Have there been any ‘official’ reviews of the 4S by trade publications?

[KombuchaBioleather]

I have found several reviews of the Macan Turbo, Macan 4, and base Macan but virtually none about the 4S. Has anyone else come across anything specific about driving dynamics of the 4S from trade publications?

A recent Autocar article (posted elsewhere on this forum), suggests that the turbo is borderline unmanageable/rough, while extolling the virtues of the 4 by comparison. That article suggests that the 4S is likely to suffer from the same issues that they criticize about the turbo. After doing brief test drives of all three, I opted for the 4S, in part because I felt that the turbo was overpowered (for me) and noticeably rough on its 22 inch wheels (the 4 felt great - I just couldn’t resist the idea of the extra oomph of the 4S). Notably, my 4S tester was not fully charged and thus slightly power limited, so I don’t think I got to experience its full capabilities. Nevertheless, I judged its overall ‘feel’ to be much closer to that of the 4 than the turbo.

Currently, I am eagerly/anxiously waiting for my already built 4S to catch its ride across the pond, wondering if, perhaps, my 4S will prove excessively … nervous, as the Autocar review implies it will. But, I can’t find any focused reporting about the 4S from the usual trade publications, and even going down the YouTube rabbit hole, there is very little of substance to be found. I have been really grateful for the feedback by folks on this forum with Macan 4Ss, which has been almost entirely glowing and effervescent. At the same time, I worry about confirmation bias, which would be entirely understandable. Indeed, I may just indulge in a little confirmation bias once I get mine and stop worrying what any reviewers think. But, in the meantime, sitting in limbo, I can’t help but wonder…

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[Awaz]

Most reviews are either for Macan 4 or Turbo.
I asked one YouTube journalist why don't they review the other two variants, and he said we can only review the car Porsche offers them.
So, it's in Porsche's hands what journalists review, sadly!

 

[cottony]

I think the impressions are all relative. Seems like a lot of taycan owners feel that the Macan doesn’t handle as well and that’s to be expected.

But if you’re coming from a Prius (I came from Tesla) I highly doubt you’ll feel nervous in the car lol, I feel quite calm

the acceleration is quite smooth and not jerky at all. 80mph feels like 60mph in my tesla, and ___ feels like 80mph

 

[MatC21]

The reason for the lack of reviews is that the 4 and Turbo were released first and hence used as press cars.

I think you will love the 4S. I find it is hitting the sweet spot in power. Macan 4 was a bit too slow for me and the turbo spoils you for other cars forever. 4S is great!

 

[dgkhn]

A recent Autocar article (posted elsewhere on this forum), suggests that the turbo is borderline unmanageable/rough, while extolling the virtues of the 4 by comparison. That article suggests that the 4S is likely to suffer from the same issues that they criticize about the turbo.

I've only driven my 4 with 20 inchers, so I have no basis for comparison with the 4S or turbo. However, that Autocar review was comparing a Turbo with air suspension and rear wheel steering to a 4 with neither. In the US they all come with air suspension. Other than wheel diameter/tires and I suppose weight or weight distribution, (or PTV) I am not aware of any reason for the two motor versions to ride or handle differently from each other. For what it's worth I feel that my Macan 4 with rear wheel steering has as good a ride/handling compromise as you can expect from a tallish 5000 pound car.

 

[Wivenhoe]

There is a favourable review of a 4S in which he describes the 4S as the ‘sweet spot’:-



It includes a high speed run on an autobahn at up to 150 mph.

 

[Chili]

There seems to be a lot of people here that worry way too much about what a clickbait auto reviewer might think about their car choice.

 

[KombuchaBioleather]

There seems to be a lot of people here that worry way too much about what a clickbait auto reviewer might think about their car choice.

This is a forum for talking about things related to the Macan EV. You certainly don’t need to participate if you find the discussions annoying, and I am struggling to understand why you would bother to make that comment, which comes across as an insult. I am interested in first hand expert observations about the differences between the 4S and the turbo, as well as between the 4S and the 4.

 

[MVO]

Picked up my Macan 4 S last week and tried the Sport plus launch mode with a 80 year old man in the passenger seat. I warned him to put his head against the head rest and he laughed at me. We took off both banging our heads on the head rests. I get the performance I need for passing on country roads in the Normal drive mode but it is nice to have the margin. You will be able to select your drive mode with the 4 S.

 

[MFitz]

I have found several reviews of the Macan Turbo, Macan 4, and base Macan but virtually none about the 4S. Has anyone else come across anything specific about driving dynamics of the 4S from trade publications?

