Porsche Macan Turbo, S, and Diesel (First Drive Impressions)

[DieGrüneHölle]

Originally Posted by Levi

Hey guys, don't forget the ultimate driving machine, X3 xDrive35i and up-coming X4 xDrive35i so as up-coming X3 M and X4 M powered by S55. No love for BMW's? Porsche is the better badge?

One slight problem. The X4 concept looks like crap, it has the ugly 5er GT looking rear. It doesn't have the same look at the X6, which I like.

[DieGrüneHölle]

Originally Posted by Levi

If you who values BMW preferred the SQ5 over the X3 xDrive35i, BMW is doing something very wrong and has to worry about their future.

I am sure you have not driven a SQ5. The SQ5 is 100% a better vehicle in every aspect than a X3.

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

Originally Posted by Snig

Even more so than the Panamera?

I guess so! Maybe the Macan's more-compact dimensions make it more nimble than a Panamera?

[Lorde]

Originally Posted by glennQNYC

I guess so! Maybe the Macan's more-compact dimensions make it more nimble than a Panamera?

Good point! Panamera is like a 7 series.

[Wolfinwolfsclothing]

Originally Posted by Levi

Hey guys, don't forget the ultimate driving machine, X3 xDrive35i and up-coming X4 xDrive35i so as up-coming X3 M and X4 M powered by S55. No love for BMW's? Porsche is the better badge?

BMW simply isn't in the same league.

[cjwb1984]

I think the BMW X4 concept is a very attractive car.

BMW should have invested more than what it actually did, a new interior to differentiate it from the X3 with their floating screen and recent interior. Some of the spy shots out there that covers the front and rear just doesn't look promising.

[Lorde]

Originally Posted by cjwb1984

BMW should have invested more than what it actually did, a new interior to differentiate it from the X3 with their floating screen and recent interior. Some of the spy shots out there that covers the front and rear just doesn't look promising.

This. Oh well...

[Meeni]

Originally Posted by glennQNYC

Porsche is calling the Macan "the closest driving experience to a 911 in a vehicle with 4 doors." High praise.

The engine is on the wrong side for that.

[Vervain]

Originally Posted by cjwb1984

I think the BMW X4 concept is a very attractive car.

BMW should have invested more than what it actually did, a new interior to differentiate it from the X3 with their floating screen and recent interior. Some of the spy shots out there that covers the front and rear just doesn't look promising.

Concept being the operative word. The production version doesn't translate well.
I agree with you about BMW needing to differentiate this model more..

Originally Posted by Meeni

The engine is on the wrong side for that.

Good point. Let's hope that Porsche has built a good enough car to warrant that statement..

[MisterSkiMask]

I just built a Macan Turbo on Porsche.com, $102,000

I didn't even select special paint

[Lorde]

Originally Posted by MisterSkiMask

I just built a Macan Turbo on Porsche.com, $102,000

I didn't even select special paint

My Turbo configuration came out to be ~$81,000

My S config, similarly equipped. $70,000.

[Powaup]

Macan is so damn nice makes me want to have kids...

[Lorde]

If you gave Porsche your contact info on the Macan Microsite, you should be seeing a Macan Brochure in the mail soon...

[Raikkonen]

Originally Posted by Transfer

I went to the Porsche dealer yesterday and I drove an X3 xDrive35i M-sport today as well as an SQ5. With my M3 lease ending in January, I'm trying to figure this all out. The Macan is just not going to work for me at this time though.
Some official Macan S info I was given that I'm not sure is easily available:

HP max 5500-6500 RPM but I don't know the redline
TQ max 1450-5000 RPM
Wheels 19x8 235/55 front and 19x9 255/50 rear
Curb weight 4112 lbs
0-60mph is 5.2s or 5.0s with sport chrono launch control
Split folding rear seats 40/20/40
Luggage volume 17.7 cu ft seats up or 53.0 cu ft seats folded
Packages are new and now up on config site

So about those test drives. The X3 was boring as hell and that really surprised me. The steering felt good, ride was nice, throttle was fairly responsive but it just felt fat and tired for power.

