Macan - real world owner questions
Discussion
Just had a second test drive - this time a GTS with air suspension not an S. Really liked it - so comfortable, tight, controlled and planted - and that fab PDK and sweet revving engine with an excellent ride and a fabulous seating position/seat. Blinkin' options list tends to bust the budget though and I don't want a poverty spec one with all the switches blanked out and a laminate dash 
Pano's nice but always avoided them on BMW as they leak. That's over a grand off if i 'simplify' it! No big shakes is it?
Air suspension - what is the key benefit? Off road work is not a consideration but haven't driven a steel spring one yet so cant compare.
PASM is active dampers in normal language isnt it? Does that combine better with air suspension or is it just as good with steel springs. Was really programmed well.
Really liked the leather dash/door tops option but staggeringly poor value - will never see this back will I?
Sport Chromo - just sportier software and a clock? Seriously - how much for 'quicker' software?! I also SO don't need launch control!!! So non chrono sport drive options/shift speed good enough?
Are they quite accesible to being 'fettlled' being turbos - once out of warranty? £500 to DMS as opposed to £5k to Porsche?
Crucially, real world GTS mpg? Will it do 35mpg at 75mph on the motorway? Will it do 28mpg on a pacey A470 like 150 mile A road blast or is 20 more likely?
Finally if I have to drop back to a Diesel S for the mpg (this is a working car not the toy!) will it have similar go to a 535d or will I miss the oomphh a bit and never be happy (every car must be MORE power not less
).
And to those that have one and respond THANKS you LUCKY PEOPLE! This thing was fabulous!!!
Pano's nice but always avoided them on BMW as they leak. That's over a grand off if i 'simplify' it! No big shakes is it?
Air suspension - what is the key benefit? Off road work is not a consideration but haven't driven a steel spring one yet so cant compare.
PASM is active dampers in normal language isnt it? Does that combine better with air suspension or is it just as good with steel springs. Was really programmed well.
Really liked the leather dash/door tops option but staggeringly poor value - will never see this back will I?
Sport Chromo - just sportier software and a clock? Seriously - how much for 'quicker' software?! I also SO don't need launch control!!! So non chrono sport drive options/shift speed good enough?
Are they quite accesible to being 'fettlled' being turbos - once out of warranty? £500 to DMS as opposed to £5k to Porsche?
Crucially, real world GTS mpg? Will it do 35mpg at 75mph on the motorway? Will it do 28mpg on a pacey A470 like 150 mile A road blast or is 20 more likely?
Finally if I have to drop back to a Diesel S for the mpg (this is a working car not the toy!) will it have similar go to a 535d or will I miss the oomphh a bit and never be happy (every car must be MORE power not less
).And to those that have one and respond THANKS you LUCKY PEOPLE! This thing was fabulous!!!
Edited by Ken Figenus on Wednesday 14th December 10:07
Just collected both of these in the last 6 months. It's the 3rs Macan I have owned. And I must say GTS is miles better than the DS I had. Did go for Air suspension this time and it makes the ride much nicer. Also sport exhaust makes a lovely sound. I admit I have only used launch control once but was very impressive. The key thing is GTS Macans are trading over list second hand at the moment so you should get a nice amount of your option cost back if you spec wisely.
Just collected both of these in the last 6 months. It's the 3rs Macan I have owned. And I must say GTS is miles better than the DS I had. Did go for Air suspension this time and it makes the ride much nicer. Also sport exhaust makes a lovely sound. I admit I have only used launch control once but was very impressive. The key thing is GTS Macans are trading over list second hand at the moment so you should get a nice amount of your option cost back if you spec wisely.
tree7777 said:
Just collected both of these in the last 6 months. It's the 3rs Macan I have owned. And I must say GTS is miles better than the DS I had. Did go for Air suspension this time and it makes the ride much nicer. Also sport exhaust makes a lovely sound. I admit I have only used launch control once but was very impressive. The key thing is GTS Macans are trading over list second hand at the moment so you should get a nice amount of your option cost back if you spec wisely.
So a direct mpg 'sensible head time' D v GTS comparison mate?Koln-RS said:
My experience is limited, but I immediately notice if a Macan or Cayenne has the 'Air Suspension'. It really does seem to improve the ride comfort, particularly for rear seat passengers. It removes the little fidgety movements and feels more planted and relaxed.
Ride comfort was a key feature - it was better than my 535d M Sport but also tighter. That is progress!I have a bit of experience with Macans and Cayennes, recently going from the latter, after 6 years, to the former.
In both cases the engine choice (petrol or diesel) and some of the dynamic options can significantly change the character and quality of these vehicles.
For my purposes and usage, I prefer the low down-mid range torque of the diesels, and the power delivery for overtaking is perfect. A GTS would be more free revving, and perhaps faster. However a Diesel S will do 30-40mpg quite easily, whereas, I understand, the GTS struggles to do 25mpg.
