supernsx

I was looking at the ML350 to replace my Mercedes R500 for more than a year. After I test drove many cars including some of the ML competitors (Cayenne, X5, and etc), I put in an order for the new Porsche Macan S.

The base price of the Macan S is similar to the ML350 but Porsche is known to have a lot of different performance options. The car is definitely smaller (the width is the same as the ML but shorter) but the performance is so much better than the ML350 or even ML550.

If you are into driving and need a SUV for light duty and hold 4 people, make sure take a look at it. The exterior is very high quality and I was totally blown away by how well it drives as a SUV (between a C300 and E350 with sport suspension) and how quick it accelerate (the Macan S, 0-60 in 5.2 seconds). I personally think it is the best SUV in the market right now for folks who want both luxury and performance.

audi40

did you compare the Audi SQ5 to the Macan?

supernsx

We did look at the Q5 but not the SQ5. We had 2 Audi A4's in the past and my wife wants something different this time. We also like the Porsche interior better than the Audi and I always want to own a Porsche.

27T

Cool car. Way too small though. Feels claustrophobic compared to the ML. I'd take the ML 550 over the Macan if I wanted faster 0-60 plus it doesn't let unruly roads bounce you around. I love the diesel. All depends on what you like. Enjoy the car. It's a fun drive.

supernsx

Agree and the Macan is definitely on the small side and ML is a much better utility vehicle. Even, the front passenger space of the Macan is similar to the ML but back is definitely smaller. The trunk is even worse.

However, it is hard to explain the Macan's handling until you have actually driven it. I am still owning two Mercedes today (R500 and C300 4matic) and I want to be sensitive to compare Mercedes with any other cars here. I did test drive a 2013 ML550 last year. If you like how the ML550 drives, it will put a huge smile on your face when you drive a Macan S, especially with the air suspension.

Btw, 0-60 on a Macan S is bit faster than the ML550 and the Macan turbo is a bit faster than the ML63. Also, they both drive like a "proper" Porsche that unlike the $96K 2014 Porsche Cayenne S that I test drove. It drove like a bloated mid size SUV and everyone from my family hated it.

27T

Yes, Macan handles much better. Streets aren't the track and I no longer drive like a fool (dumb and young). Even if the Macan is a split second faster than the ML550, what difference does it make? There's also a different feeling of a 6 vs 8. It's amazing what the much larger ML550 can do. If you're ok with the Macan size and prefer the way it drives then it is a better choice for you. It's a great time in history to drive given the amount of choices we have. The reality is that the Macan competes more closely with the X3, GLK, etc. And it's very good looking, but a bit pricey. At least you won't be like everyone else. The Macan will turn heads. My ML is a dime a dozen in my parts. Enjoy.

Nanook

Macan is great for what it is and gets the job done extremely well as a commuter and not a sport ute...that being a hauler/towing vehicle like the ML and if you want that extra little snort from your Merc ...send the ECM off to summer camp at Renntech

supernsx

ML63? You won!

Frankly, never drive one and I am sure it is way cool. Love the look of the ML63 and the price is just out of my price range.

supernsx

Not disagreeing. The intention of my original post is to let people know that is a new option from Porsche that may fit people's needs. The truck is definitely smaller and the utility is not as great. However, for certain potential ML buyers, it can be an option.

Nanook

I looked at the Cayenne but just couldn't warm up to it's particular look..1/2 car 1/2 truck and optioned out put it over the top (turbo)..that said I'd surely jump for a 911 turbo "S" if I had a spare 1/4 mil
I am very happy with Frank tho for now..

shortspark

There are a million reasons why someone would buy one car over another. Mine is rather simple - location. Simply put, I live in the sticks. The closest Porsche dealer to me is 140 miles away. Same with Jaguar and Audi. Mercedes is 35 miles from me. Cadillac aside, if I want to continue to drive "luxury" vehicles, Mercedes is my one and only option. And not a bad option at that!

supernsx

I am with you on the Cayenne. I test drove a $96K Cayenne S and it was a total let down. ML63 is a much better option in both price and performance.

supernsx

Good reason and I would probably do the same.

The Mercedes and Porsche dealers in our area are owned by the same group and they are actually sharing the same parking lot. We could test drive both the cars back to back and it made our decision so much easier.

mellow sparky

Congrats! the Macan Turbo is on my short list to replace my S4 (unless Audi decides to bring the RS4 Avant to the US )


Looking forward to your driving reports on the Macan S!

Nanook

How about some pics of the new ride ?

supernsx

I had an extended test drive of the Macan S and I can tell you it is no 911 or M3. However, if you are looking for a SUV, there is nothing in the $50K price range that comes close in both luxury and handling.

For people like me (middle age with wife and kids) that used to drive 2 doors sport cars but now need a SUV for family duty, Macan is a break through. Or for people always want a performance car but never has the chance due to family duty, now here is an option.

Most of the Porsche dealers should have the demo out now and go test drive one. I don't know it will drive better than the S4 but I know owners from the A7 and they are all thrill to drive the Macan.

supernsx

Still driving my R500. Ordered the Macan S back in March and should be here in two weeks.

In the mean time, I borrow some pictures of a Macan S on the web that has pretty much the same options as mine.

Nanook

Oooh nice..are they like the size a GLK ?

supernsx

The size of the Macan is similar more to the ML than the GLK. A tag wider than the ML but 5 inches shorter.


Macan GLK350 ML350

Wheelbase (in.) 110.50 108.50 114.80
Length (in.) 184.30 178.30 189.10
Width (in.) 76.10 74.20 75.80
Height (in.) 63.40 66.90 70.70

GregGebhardt

Some reason the images make it look a lot smaller than the ML.

I had a 2012 Cayanne S for about 8 months but had a few problems that the dealer could not fix. The Porshe people bent over backwards to get things resolved but could not get things sorted out.

27T

The Macan is significantly lower and shorter than the ML. Plus the dramatic slope of the rear window and flush roof rails help make it look even more svelte.

GregGebhardt

The rear end looks great to me. It is a slick looking vehical.

Never seen roof rails like these.

supernsx

Porsche tries to design the Macan rear end as close as the 911. With the 3D tail light, it really gives the car more sporty look.

supernsx

If you look at the front side by side, the Macan has the exact width as the Cayenne but sit lower for better handling. I was not impressed with the 2014 Cayenne S that I test drove. Not sporty at all and drove like a truck.

Nanook

Very nice car..prefer the mated exhaust tips like the 911...I wonder if there is a ceramic brake option ?