Insulated glass or rear wiper? (First post by a Porsche newbie.)

[dgkhn]

@Fly4ever has posted this very handy chart Specs & options impact to Macan EV autonomy / range:-

https://www.macanevowners.com/forum/threads/specs-options-impact-to-macan-ev-autonomy-range.17625/

Thanks for reposting that. I had somehow missed it the first time around. Obviously a lot of that stuff does not affect aero, and I have to assume the associated range penalties are calculated based on weight? (I mean extended leather or HUD decreasing range?) So as far as the rear wiper, it's hard to know if that -1km penalty is based on aero or on additional weight.

BTW, based on this, it stands to reason that (ahem) heavier drivers and additional passengers would have a more significant impact on range. As would carrying suitcases, leaving a child seat in the car, whatever. I wonder what impact an EZ-Pass or a 3d-printed storage insert would have. Not to mention the smoking package ash tray!

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[meerec]

Glass

 

[jsclarke]

I added glass on our build, mainly to reduce noise but also because it is thermally insulating. We live in a warm climate- Southern CA.

I had thought you could have ceramic window film applied after market to reduce heat, and got that for a BMW iX. While it did reduce heat, it also affected optics through the windshield. I see a "rainbow" effect, it is a bit darker, and it's slightly "hazy". So I am hoping this factory option may do that better. Here is how the option is described in the configurator...

The laminated construction with two panes of glass features an acoustic interlayer together with UV protection and heat reflection to improve interior climate comfort, as well as reduced external noise, for a quieter and more pleasant interior environment.



Advantages:

• Effective attenuation of external noise due to acoustic interlayer
• Enhanced UV protection

 

[alxman]

I added glass on our build, mainly to reduce noise but also because it is thermally insulating. We live in a warm climate- Southern CA.

I had thought you could have ceramic window film applied after market to reduce heat, and got that for a BMW iX. While it did reduce heat, it also affected optics through the windshield. I see a "rainbow" effect, it is a bit darker, and it's slightly "hazy". So I am hoping this factory option may do that better. Here is how the option is described in the configurator...

The laminated construction with two panes of glass features an acoustic interlayer together with UV protection and heat reflection to improve interior climate comfort, as well as reduced external noise, for a quieter and more pleasant interior environment.



Advantages:

• Effective attenuation of external noise due to acoustic interlayer
• Enhanced UV protection

I have the thermal and noise insulated glass and it makes the cabin very quiet. However, I have not yet been able to test the temperature protection benefits because of the persistent cold weather. It does not distort the clarity of the windows and has not caused any cellphone signal interference or attenuation. And, I have not missed not having a rear wiper at all.

 

[rcomeau]

I ima

Thanks for reposting that. I had somehow missed it the first time around. Obviously a lot of that stuff does not affect aero, and I have to assume the associated range penalties are calculated based on weight? (I mean extended leather or HUD decreasing range?) So as far as the rear wiper, it's hard to know if that -1km penalty is based on aero or on additional weight.

BTW, based on this, it stands to reason that (ahem) heavier drivers and additional passengers would have a more significant impact on range. As would carrying suitcases, leaving a child seat in the car, whatever. I wonder what impact an EZ-Pass or a 3d-printed storage insert would have. Not to mention the smoking package ash tray!

Consider power consumption as well. A seat heater weighs little, but takes a lot of electricity. The HUD means an additional computer and screen.

 

[Devmac]

I have the insulated glass and drove a loaner without it, both on 20 inch wheels. It is a world of difference and never missed a wiper in the last 3,5 months. So very much advised to have.

 

[RichardM]

I’ve never sat in a Porsche, let alone driven one (so please be kind), but currently have a Macan 4 Electric on order, yet to go into build.

My previous car was a high-spec. Jaguar F-Pace 3.0d, and I’m currently using a Tesla Model Y Long Range until my Macan is delivered.

The big dilemma is the option of either thermally and noise insulated glass or a rear wiper (as the two together are not available on a Macan 4 Electric).

