Mk42
New Member
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2024
- Threads
- 1
- Messages
- 2
- Reaction score
- 28
- Location
- Belgium
- Vehicles
- Macan Turbo, BMW 225e xDrive
- Thread starter
- #1
The Wait
As an electric vehicle enthusiast with nearly a decade of experience driving two Tesla Model S Performance cars, I thought I knew what it meant to anticipate a high-performance vehicle. When I placed an order for a Volcano Grey Porsche Macan Turbo, the excitement was palpable. Yet, the nine months between order and delivery felt endless. The eagerness to finally get behind the wheel made the wait seem much longer.
Delivery Day
Finally, the big day arrived. Walking into the dealership and seeing the car for the first time was a memorable moment. The handover process was flawless, with a personalised walkthrough of the car’s features and meticulous attention to making the experience special. Porsche delivered the car fully charged, accompanied by a thoughtful gift box. I drove away from the dealership with a mix of pride and euphoria, though this joy was tempered by a 90-minute traffic jam on the way home, that gave me ample time to click on every item in the infotainment system.
First Impressions
Here are my initial impressions after a few days with the car:
Looking Ahead
In just a few days, the car has already established itself as a centrepiece in my electric vehicle journey. Previous vehicles had set a high bar for innovation and range, but Porsche offers a better blend of performance, luxury, and driving pleasure. I’m excited to explore everything this car has to offer and to share further impressions as I rack up the kilometres.
As an electric vehicle enthusiast with nearly a decade of experience driving two Tesla Model S Performance cars, I thought I knew what it meant to anticipate a high-performance vehicle. When I placed an order for a Volcano Grey Porsche Macan Turbo, the excitement was palpable. Yet, the nine months between order and delivery felt endless. The eagerness to finally get behind the wheel made the wait seem much longer.
Delivery Day
Finally, the big day arrived. Walking into the dealership and seeing the car for the first time was a memorable moment. The handover process was flawless, with a personalised walkthrough of the car’s features and meticulous attention to making the experience special. Porsche delivered the car fully charged, accompanied by a thoughtful gift box. I drove away from the dealership with a mix of pride and euphoria, though this joy was tempered by a 90-minute traffic jam on the way home, that gave me ample time to click on every item in the infotainment system.
First Impressions
Here are my initial impressions after a few days with the car:
- Design and Build Quality: The Macan Turbo is a visual standout. Its sleek lines, stance, and meticulously crafted interior set it apart from any electric vehicle I’ve owned. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the precision of the leather stitching to the reassuring solidity of the controls. I had seen build quality complaints online here and there, but so far I’ve seen nothing below my expectations in my vehicle.
- Driving Dynamics: While I’m accustomed to high-performance vehicles, the Macan Turbo offers a unique experience. Its straight-line acceleration is less violent than the Model S, but its handling is on another level. The steering provides exceptional feedback, and the balance through corners is remarkable. Options like rear-axle steering, which I’m glad to have chosen, significantly enhance the dynamics and responsiveness. The throttle response is particularly well-tuned, delivering smooth yet immediate power. On previous vehicles, my passengers sometimes complained about the ride feeling jerky, as the car would lurch forward with the slightest touch of the pedal. Additionally, managing speed with one-pedal driving required constant attention to throttle input. In the Macan, the throttle response feels more natural, resulting in a more comfortable experience for everyone. However, I do miss the ability to adjust the regenerative braking power, which would offer more customisation. This is a car that encourages spirited driving and wants me to push the limits.
- Range and Charging: Although I haven’t yet embarked on long-distance trips, my initial experiences with home charging via my wall box have been seamless. Its long-distance capabilities remain to be tested, but I’m optimistic about its performance.
- Technology: Porsche’s infotainment system is visually sophisticated and a clear departure from the minimalist design of my previous vehicles, though it requires some acclimatisation. It is fast and highly responsive, which enhances the overall experience. While the user interface isn’t the best I’ve encountered, it’s still a solid system. Setting up Apple CarPlay was frustrating, requiring multiple resets of both the car unit and my phone. This issue seems broader, as my wife’s BMW had similar difficulties. Additionally, several features, like the data plan and plug-and-charge certificates, or even connecting to my home WiFi required extensive setup and retries. Even basic functions like adaptive cruise control initially displayed cryptic error messages (e.g., “seatbelt not fastened”) that resolved themselves after a few days. Despite these hiccups, the overall system is polished, though a more intuitive or integrated setup process would be welcome.
- Comfort and Practicality: Transitioning from a sedan to a compact SUV, I’ve come to appreciate the Macan’s elevated driving position and versatile interior. That said, the car is larger than I initially anticipated. With the kids growing up, I had considered downsizing our family vehicles, but it seems that plan will have to wait. The seats are exceptionally comfortable, and there are so many ways to adjust their position. My family loves the car, and my 21 yo son is eager to put his hands behind the wheel.
Looking Ahead
In just a few days, the car has already established itself as a centrepiece in my electric vehicle journey. Previous vehicles had set a high bar for innovation and range, but Porsche offers a better blend of performance, luxury, and driving pleasure. I’m excited to explore everything this car has to offer and to share further impressions as I rack up the kilometres.