Now the SQ5... that was a different story. This thing is excellent fun for what it is. Throttle is nice, torque is fantastic and instant, overall acceleration felt very speedy, and the ride even on 21" wheels was stiff but comfortable. Handling was nice but there was some understeer as I expected but that's why you don't rail an SUV through a corner. I was surprised that the steering was acceptable as well. It was fairly light but accurate and the steering wheel is small(ish) and racy. The engine/exhaust noise is great. Seats were great but no adjustable bolsters and they were a little wide but did the trick.

I worked out some numbers and while I may go for a Macan in the future, not for several years. I think there is a high likelihood I will pick up an SQ5 and it should cost me just under $60k. I was seriously surprised how good it was.

This is a great write-up.

With two small kids, my F30 isn't cutting it anymore…

I really like the idea of a raised ride height, all-wheel drive, and SUV practicality.

I LOVE BMW's, but I just can't fall in love w/ the 3GT (I even went to sit in one and its back seat and trunk space are enormous compared to the sedan) no matter how hard I try, and I'm really making a compromise by driving an F30 considering my life and lifestyle. It’s just too tight.

A small, high performance SUV makes PERFECT sense for someone in my position in life.

Here's the problem: there's no "M" X3 (which I would have purchased years ago, had it existed), and there will be absolutely, positively no discounts on the Macan for at least a year or two. For me, that means full sticker on a $65k Macan S…

I really like the SQ5, but it weighs at least 300lbs more than the Macan, isn't as attractive, and I know the Q5 is approaching the end of its life cycle as well. However, it’s got great power (and is tunable through Stasis, APR etc.), it’s built like a tank, and it will cost me at least $5k less than a Macan (and that’s before any Audi discounts!).

Decisions, decisions…

[turbolag]

Originally Posted by Snig

My Turbo configuration came out to be ~$81,000

My S config, similarly equipped. $70,000.

My config came out at 62k. Actually seems like a good deal...idk.

[Lorde]

Originally Posted by turbolag

My config came out at 62k. Actually seems like a good deal...idk.

During a mechanical overview to Pcar Techs, they were informed that the Turbo is more than just 0.6 liters of displacement and bigger brakes.

All driveline components have been uprated and Porsche has underrated the hp figures... Expecting 430hp from the Turbo!

[Lorde]

Originally Posted by Raikkonen

This is a great write-up.

With two small kids, my F30 isn't cutting it anymore

I really like the idea of a raised ride height, all-wheel drive, and SUV practicality.

I LOVE BMW's, but I just can't fall in love w/ the 3GT (I even went to sit in one and its back seat and trunk space are enormous compared to the sedan) no matter how hard I try, and I'm really making a compromise by driving an F30 considering my life and lifestyle. Its just too tight.

A small, high performance SUV makes PERFECT sense for someone in my position in life.

Here's the problem: there's no "M" X3 (which I would have purchased years ago, had it existed), and there will be absolutely, positively no discounts on the Macan for at least a year or two. For me, that means full sticker on a $65k Macan S

I really like the SQ5, but it weighs at least 300lbs more than the Macan, isn't as attractive, and I know the Q5 is approaching the end of its life cycle as well. However, its got great power (and is tunable through Stasis, APR etc.), its built like a tank, and it will cost me at least $5k less than a Macan (and thats before any Audi discounts!).

Decisions, decisions

Expect 6% off the Audi, which similarly equipped is 10k less than the Macan MSRP.... Before the discount.

[cjwb1984]

I don't know if it's just me but it seems like for a Porsche SUV the third times the charm. The first gen Cayenne exterior is not an attractive SUV, the second gen Cayenne, Porsche got the front right and the rear is not my taste. And the Macan seems to blend it just right for an SUV. Need to see it in person but so far, so good.

As for the V6 twin turbo sound, check the below video.

Even though its a review of the Panamera 4S, the V6 twin turbo has a deep throaty sound.

[EmPower]

Originally Posted by Meeni

The engine is on the wrong side for that.