I live in North West England, which has a temperate, damp climate, where roads are salted in the winter when a severe frost is forecast.

My driving is typically on main roads with less than perfect surfaces, and where the speed limit is generally 50 MPH. I also use motorways regularly but seldom drive in cities.

The insulated glass option seems attractive if it really cuts out noise, but I’m not sure if it’s good enough to merit losing the rear wiper. I’d love a quiet cabin (as I had with the Jaguar), but may miss a rear wiper (as I do with the Tesla). I’m not at all concerned at how a rear wiper might affect the aerodynamics or aesthetics of the car.

My Macan order currently includes adaptive air suspension.

Could any contributors to this forum offer any experience-based advice?

Also, is a heated windscreen necessary on an EV? Has anyone any experience of the Macan Electric’s heated windscreen?

Finally, I see that side airbags in the rear compartment are optional on the Macan 4 Electric. Porsche explained that this refers to additional airbags that would need to be deactivated when fitting a child seat in the rear. I don’t expect to have passengers in the rear compartment, let alone children, but would worry that if I don’t opt for all the safety features available, I could be putting my (rare) back seat passengers at risk.

I'd be very grateful for advice or pointers for thins to consider from contributors to MacanEVOwners.

I have a 4 with insulated glass and standard size wheels that has a few problems and I ended up with a 7 day loan of a 4S with no insulated glass and on larger wheels.

On high quality flat main roads I would say (wife agrees) the 4 with insulated glass was noticeably quieter on the local country roads the difference was far more pronounced the low profile tires adding hugely to the noise (the larger wheels not at all good for the poor road surfaces and I’m glad I listened to dealer advise).

As for the rear wiper, my 4 does not have a wiper, after a wet winter I’ve not missed one at all.

 

[sor]

Rear wipers are more prevalent on cars with vertical rear windows, because they are more likely to get road spray/salt thrown on them, and also the aerodynamics keep this area sheltered so you lose any natural clearing of the window you would get from precipitation and airflow.

With a vertical window most of the debris is from road spray. With a sloped window most of the debris is running down from the roof of your car and airflow actually pushes away road spray.

That’s not to say wipers are useless on these cars, just a reason why they are less common and why people don’t seem to be missing them.

 

[DTaxman]

Rear wipers are more prevalent on cars with vertical rear windows, because they are more likely to get road spray/salt thrown on them, and also the aerodynamics keep this area sheltered so you lose any natural clearing of the window you would get from precipitation and airflow.

With a vertical window most of the debris is from road spray. With a sloped window most of the debris is running down from the roof of your car and airflow actually pushes away road spray.

That’s not to say wipers are useless on these cars, just a reason why they are less common and why people don’t seem to be missing them.

I get a fair amount of dirt and grime on the back of my Macan, but not on the window at all. I don't have the rear wiper and I don't miss it at all (despite a lot of rain in my area).

When I ordered, there was a supply shortage on the insulated glass so unfortunately I had to drop it from my order. The car is perfectly fine without it. Because I don't have it I've wondered how much more quiet it would have be, but that's just the normal fear of missing out. I've found most of the noise comes from the wheel wells, not the glass.

 

[sm06]

I ordered the insulated glass with my build. Having had loaner Macan Electrics a couple of times, which were not equipped with this, the difference in the city is negligible. The difference on the highway was immense. Haven’t missed the rear wiper in my first winter with the Macan electric.

 

[Jonny McCann]

In the end I went for the rear wiper, and don't regret my decision.

My car has 20" wheels and adaptive air suspension, and is pretty quiet inside. (I don't drive it much in noisy cities.) It's much, much (much) quieter than the Tesla Model Y Long Range that I drove previously.

I've needed to use the rear wiper on a number of occasions. It's a useful accessory, and I'd probably miss it if I didn't have it. As for it potentially negatively affecting the look of the car, personally I'm not bothered. It still looks great.

 

[meerec]

I have the glass and no wiper. Would not spec any differently.

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