A recent Autocar article (posted elsewhere on this forum), suggests that the turbo is borderline unmanageable/rough, while extolling the virtues of the 4 by comparison. That article suggests that the 4S is likely to suffer from the same issues that they criticize about the turbo. After doing brief test drives of all three, I opted for the 4S, in part because I felt that the turbo was overpowered (for me) and noticeably rough on its 22 inch wheels (the 4 felt great - I just couldn’t resist the idea of the extra oomph of the 4S). Notably, my 4S tester was not fully charged and thus slightly power limited, so I don’t think I got to experience its full capabilities. Nevertheless, I judged its overall ‘feel’ to be much closer to that of the 4 than the turbo.

Currently, I am eagerly/anxiously waiting for my already built 4S to catch its ride across the pond, wondering if, perhaps, my 4S will prove excessively … nervous, as the Autocar review implies it will. But, I can’t find any focused reporting about the 4S from the usual trade publications, and even going down the YouTube rabbit hole, there is very little of substance to be found. I have been really grateful for the feedback by folks on this forum with Macan 4Ss, which has been almost entirely glowing and effervescent. At the same time, I worry about confirmation bias, which would be entirely understandable. Indeed, I may just indulge in a little confirmation bias once I get mine and stop worrying what any reviewers think. But, in the meantime, sitting in limbo, I can’t help but wonder…

I have driven all specs and settled on the 4S. I do not think you will be disappointed or feel it is unmageable in any way. Mine is on 22 inch wheels and I find it perfect. Fast but smooth acceleration. You will be very happy.

 

[Barry41561]

I agree with your view that there aren't any detailed 'published' reviews of the 4S. Frankly, there also aren't many on YouTube from the 'big players'.
I just picked up my 4S - and optioned it with the base 20" summer tires. The harshness that has been leveled at the 4 & Turbo are (from what I've seen) on 21" & 22" tires. I've not had that experience on my 20".
I'm going to be doing a road-trip next week - from NJ to South Florida - and will report back how the car does. Happy to answer any questions....

 

[Wivenhoe]

I collected my 4S last Saturday. Car was immaculate and no issues at all, the charge flaps sit perfectly and no software problems yet And even Plug & Charge installed. When I first drove the car I found the ride to be a little more harsher than I was expecting on 20” wheels and air suspension (that’s an option in the UK). I checked the tyre pressures and they were set for full load so showed 7psi too high. Today I reduced the pressures to 36psi instead of 43psi and I think it’s made a significant improvement, even on our very very poor UK roads.

 

[alxman]

There is a favourable review of a 4S in which he describes the 4S as the ‘sweet spot’:-



It includes a high speed run on an autobahn at up to 150 mph.

I’ve had the Macan 4S for about a month and I am very happy with it. The car is a pleasure to drive and often I’m finding excuses to go out and run errands just so I can enjoy it. Luckily, I haven’t had any issues with it thus far. I had watched this video prior to receiving the car and I didn’t feel it was helpful or worth my time. I actually decided not to watch any more of this reviewer’s videos on any other car, not just Porsche. I can summarize it as: “good car, but I have a Taycan and this or that is good, but not better than my Taycan, and have I told you guys that I have a Taycan”.

 

[KombuchaBioleather]

I’ve had the Macan 4S for about a month and I am very happy with it. The car is a pleasure to drive and often I’m finding excuses to go out and run errands just so I can enjoy it. Luckily, I haven’t had any issues with it thus far. I had watched this video prior to receiving the car and I didn’t feel it was helpful or worth my time. I actually decided not to watch any more of this reviewer’s videos on any other car, not just Porsche. I can summarize it as: “good car, but I have a Taycan and this or that is good, but not better than my Taycan, and have I told you guys that I have a Taycan”.

I was familiar with this review / reviewer and had reached essentially the same conclusion you did: I'm glad he likes his Taycan?

But, it was never really clear to me what the reviewer found more "high end" about the Taycan's interior, a point he repeats often. Maybe it's the headrest on the Taycan's sport seats? If so, touche´. Likewise, I struggled to understand his comments about Macan driving dynamics being inferior to the Taycan. Most sport sedans are going to handle better than most small SUVs, and if the Macan bested the Taycan in driving dynamics, then Porsche would have a pretty big problem on its hands!

 

[Wivenhoe]

In my defence, I posted the video as he drove it up to 150 mph and said the driving dynamics were good, which is what the OP originally asked about.

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