice as the 6 speed in my 997

Gated Manual > Manuél Ferrari
12/23/2014 at 23:35

And of course i'd like the Macan S Diesel (from the UK website )

Kinja'd!!!

E92M3 > Jimmy Tango
12/23/2014 at 23:58

I want one soo bad. Best looking SUV Crossover thingy to date. From the reviews I've seen it's closer to 911 performance than Cayenne performance. How did the interior feel? Was it cramped at all? I have a feeling it will be X3ish feeling size wise. I don't know if I can talk my wife into going down in size from her X5 to a Macan S. On vacations now we barely get everything in. It's packed so high I can't see out the back window. They usually invlove another couple though.

Jimmy Tango > Manuél Ferrari
12/23/2014 at 23:59

I don't commute to work, and live pretty much in city. So I don't care much about MPG (the car would be use for road trips, which consist of a lot of highway.)

I have a 40k or below Cayenne alert setup in CarMax. I also like the new style a tad better, that puts me in model year 2012 or newer. I haven't drive Cayenne yet as I still don't like high seating position in SUV and Seattle doesn't really snow enough that I would be worried about clearance. I also hear a lot of Cayenne owners mention truck like characteristic despite singing praise to the driving dynamic. And I was told it's louder in Cayenne than Macan (cabin noise is something I care a lot.)

One thing I can confirm was, I barely fit the rear facing car seat into Macan while I am seating fairly upright in passenger seat (wouldn't want to be in that position for a road trip.) and I am almost hitting the sloping roofline of Macan's. None of these would be problem since there is 4" more leg room in Cayenne than Macan.

I just open the back door, and put rear facing car seat in. "It fits!" Test concludes.

Manuél Ferrari > Gated Manual
12/24/2014 at 00:09

mm yes

In brown

Flat Six > Jimmy Tango
12/24/2014 at 00:14

That is kind of a schizophrenic option list! What are you going to do with?

a) Take it to the track

b) Tow your boat

c) Stick it in cruise control and smoke a cigar

d) All of the above!

Porsche options are evil...they make you want them all.

Jimmy Tango > E92M3
12/24/2014 at 00:28

A little bit of myself so you have context. I am 6' tall with a torso on the longer side.

As I mentioned on another comment, I barely fit the rear facing car seat in. When I sit in the front passenger seat with car seat, or sit in the back next to it, I both felt almost have my head against the headliner. Not something I'd love for longer trip, but would be fine if just go to dinner or short ride.

I don't think it seats 5 adults. But the boot did look plentiful. If the brochure is any true, it looks like you can fit 6 different carryon, or a fullsize child stroller, or an entire set of clubs and irons to conquer the green.

I drove X5 before, and Macan is definitely much smaller than that. X3 I don't have any seat time to speak with, but judging from 3 series, Macan is that without head clearance.

I would suggest you look towards something like Cayenne GTS. I don't think you can fit what you fit in X5 into Macan.

Think wagon, not SUV, although Macan look nothing like wagon.

Jimmy Tango > Flat Six
12/24/2014 at 00:31

The particular car I test drove did come with smoker package...so yeah, all of the above and you get a Macan S that cost more than barebone Macan Turbo.

anon-sxmcyecofnu1eocpqsk9iq > Jimmy Tango
12/24/2014 at 00:33

To everyone who raged about me saying a Macan is good: this post. Thanks.

Jimmy Tango > anon-sxmcyecofnu1eocpqsk9iq
12/24/2014 at 00:40

Honestly, if the naysayers want to pop into their respective local Porsche dealership for a test drive, they would turn into believer quicker than Macan's 0-60 time.

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > Jimmy Tango
12/24/2014 at 00:56

The wheels on it are gorgeous.

Manuél Ferrari > Jimmy Tango
12/24/2014 at 02:10

bummer about the Macan baby seat test!

The extra leg room of the big SUV would be nice

My dad had the first year of the Cayenne S. It was solid. He kept it till past 100K miles

He did everything with it. DD, commuting, towing. There was nothing it couldn't do.

also he got hit once while in it. He wasn't hurt. Tanks have their advantages...

E92M3 > Jimmy Tango
12/24/2014 at 10:36

The Macan is soo much better looking though compared to it's bigger brother. I think I would still rather have it everyday, and rent a bigger vehicle for trips or get one of those trailer hitch cargo holders.

