Latest OutofSpec Dave review - not good

[evdriver2016]

VW has purchased the Rivian EV Architecture and it will likely show up in products in a few years time. I expect Porsche will be able to adopt it too at some point, maybe in a heavily revised Macan a few years from.

I do agree, the VW + Volkswagen (with Amazon backing) is definitely a contender to the Tesla tech throne. They really do have the best mix of EV knowledge (Rivian) and Charging knowledge (Porsche) and ability to scale (Volkswagen) with deep pockets in it for long haul to win (Amazon)

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[macotak01]

I like OOS videos for their detail and I respect and appreciate the criticism they generate. It really comes down to what you personally want and expect in a vehicle, and I like the different perspectives from OOS and the contributors in this forum, many of which, often the negative views, reinforced my decision to buy a 4S. Sadly, it is sitting in my dealer's showroom now, as it was delivered days after I left on an extended overseas trip. 1 month to go!
I've most recently owned a MachE and a Chevy Bolt, both good daily drivers, although I hated the MachE's porpoising ride. The MachE also turned me off to large-screen controls as operating them while driving over anything other than pristine roads was very distracting. You develop a technique of holding the side of the screen with most of your hand while trying to hit a control with one loose finger or thumb! My wife had Boxsters for over 20 years, so I'm familiar with Porsche and their driving experience. But now that I'm retired and realizing I can afford one, my needs came down to: an SUV for comfort; about the same size as the MachE for handling; less, rather than more electronics for fewer distractions and easier control; and as much of a Porsche driving experience as could be realized in those parameters. I was open to almost all EV brands, but the Macan stood out for my requirements and IMO looks great as well. I also really like that I could spec it exactly tailored to my desires: all driving/comfort enhancements and nothing I don't want. It is designed to keep my brain engaged and my body comfortable while driving and having fun... what it's all about for me right now.
Just another perspective from an older driver (about Dave's age). I agree with many that he was a bit harsh on some things and overly compared to brand X, which is a different animal meant for a different demographic in my opinion. Would have liked more of Kathy's input.

 

[Fun TC Driving]

If Kathy were allowed to do her own, with Dave not present on screen nor his even running the camera (get one of the other OutOfSpec persons), it would be a way different score.

 

[RunningOnSolar]

Ironic that Kyle’s multiple positive reviews convinced me to buy the Macan in the first place. Not sure why Dave is as negative as he is, but on only a few points I have to give Tesla the edge: namely infrastructure and more frequent software updates.

Teslas primary negatives are the lack of CarPlay, a frankly dull interior and inferior driving dynamics. Musk has also decided that optical sensors alone are adequate for FSD. I want my car to enhance my senses with radar and not merely provide what he considers ”good enough” optical sensors.

When I bought my Macan in March 2024 I decided that I would never buy a Tesla and that decision has only been affirmed since. I agree with @evdriver2016 that Dave’s review is unfairly biased and the scores should be flipped.

 

[Deleted member 12493]

OutofSpec Dave did 3 videos of driving their 4 from collection at Colorado to home at Conneticut I really enjoyed them and found them informative. He has also done other Macan 4 reviews, all of them favourable.

He has just published a 3 month review and virtually trashed the car, poor handling, poor fit & finish etc. He scored it 52 out of a 100 - 25 below a Tesla. I think he has been unduly influenced by the updated Tesla.

As a Brit, I have great difficulty understanding why so many US reviewers rave about Tesla’s and find so many faults with other cars - surely there has to be more about owning and driving an EV than range, lack of being able to Superchargers and lack of NACS adapters. Tesla sales in Europe and the UK have crashed recently - no doubt some will say that Tesla make the best EV’s and I would ask, if they think that, why are they spending time on a Macan forum !
In the video I think his wife is unhappy with a lot of his scores as it’s her Macan and she really enjoys driving it.

Hi all
Was just trying to provide my honest assessment for each of the categories. This is a new process of reviewing cars using a format that I created. I really do love the car as does my wife. However It’s important to keep things real though on shortcomings that I see so we can encourage all manufacturers to improve. Happy to discuss all and perhaps we can do a follow up video with anyone interested in discussing /sharing your thoughts and feedback. I am just one owner providing my opinions and would be happy to share my platform with all of you to share your views too… thoughts?

 

[Awaz]

perhaps we can do a follow up video with anyone interested in discussing /sharing your thoughts and feedback.

Thoughts and feedback is already here

 

[evdriver2016]

Hi Dave,

Hi all
Was just trying to provide my honest assessment for each of the categories. This is a new process of reviewing cars using a format that I created. I really do love the car as does my wife. However It’s important to keep things real though on shortcomings that I see so we can encourage all manufacturers to improve. Happy to discuss all and perhaps we can do a follow up video with anyone interested in discussing /sharing your thoughts and feedback. I am just one owner providing my opinions and would be happy to share my platform with all of you to share your views too… thoughts?