The nicest Macan I have driven, for road manners, had Air, 20" wheels and all-season tyres - very refined and soaks up the variable UK roads beautifully. I found, without Air, the ride is more restless.
Unfortunately, the options list does quickly elevate the price, but it also elevates the quality of the product. I buy to keep long term, so I try to choose carefully, but do end up ticking a lot of boxes
In both cases the engine choice (petrol or diesel) and some of the dynamic options can significantly change the character and quality of these vehicles.
For my purposes and usage, I prefer the low down-mid range torque of the diesels, and the power delivery for overtaking is perfect. A GTS would be more free revving, and perhaps faster. However a Diesel S will do 30-40mpg quite easily, whereas, I understand, the GTS struggles to do 25mpg.
The nicest Macan I have driven, for road manners, had Air, 20" wheels and all-season tyres - very refined and soaks up the variable UK roads beautifully. I found, without Air, the ride is more restless.
Unfortunately, the options list does quickly elevate the price, but it also elevates the quality of the product. I buy to keep long term, so I try to choose carefully, but do end up ticking a lot of boxes
I have a GTS so I will add my 2 pence.
I was going to order the Diesel S but ultimately when I optioned it up it was effectively the same cost as the GTS and the options never hold their value as well. I think this is a crucial point as its all well and good saving say £700 a year on fuel but you would probably end up losing more than that on depreciation.
Our GTS is currently hovering around 27mpg after 3,000 miles which we are relatively happy with.
Regarding air, its a nice have but the standard suspension is very impressive as well so if you are trying to cut the options bill I would not say its essential. Go and test drive one though as the standard suspension is materially different on the GTS compared to other models, hence the turbo performance has the GTS setup (its a notable improvement in my view).
I was going to order the Diesel S but ultimately when I optioned it up it was effectively the same cost as the GTS and the options never hold their value as well. I think this is a crucial point as its all well and good saving say £700 a year on fuel but you would probably end up losing more than that on depreciation.
Our GTS is currently hovering around 27mpg after 3,000 miles which we are relatively happy with.
Regarding air, its a nice have but the standard suspension is very impressive as well so if you are trying to cut the options bill I would not say its essential. Go and test drive one though as the standard suspension is materially different on the GTS compared to other models, hence the turbo performance has the GTS setup (its a notable improvement in my view).
langlord said:
I have a GTS so I will add my 2 pence.
I was going to order the Diesel S but ultimately when I optioned it up it was effectively the same cost as the GTS and the options never hold their value as well. I think this is a crucial point as its all well and good saving say £700 a year on fuel but you would probably end up losing more than that on depreciation.
Our GTS is currently hovering around 27mpg after 3,000 miles which we are relatively happy with.
Regarding air, its a nice have but the standard suspension is very impressive as well so if you are trying to cut the options bill I would not say its essential. Go and test drive one though as the standard suspension is materially different on the GTS compared to other models, hence the turbo performance has the GTS setup (its a notable improvement in my view).
I may be very lucky to find a non air-spring GTS demo, sadly. I could easily live with 27mpg. 535d has been on 34mpg for years and I rarely dawdle with brain in neutral I was going to order the Diesel S but ultimately when I optioned it up it was effectively the same cost as the GTS and the options never hold their value as well. I think this is a crucial point as its all well and good saving say £700 a year on fuel but you would probably end up losing more than that on depreciation.
Our GTS is currently hovering around 27mpg after 3,000 miles which we are relatively happy with.
Regarding air, its a nice have but the standard suspension is very impressive as well so if you are trying to cut the options bill I would not say its essential. Go and test drive one though as the standard suspension is materially different on the GTS compared to other models, hence the turbo performance has the GTS setup (its a notable improvement in my view).
I did run the configurator to see what I could get away on spec with but there are just SO many options and some that arent even explained properly which is a bit frustrating! The '?' extra info pop-up on an option often just gives the same Porsche badge holding image. A £3k bodywork option to choose and and no pic!?
Thanks for the info chaps as its a big decision not get another 535d touring at half the Macan price. Its a cracking DD/work/dog/more mpg(=profit!) option.
We recently picked up our GTS and it's a great car. Thirsty b@5tard though. Any fun driving will deliver high teens/low 20's. Even on a motorway with a sensible cruise control setting I don't think I've managed 30 mpg.
I didn't spec sport+ chrono either. Got it on my 911 and rarely use it.
Only real problem I have is getting the wife out of it. She loves it!
I didn't spec sport+ chrono either. Got it on my 911 and rarely use it.
Only real problem I have is getting the wife out of it. She loves it!