Jimmy Tango > E92M3
12/25/2014 at 00:33

That's exactly what i told my wife, lol.

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > Jimmy Tango
12/26/2014 at 19:33

I never thought that a SUV could be the best looking regular Porsche, but I think the Macan is just that. It really is a great looking car, in fact it looks so great that I would forgive its Audi roots. and buy one if I'd be in the position to chose.

Jimmy Tango > Fred (FreddsterExprs)
12/27/2014 at 01:29

I am of that minority and I couldn't wait for the baby Panamera, until then, Macan is great!

dogisbadob > Jimmy Tango
12/27/2014 at 10:46

I like how Porsche can make this thing but not an entry-level sub-Boxster car, which would be much-less blasphemous or whatever you want to call it, and at least it'd be a bespoke Porsche and not a rebadged Tiguan/Q5.

CAcoalminer > Jimmy Tango
12/27/2014 at 12:13

The seats are phenomenal.

Jimmy Tango > CAcoalminer
12/27/2014 at 12:46

Wait, did you only sat in one but did not drive it? Tell us about it!

Jimmy Tango > dogisbadob
12/27/2014 at 12:52

I agree with you on sub-Boxster car would really expand Porsche's owner demographic into broader enthusiast community. But we all know why Porsche makes Cayenne and Panamera, and see how those re-badge cars (which I felt Macan is the least of three, see Travis 's post) have made Porsche rich in funding to develop 918 and continue 911, Cayman/Boxster ..etc.

And if you want to drive Macan and Q5/Tiguan back to back, you'd know it's related in cosmetics but doesn't share driving characteristic. To me, if the engine/transmission/suspension are different, chances are they are different in driving dynamics.

And to think Q5 V6 Supercharger started at $44,900, albeit you can probably get one well equip at that price, the stripper version of Porsche Macan S is like a super deal. That's what really drew me to write the conclusion. Although I am probably saving a bit and waiting for that Macan S GTS to pound, if you are truly care about driving and happen to need a small tall hatch, I don't see how you can pass this.

CAcoalminer > Jimmy Tango
12/27/2014 at 13:00

I actually tested the Turbo version and it was terrific. The most surprising thing for me was the exhaust note. It sounded absolutely incredible. In addition, the peak torque of over 400 ft. lbs. is made at something like 1,500 rpm so the acceleration was impressive in any gear. However, my favorite part had to be the fact that it didn't feel excessively wide and its low seating position that made it feel much more like a car than CUV. Of course, the fact that my 6'5'' frame could fit comfortably shouldn't be overlooked either. An overall outstanding vehicle in my book.

Jimmy Tango > CAcoalminer
12/28/2014 at 02:37

I know someone switch from BMW 535 to Macan and custom order one without sunroof due to his height. Did you test drive one with sunroof or the presence of sunroof wasn't any issue for your height?

And yes to the torque available basically any rev; yes to lower seating position and felt like a car rather than CUV. Those were my surprises after actually seat/drive one.

CAcoalminer > Jimmy Tango
12/28/2014 at 11:41

The one I test drove did not have a sunroof and I still fit fine.

Jimmy Tango > CAcoalminer
12/28/2014 at 11:58

that's great. in case you didnt know, wuth sunroof the head room is reduced.

CAcoalminer > Jimmy Tango
12/28/2014 at 12:06

Oh really? That's odd as usually it's the opposite.

Jimmy Tango > CAcoalminer
12/28/2014 at 12:38

I just recently learned this as well, as the reasoning were the sunroof take off headroom since the frame/top part of car stay unchanged. That's why I ask this in the first place since you are tall.

I believe with sunroof, Macan is cramp for drivers taller than 6'3".

CAcoalminer > Jimmy Tango
12/28/2014 at 12:41

Interesting. I would definitely want the non sunroof one then.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer
12/30/2014 at 18:43

So you're telling me I should buy a Macan one day?

But I promised myself that I would not buy anymore automatic cars...

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari
12/30/2014 at 19:31

Absolutely, especially the Turbo version. Also, I cannot stress enough how terrific those seats were.

It would be your DD so it's exempted.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer
12/30/2014 at 19:50

I can't wait to try the seats now! I've told you before how much I love the seats in the 997. They are very simple but work great for me. Ferrari seats are not as comfortable for long trips. The E90 M3 seats are good but not great for long trips. I have not taken the E46 M3 on a long trip so I don't know if I would get fatigued after driving for hours on end. (Though I will say that the E46 M3 seats are by far my favorite for driving around town - they are so soft and comfy but yet so supportive for cornering. They're more supportive on the sides than the E90 M3 seats and have more foam than Ferrari Daytona seats).