Hi @OutofSpecDave , I think the interesting part of this is: what matters is different across drivers, which leads to how data gets weighted.

For some, heated massaging seats are the most important thing, and other things just don't carry any weight at all.

So you could probably take any set of data that is a fair assessment, but then get a completely different set of totals based on different drivers having different weights.

The other note would be I don't think you should have negative points. Because I think those then steal points from other categories and probably messes up a fair base line.

Anyway, just some thoughts. Still like your channel and thoughts and appreciate your passion for EVs.

Cheers!

 

[Yves]

Many reviews try to evaluate to much and focus on software items these days,
but for car enthousiasts it‘s simple
1) how does the car drive/handle/performance.
2)comfort/sport/interior quality
3) practicality: range / how fast can it charge / plan / pre heat battery
4) software is very personal and for many it is integration with AA and Apple CarPlay

That list is in order of importance, and yes many will disagree, but guy’s and girls, a car is meant to be driven all the rest is nice to have

 

[alxman]

Hi all
Was just trying to provide my honest assessment for each of the categories. This is a new process of reviewing cars using a format that I created. I really do love the car as does my wife. However It’s important to keep things real though on shortcomings that I see so we can encourage all manufacturers to improve. Happy to discuss all and perhaps we can do a follow up video with anyone interested in discussing /sharing your thoughts and feedback. I am just one owner providing my opinions and would be happy to share my platform with all of you to share your views too… thoughts?

Hi @OutofSpecDave, I always appreciate your honest and thorough reviews. I am a fan! Lol
I think you had a suboptimal experience which may be due to it being the baseline Macan and a model from an earlier production, and perhaps a lack of familiarity with the software. My 2025 4S has no build quality issues (perfect gaps between panels, no paint marks or discoloration, no rattles, no computer glitches , no problems with the charging door). Charging has not been a problem as I do it mostly at home with the Tesla charger and using a very affordable Lectron adapter). And soon the rapid Tesla chargers are going to be available. I personally do not like one pedal driving. Neither does my 21 y.o. son or 23 y.o. daughter. My wife does though. Both of my kids would rather drive the Macan than my wife’s Tesla MX, not even close! I prefer Porsche’s InnoDrive as it does what it’s intended to do and does not require constant “massaging” of the steering wheel or constantly deactivates with minimal movement of the steering wheel. The cabin is extremely quiet, quieter than my BMW X6 and 1,000% quieter than the Tesla! And the best part is how it handles. I think you would have appreciated it more if you had the chance to drive a Turbo or 4S for more than a few hours. Of course, that is something not very important for my wife or perhaps yours. Lol
I do wish the software was advanced enough to allow OTA and although I appreciate the ability to customize it, I wish the options were not that expensive. Would I buy any Tesla instead of this car? NO

 

[Cogs79]

Hi @OutofSpecDave, I always appreciate your honest and thorough reviews. I am a fan! Lol
I think you had a suboptimal experience which may be due to it being the baseline Macan and a model from an earlier production, and perhaps a lack of familiarity with the software. My 2025 4S has no build quality issues (perfect gaps between panels, no paint marks or discoloration, no rattles, no computer glitches , no problems with the charging door). Charging has not been a problem as I do it mostly at home with the Tesla charger and using a very affordable Lectron adapter). And soon the rapid Tesla chargers are going to be available. I personally do not like one pedal driving. Neither does my 21 y.o. son or 23 y.o. daughter. My wife does though. Both of my kids would rather drive the Macan than my wife’s Tesla MX, not even close! I prefer Porsche’s InnoDrive as it does what it’s intended to do and does not require constant “massaging” of the steering wheel or constantly deactivates with minimal movement of the steering wheel. The cabin is extremely quiet, quieter than my BMW X6 and 1,000% quieter than the Tesla! And the best part is how it handles. I think you would have appreciated it more if you had the chance to drive a Turbo or 4S for more than a few hours. Of course, that is something not very important for my wife or perhaps yours. Lol
I do wish the software was advanced enough to allow OTA and although I appreciate the ability to customize it, I wish the options were not that expensive. Would I buy any Tesla instead of this car? NO

Hi,

I have a Macan 4, which seems to be getting negative press lately, despite being considered the sweet spot in terms of performance and value (at least until end of 2024 that seemed to be the case.).

My Macan 4 has:

Premium package
Sport Chrono package
Power steering plus
Rear axle steering
21" Macan offroad wheels
Multifunction GT sports steering wheel
Adaptive sports seats 18-way electric
Porsche innodrive
Air suspension
Porsche Active suspension management

and some other options.

Aside from the obvious power boost to a 4S and Turbo, and the torque vectoring, what am I missing to have a much better driving vehicle with the 4S or Turbo? I realize from a stop that the 4S and Turbo are faster, but honest question/discussion, what else am I losing out by not having a 4S or Turbo in terms of performance?

I don't regret getting the 4 at all, it has more power than I need/can handle. Just really curious what else a 4S/Turbo have regarding drive/performance.

