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My Macan S impressions

Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2019 7:29 pm
by Pivot
Finally the D-0 has arrived and I collected my brand-ceramic-coated-shining-new Macan Ski. I have done 100 mi so far and I am very smug! Here are my initial impressions, somewhat influenced by my current ride, BMW 435i coupe. I know, diff type vehicle, but it might be of interest to fellow 435i and S5 drivers.

Ride and drive - utter luxury - 5 out of 5 for an SUV. The driving position is excellent. The ride in default Comfort position was too soft for me, I settled on Sport setting and I am happy. I will keep Comfort setting for Mrs P and Sport Plus for a track-day. Hedonistic, 14-way adjustable seats are great and will be excellent for travel, Mrs P approves. The steering wheel is aesthetically pleasing (GT wheel), the grip is a little skinny for me, but I will get used to it; steering effort is perfectly balanced for parking (assisted) and driving (more direct feedback). The vehicle feels solid, not a rattle or squeak, hopefully it stays that way. In comparison to 435i I would rate ride & drive 4/5, but SUV vs Coupe is not a fair comparison, so please do not flame-me for it [emoji38]

The control panel is beautifully laid out, I wish I selected beige/coyote-colour dials. The media/sat-nav/apps panel is good, but its designed by engineers for engineers (i.e. not very intuitive), but I will eat the manual and I will be fine. In my view the β€˜retro’ ignition key should be replaced by Start/Stop button, but I will get used to it. The indicator lever also feels very mechanical, could be more electronic.

The powertrain 5/5! I was a little concerned that power-to-weight ratio, throttle response at low RPM and 7- vs 8-speed transmission is not in Macan favour. Well, the torque kicks in a little higher than the beemer, but it is not like a turbo-lag from 1980’s [emoji12] Macan is a 2-ton vehicle and it handles its body remarkably well. I wish that Macan had a feature like the ZF transmission (found in BMW, Mercedes, Jag...), where when you move gear-lever to the left (M-mode) the transmission shifts one-down throughout the range and the lower-rpm flat-spot is exterminated. I am told that Sport button does the trick. I believe that Sport button has diff fuel-ignition-suspension mapping, where all I want is one gear-up throughout the range, without having to resort to paddle-shift. Hopefully the vehicle learns from my driving style and adjusts accordingly.
Having said that, the power-delivery and performance is excellent! The transmission shifts quickly and precisely. AND the hooligan-exhaust button is such a blaaaast! It costs almost as much as 2-cylinders (the diff between 2.0L and 3.0L engine on the price-list) and I thought that I should have some rocks-removed from my brains for including it in my spec... the sport-exhaust was worth every penny! [emoji51]

Overall, I am delighted! I don’t think GTS is actually required in the Macan Gen 2 range, but I can see the need for a Turbo derivative.

...to be continued... including pics... [emoji102]

Re: My Macan S impressions

Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2019 7:34 pm
by ScotMac
Great πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

Look forward to pics :D :D :D

Re: My Macan S impressions

Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2019 8:16 pm
by Riomacan
Pivot, sounds good. I would be interested to see what spec you settled on.

Re: My Macan S impressions

Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2019 9:09 pm
by Pivot
Specs:
Macan S
Dolomite Silver metallic with ceramic coating
Agate grey interior
14-way seats
Panoramic roof
Roof rails in alu
Fuel filler cap in alu
PDK
PASM
Sport exhaust
75L tank
18” wheels
18” spare
LED PDLS
Dimming mirrors
Park Assist
Speed limit indicator
Compass on dashboard
Smoking package
Heated GT steering wheel
BOSE audio
Luggage Net
Walnut inserts

Image

Re: My Macan S impressions

Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2019 9:17 pm
by Riomacan
Thanks Pivot. I've heard the exhaust option and love it, pleased I've added it :D I spoke to my OPC about Bose and said the standard Porsche system has been 'de-tuned' can't comment on that but having come from a brilliant BMW Harmon Kardon system, I hope the Bose does the job

My Macan S impressions

Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2019 9:39 pm
by Pivot
I also have an HK in my BMW, it is brilliant system.
BOSE is not as high-end, but more than sufficient for my damaged ears [emoji51]

My Macan S impressions

Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2019 10:19 pm
by Pivot
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Re: My Macan S impressions

Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2019 11:26 pm
by GMAN75
Pivot wrote: ↑Sat Apr 13, 2019 9:09 pm Specs:
Macan S
Dolomite Silver metallic with ceramic coating
Agate grey interior
14-way seats
Panoramic roof
Roof rails in alu
Fuel filler cap in alu
PDK
PASM
Sport exhaust
75L tank
18” wheels
18” spare
LED PDLS
Dimming mirrors
Park Assist
Speed limit indicator
Compass on dashboard
Smoking package
Heated GT steering wheel
BOSE audio
Luggage Net
Walnut inserts

Image
18s?? Why?! Offroading?

Re: My Macan S impressions

Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2019 11:43 pm
by Pivot
Yes, I have damaged number of tyres and bent rims... however, I might at some point fit chunky winter tyres on the 18” and get slicks on 20”

Re: My Macan S impressions

Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2019 12:24 pm
by Pivot
Part II

So, I am off to main-land Eurp in my new Macan S... all I can say, what a blast! Packed two suitcases flat in the boot and I still have a lot of space for other stuff.

I am thoroughly enjoying it. Initially I decided to keep my 435i, as it is worth more to me than the dealers are willing to pay, but I see the need to keep it slowly evaporating.

I find myself using PDK paddle-shift more often than I would do in my beemer. I particularly enjoy the soundtrack of the V6 engine with the sport exhaust. When I floor it, I want to have audible feedback. The sport exhaust gives me just that, without being offensive! I am pleased that the back-fire is toned-down a bit when shifting to the next gear, I suspect that emission-control and particle filter brigade had a hand in it.

The steering is superb. I prefer the less-assisted steering on the Porsche, it is more direct and provides better feedback than in my more-assisted beemer. Overall handling is very good for a Van, but I have not pushed it hard enough to give detailed feedback.

To be continued...