[quote=Ken Figenus]Just had a second test drive - this time a GTS with air suspension not an S. Really liked it - so comfortable, tight, controlled and planted - and that fab PDK and sweet revving engine with an excellent ride and a fabulous seating position/seat. Blinkin' options list tends to bust the budget though and I don't want a poverty spec one with all the switches blanked out and a laminate dash
Pano's nice but always avoided them on BMW as they leak. That's over a grand off if i 'simplify' it! No big shakes is it?
Air suspension - what is the key benefit? Off road work is not a consideration but haven't driven a steel spring one yet so cant compare.
PASM is active dampers in normal language isnt it? Does that combine better with air suspension or is it just as good with steel springs. Was really programmed well.
Really liked the leather dash/door tops option but staggeringly poor value - will never see this back will I?
Sport Chromo - just sportier software and a clock? Seriously - how much for 'quicker' software?! I also SO don't need launch control!!! So non chrono sport drive options/shift speed good enough?
Are they quite accesible to being 'fettlled' being turbos - once out of warranty? £500 to DMS as opposed to £5k to Porsche?
Crucially, real world GTS mpg? Will it do 35mpg at 75mph on the motorway? Will it do 28mpg on a pacey A470 like 150 mile A road blast or is 20 more likely?
Finally if I have to drop back to a Diesel S for the mpg (this is a working car not the toy!) will it have similar go to a 535d or will I miss the oomphh a bit and never be happy (every car must be MORE power not less ).
And to those that have one and respond THANKS you LUCKY PEOPLE! This thing was fabulous!!!
I've had my GTS for 4 months now and getting mid 20s MPG but this was not my primary concern. I had PASM in my previous S and found it very comfortable so was happy to repeat that in the GTS. I got Sport Chrono because its a GTS but think its a bit a novelty, the gear changes are brutal and I find it a bit too dramatic. I did try launch control a couple of time which was a bit of a giggle but couldn't imagine using it in any real world situations on public roads as the standard set up is more than enough to embarrass most would be combatants who think you're driving a lollopy 2 ton SUV. Not driven a diesel Macan or a BMW535 but did have a Merc C350Cdi and the GTS is far and away the better performer. Go for the GTS you only live once.
Pano's nice but always avoided them on BMW as they leak. That's over a grand off if i 'simplify' it! No big shakes is it?
Air suspension - what is the key benefit? Off road work is not a consideration but haven't driven a steel spring one yet so cant compare.
PASM is active dampers in normal language isnt it? Does that combine better with air suspension or is it just as good with steel springs. Was really programmed well.
Really liked the leather dash/door tops option but staggeringly poor value - will never see this back will I?
Sport Chromo - just sportier software and a clock? Seriously - how much for 'quicker' software?! I also SO don't need launch control!!! So non chrono sport drive options/shift speed good enough?
Are they quite accesible to being 'fettlled' being turbos - once out of warranty? £500 to DMS as opposed to £5k to Porsche?
Crucially, real world GTS mpg? Will it do 35mpg at 75mph on the motorway? Will it do 28mpg on a pacey A470 like 150 mile A road blast or is 20 more likely?
Finally if I have to drop back to a Diesel S for the mpg (this is a working car not the toy!) will it have similar go to a 535d or will I miss the oomphh a bit and never be happy (every car must be MORE power not less
).And to those that have one and respond THANKS you LUCKY PEOPLE! This thing was fabulous!!!
I've had my GTS for 4 months now and getting mid 20s MPG but this was not my primary concern. I had PASM in my previous S and found it very comfortable so was happy to repeat that in the GTS. I got Sport Chrono because its a GTS but think its a bit a novelty, the gear changes are brutal and I find it a bit too dramatic. I did try launch control a couple of time which was a bit of a giggle but couldn't imagine using it in any real world situations on public roads as the standard set up is more than enough to embarrass most would be combatants who think you're driving a lollopy 2 ton SUV. Not driven a diesel Macan or a BMW535 but did have a Merc C350Cdi and the GTS is far and away the better performer. Go for the GTS you only live once.
Miopyk said:
Ken Figenus said:
Air suspension - what is the key benefit? Off road work is not a consideration but haven't driven a steel spring one yet so cant compare.
Travelled as passenger in a Macan DS with Air today, and it would definitely be a 'must have' on my list. With PASM, provides useful permutations between comfort and handling and takes the chassis control to a higher level. Very comfortable on all roads. This one also had a Sports Exhaust and sounded really nice. Forgot to ask about mpg.
Robbo66 said:
Have GTS on order, due March 17. Thought about Diesel, but Mrs only does around 4000 miles per year, so mpg not an issue.
My only quandary is the 20' or 21' wheels....going for 20's and still gone for air on advice.
I thought the 20" were absolutely fine! Arguably fill the arches a bit better...?My only quandary is the 20' or 21' wheels....going for 20's and still gone for air on advice.
Which is which?
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