C

 

[Yves]

Hi,

I have a Macan 4, which seems to be getting negative press lately, despite being considered the sweet spot in terms of performance and value (at least until end of 2024 that seemed to be the case.).

My Macan 4 has:

Premium package
Sport Chrono package
Power steering plus
Rear axle steering
21" Macan offroad wheels
Multifunction GT sports steering wheel
Adaptive sports seats 18-way electric
Porsche innodrive
Air suspension
Porsche Active suspension management

and some other options.

Aside from the obvious power boost to a 4S and Turbo, and the torque vectoring, what am I missing to have a much better driving vehicle with the 4S or Turbo? I realize from a stop that the 4S and Turbo are faster, but honest question/discussion, what else am I losing out by not having a 4S or Turbo in terms of performance?

I don't regret getting the 4 at all, it has more power than I need/can handle. Just really curious what else a 4S/Turbo have regarding drive/performance.

C

I can’t say, but the way it moves with RWS and 90 degree turn in corner when you floor the Turbo is just beyond belief … it‘s something I never experienced … and puts an instant grin on your face … maybe a 4 does it as well …

 

[Spyerx]

I don't get all the software hate. Maybe because I live in CarPlay for 99% of the time? Only real software thing I'd like is real OTA updates. And we need access to the Tesla supercharging network ASAP.

I've yet to be in a Tesla or drive a Tesla I'd own. The ride/drive of all of them is terrible. I've driven the Macan EV on track, it's quite good. Their software has a lot of features but I prefer the lack of micro features on the porsche. I literally can't think of one thing in software Id want other than live/historical video recording from the cameras.

Range, comfort, features, ride, drive, performance are all very good.

The good thing is there is choice in the market so go buy the Tesla if that is what you prefer.

 

[Cogs79]

I can’t say, but the way it moves with RWS and 90 degree turn in corner when you floor the Turbo is just beyond belief … it‘s something I never experienced … and puts an instant grin on your face … maybe a 4 does it as well …

Fair enough! I am sure 0-60 in 3.x seconds will be an an insane thing to experience. With all of the snow here, we will all experience flooring-it-in-a-90-degree-turn the same way regardless of power (that is, 360-degree spin ).

 

[alxman]

Hi,

I have a Macan 4, which seems to be getting negative press lately, despite being considered the sweet spot in terms of performance and value (at least until end of 2024 that seemed to be the case.).

My Macan 4 has:

Premium package
Sport Chrono package
Power steering plus
Rear axle steering
21" Macan offroad wheels
Multifunction GT sports steering wheel
Adaptive sports seats 18-way electric
Porsche innodrive
Air suspension
Porsche Active suspension management

and some other options.

Aside from the obvious power boost to a 4S and Turbo, and the torque vectoring, what am I missing to have a much better driving vehicle with the 4S or Turbo? I realize from a stop that the 4S and Turbo are faster, but honest question/discussion, what else am I losing out by not having a 4S or Turbo in terms of performance?

I don't regret getting the 4 at all, it has more power than I need/can handle. Just really curious what else a 4S/Turbo have regarding drive/performance.

C

FYI, Dave from O of S did a review of his wife’s baseline Macan, only rear wheel drive (not the 4) without rear steering or many of your options.

 

[Wivenhoe]

Hi all
Was just trying to provide my honest assessment for each of the categories. This is a new process of reviewing cars using a format that I created. I really do love the car as does my wife. However It’s important to keep things real though on shortcomings that I see so we can encourage all manufacturers to improve. Happy to discuss all and perhaps we can do a follow up video with anyone interested in discussing /sharing your thoughts and feedback. I am just one owner providing my opinions and would be happy to share my platform with all of you to share your views too… thoughts?

Dave - I posted the video as I was really surprised at the score, having seen all of your earlier Macan videos. I found your previous videos informative and very watchable, but in the latest one I found the scores not to be representative of your previous findings or even some of your narrative. You previously were very impressed with the charging but scored it circa 50% and the one category I thought your scoring was so very different to previous reviews - you gave only 40% for drivability and complained about the acceleration, would you have complained if you were in a 4S or Turbo ?

Of course everyone is entitled to their opinions and should air well founded criticisms but shouldn't they be less subjective for intangibles such as value for money & brands for instance - if you can afford an expensive car then your view on value for money will be entirely different to someone who has little spare cash. I wouldn't find a $ 250k Rolls Royce value for money !

I understand your point about encouraging manufacturers to improve but that may be counter-productive if they see the points made as being too harsh or biased. Forgive me, but as a Brit, I find the constant use in US car reviews as Tesla's being the benchmark for all things EV to be wearisome - I took one for a test drive and my fridge has better panel gaps and the lack of a head up display (as an option) is in my (subjective) view unforgivable on a so called leading edge car.

I certainly will continue watching yours and the rest of the OutOfSpec teams reviews - as Cathy is so very happy with her Macan, why not let her review a Tesla and see if she scores it any more than 52 !!!!!

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