If you loved the Macan Turbo seats then they are probably some of the best seats out there. Porsche already makes great seats so their best on offer are probably amazing.

Funny thing about the DD exemption is that my commute is so short that it's the only time I hate not having Manuél. Paddles are amazing for driving out of the area and getting stuck in traffic. But I don't even get on the highway when going to work. The drive is so short that anything other than stick gets boring. Had I bought the E90 M3 after moving instead of before I moved I would have gone with the 6MT for sure.

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari
12/30/2014 at 21:04

That's very interesting about all of your cars' seats. I would say the Macan's are most similar to the E46's because they are supremely comfortable and yet still hold you in quite well.

Very true. In addition, since they have 18-way adjustability, you can set them to fit you perfectly.

That's ironic about your commute. Haha.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer
12/30/2014 at 21:08

Mmm. Macan with E46 like seats.

Damn it it's sounding better and better each day, haha

There are just TOO many cars I want to have. And I don't want to part with any. I want them all at the same time, lol

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari
12/30/2014 at 21:31

You should definitely take the time to look at one just for the heck of it.

The struggle every car enthusiast faces.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer
12/31/2014 at 01:40

Good idea

Sounds intriging

And I don't have an AWD car

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari
12/31/2014 at 15:56

I look forward to your thoughts on it.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer
12/31/2014 at 17:24

I'll definitely let you know if I check it out. It might be a while though. I promised myself I wouldn't buy any cars in 2015, haha. I purchased one car a year for the past 4 years...

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari
12/31/2014 at 17:27

Sounds great.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer
12/31/2014 at 17:31

(I'll probably break my rule though and add a 5th car, haha)

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer
12/31/2014 at 18:00

Also can Porsche PLEASE hurry up with the damn Panamera Junior?

That car needs to happen ASAP

And it needs to look better from behind

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari
12/31/2014 at 18:28

I didn't realize they were working on one.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer
12/31/2014 at 18:31

Oh glad I'm sharing new info!

Apparently it's just a matter of when, not if. Porsche IS going to do it. It just got delayed:

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1093265_p…

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/…

(I really don't like the look of the back in the renderings though...)

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari
12/31/2014 at 18:34

Interesting. Definitely not a fan of that rear either. I hope Porsche makes that Ferrari 458 competitor that the magazines have hinted at for a while.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer
12/31/2014 at 18:42

That is apparently a matter of when, not if, as well.

What sucks is that the merger is slowing things down. Porsche doesn't get to decide what its priorities are anymore. VAG decides.

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari
12/31/2014 at 19:05

I find that to be silly. Porsche has obviously been very successful recently, so just allow them to remain autonomous.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer
12/31/2014 at 19:10

Tell me about it! Dumb to make them change when everything they have done since 2000 has struck gold

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari
12/31/2014 at 19:24

Very true.

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari
12/31/2014 at 19:27

Look at this:

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/ca…

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer
12/31/2014 at 19:50

wow

that is one fast machine

i bet it's so hard to drive!

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari
12/31/2014 at 20:08

I would guess so. I absolutely love those seats.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer
12/31/2014 at 20:14

can you buy one of these please?

http://jalopnik.com/good-lord-pors…

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari
12/31/2014 at 20:30

I already owned a lightweight back when they were new. It's astonishing to see how much they have gone up in value.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer
12/31/2014 at 20:54

Omg

This proves my theory

Never sell a good sports car if you have the room to keep it

My dad is building a new building so I'll never have to sell a car again. So much space , haha

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari
12/31/2014 at 21:01

It was a great vehicle but Brian and I agree that having a few great cars (3-4) that you drive often is better than many that you drive sparsely.

That sounds terrific.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer
12/31/2014 at 21:50

Arghh

Brian has corrupted you!

There is nothing wrong with hoarding cars. We preserve them for our kids and grand kids :)

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari
12/31/2014 at 21:57

Haha I've always felt that way.

True but I start to feel guilty about not driving them. That's the reason I ended up selling many of my cars over the years. I wanted a new one and realized that I wouldn't drive the old ones and would sell them to others.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer
01/01/2015 at 00:22

I believe you

But I still blame Brian