Note it said 911; not the Cayman, which we all know is the Porsche of all porsches

[car_fan]

Originally Posted by Transfer

I went to the Porsche dealer yesterday and I drove an X3 xDrive35i M-sport today as well as an SQ5. With my M3 lease ending in January, I'm trying to figure this all out. The Macan is just not going to work for me at this time though.
Some official Macan S info I was given that I'm not sure is easily available:

HP max 5500-6500 RPM but I don't know the redline
TQ max 1450-5000 RPM
Wheels 19x8 235/55 front and 19x9 255/50 rear
Curb weight 4112 lbs
0-60mph is 5.2s or 5.0s with sport chrono launch control
Split folding rear seats 40/20/40
Luggage volume 17.7 cu ft seats up or 53.0 cu ft seats folded
Packages are new and now up on config site

So about those test drives. The X3 was boring as hell and that really surprised me. The steering felt good, ride was nice, throttle was fairly responsive but it just felt fat and tired for power.

Now the SQ5... that was a different story. This thing is excellent fun for what it is. Throttle is nice, torque is fantastic and instant, overall acceleration felt very speedy, and the ride even on 21" wheels was stiff but comfortable. Handling was nice but there was some understeer as I expected but that's why you don't rail an SUV through a corner. I was surprised that the steering was acceptable as well. It was fairly light but accurate and the steering wheel is small(ish) and racy. The engine/exhaust noise is great. Seats were great but no adjustable bolsters and they were a little wide but did the trick.

I worked out some numbers and while I may go for a Macan in the future, not for several years. I think there is a high likelihood I will pick up an SQ5 and it should cost me just under $60k. I was seriously surprised how good it was.

Did you drive the X3 35i in Sport or Sport + ? There is a big difference. As a former owner of a Q5 SLine (Prestige) 3.2 I'm not overly impressed, although I have not driven one personally. Additionally, I don't miss it in comparison to my X3. That being said, the Macan does have my curiosity. That is until I ponder the fact that I probably can get my hands on a nice "current gen" CPO Cayenne GTS for the same money. Macan Turbo S may be faster but I don't necessarily have to have the fastest SUV.

I'm cool with the X3 for now. I wish DINAN would come out with a tune already. Current n55 tune for X1/X5 35i:
Peak Horsepower: 355 @ 5300 RPM
Peak Torque: 401 @ 3500 RPM

More than enough to deal with the SQ5/Macan cousins...

JMHO

[Transfer]

Well I picked up my SQ5 today! Fun car and up to 90 mph or so it honestly feels about as fast as my M3 in a straight line. That 3.0T is definitely underrated even in the SQ5. I bought it for about $13k less than what I would be looking at with a Macan S.

Originally Posted by car_fan

Did you drive the X3 35i in Sport or Sport + ? There is a big difference. As a former owner of a Q5 SLine (Prestige) 3.2 I'm not overly impressed, although I have not driven one personally. Additionally, I don't miss it in comparison to my X3...

I'm confused. You owned but never drove your Q5 3.2? Yes I did try the X3 in sport plus. In comparison to the SQ5, there is just no contest for power and sportiness. I haven't driven a Q5 3.2 but I bet that thing is even more a dog than the X3 35i when compared to the SQ5.

[car_fan]

Originally Posted by Transfer

Well I picked up my SQ5 today! Fun car and up to 90 mph or so it honestly feels about as fast as my M3 in a straight line. That 3.0T is definitely underrated even in the SQ5. I bought it for about $13k less than what I would be looking at with a Macan S.


I'm confused. You owned but never drove your Q5 3.2? Yes I did try the X3 in sport plus. In comparison to the SQ5, there is just no contest for power and sportiness. I haven't driven a Q5 3.2 but I bet that thing is even more a dog than the X3 35i when compared to the SQ5.

I owned a Q5 but have not driven an SQ5. By far the 3.2 lags behind both the X3 35i and SQ5. That being said, I am not convinced the SQ5 is that much quicker than a stock X3 35i.

I know you're in the honeymoon stage with your SQ5 but the X3 35i is in no way a dog in comparison to the SQ5i. There's only 4/10th's of a second difference between the two (0-60 ) as rated by factory.