Macan 4S vs Taycan ST 4S -- my impressions & review

[andics]

I finally got my Macan 4S and even if I only driven 100miles so far, these are my first impressions compared to the Taycan 4S

Driving
There are lots of differences here: Macan pedals have lots more travel than the Taycan, making it more relaxing and delivering a more progressive feeling; however not as sporty as the Taycan, no matter if it is in Normal or Sports modes. The steering wheel is slightly different too, if I am not wrong a tiny bigger than the Taycan.

Cornering seems to be great, but of course, you feel the height (both cars have air suspension), however, I only have rear-axle steering on the Macan, and in my opinion, it is a MUST have spec, it really makes the car more nimble both at low and high speed - manoeuvring my Tacyan now seems like moving a tank (despite having power steering..)

Acceleration seems to be similar but the pedals being so different provide a very different feeling, I will update the post when I'll do more miles with the Macan

Overall Quality
They are siblings, but there is no way that can be classified as the same class. You can feel the "weight" of the doors when you open and close, by the overall refinements in the cabin (even if, to be fair, I have extended leather in the Taycan and regular leather on the Macan). I also mixed the seats, with 14 way on the Macan which are way more comfortable but a bit slippery compared to the 18 way on the Taycan. Seating position is clearly different given the nature of the 2 vehicles.

Charging
Just a tiny note to say that using the Porsche mobile charge (very disappointed to find out it didn't come included in the Macan) on UK 3 pin, I can get 2.2kw/h on the Taycan and 2.4 kw/h on the Macan, so something better there.

Looks
Extremely subjective I know, I really like the Macan, especially in person, but there is nothing that comes closer to the ST taycan unless we talk 911

Rear Passenger Space
I haven't carried 4y old in the Macan yet, but I installed the same Porche child seat in the 2 cars (with the same lifesafer seats protection) and honestly I think the Taycan ST may have the same space in the back for the kid....main comfort being the height and the seat inclination. I don't plan to carry adults in the back as they are annoying....but I'll check if I will be forced.

Infotainement
Not even a comparison here, Macan is way faster and reactive, I also love the ambient lights used to signal many operations, I wish the Taycan had the same.

Range
Too early and also the Macan got out from the dealership under the snow ( !!!), however as of today with 80% charge my Taycan (performance battery+) is quoting 185miles, the Macan 235miles. Probably too early to judge, but Macan is a clear winner

Other Options
I have the pano roof on both, on the Taycan I thought it was a must option and while I still like it a lot, as a driver I don't really have any benefits from it, waaay better option in the Macan with the options to cover it from the inside and to open it...

I am disappointed the removed the "auto-regen" mode on the Macan, as I always use that on the Taycan so I can mix and match the smooth sailing with regen when there is a car in front.

The Macan central console is also much better, however the armrest not being adjustable in length is a bit annoying (especially for not-so-tall people)

Overall I am super happy with both cars, but I can't see how people are swapping one for the other

 

[4sCT21]

I will be test driving both on Tuesday, a Macan 4 and a Taycan rwd. Looking forward to the comparison.

I've wanted a Taycan since the first press image, but I want to remain objective.

Ultimately best range / performance mix is what i want.

On paper the Taycan wins that (comparing rwd / rwd).

Hope to see a range test of the Macan RWD soon.

I was VERY impressed with the speed of the Macan infotainment when I had a quick look at one.

 

[grizzler]

Changed from a taycan 4S (ST) to a macan turbo.
Both good cars and i agree in many points with you. For me the both gamechangers are easy entering and leaving the driver seat and the loss of length. The loss of length gives the macan a little "hot hatch" character with daily qualities. I like the macan very much and get rid of the "different pedal feeling" via Sport +.
Only my conclusion: I would order the next macan turbo if someone crashes the current.

 

[4sCT21]

Wish the turbo had the range I need, I bet it's great fun

 

[shawn]

I finally got my Macan 4S and even if I only driven 100miles so far, these are my first impressions compared to the Taycan 4S

Driving
There are lots of differences here: Macan pedals have lots more travel than the Taycan, making it more relaxing and delivering a more progressive feeling; however not as sporty as the Taycan, no matter if it is in Normal or Sports modes. The steering wheel is slightly different too, if I am not wrong a tiny bigger than the Taycan.

Cornering seems to be great, but of course, you feel the height (both cars have air suspension), however, I only have rear-axle steering on the Macan, and in my opinion, it is a MUST have spec, it really makes the car more nimble both at low and high speed - manoeuvring my Tacyan now seems like moving a tank (despite having power steering..)

Acceleration seems to be similar but the pedals being so different provide a very different feeling, I will update the post when I'll do more miles with the Macan

Overall Quality
They are siblings, but there is no way that can be classified as the same class. You can feel the "weight" of the doors when you open and close, by the overall refinements in the cabin (even if, to be fair, I have extended leather in the Taycan and regular leather on the Macan). I also mixed the seats, with 14 way on the Macan which are way more comfortable but a bit slippery compared to the 18 way on the Taycan. Seating position is clearly different given the nature of the 2 vehicles.

Charging
Just a tiny note to say that using the Porsche mobile charge (very disappointed to find out it didn't come included in the Macan) on UK 3 pin, I can get 2.2kw/h on the Taycan and 2.4 kw/h on the Macan, so something better there.

Looks
Extremely subjective I know, I really like the Macan, especially in person, but there is nothing that comes closer to the ST taycan unless we talk 911

Rear Passenger Space
I haven't carried 4y old in the Macan yet, but I installed the same Porche child seat in the 2 cars (with the same lifesafer seats protection) and honestly I think the Taycan ST may have the same space in the back for the kid....main comfort being the height and the seat inclination. I don't plan to carry adults in the back as they are annoying....but I'll check if I will be forced.

Infotainement
Not even a comparison here, Macan is way faster and reactive, I also love the ambient lights used to signal many operations, I wish the Taycan had the same.

Range
Too early and also the Macan got out from the dealership under the snow ( !!!), however as of today with 80% charge my Taycan (performance battery+) is quoting 185miles, the Macan 235miles. Probably too early to judge, but Macan is a clear winner

Other Options
I have the pano roof on both, on the Taycan I thought it was a must option and while I still like it a lot, as a driver I don't really have any benefits from it, waaay better option in the Macan with the options to cover it from the inside and to open it...

I am disappointed the removed the "auto-regen" mode on the Macan, as I always use that on the Taycan so I can mix and match the smooth sailing with regen when there is a car in front.

The Macan central console is also much better, however the armrest not being adjustable in length is a bit annoying (especially for not-so-tall people)

Overall I am super happy with both cars, but I can't see how people are swapping one for the other

Nice review. I don’t have one to swap but after test driving I can see plenty of reasons to swap the pre 2025 Taycan. Trunk space, range and ride height including visibility of where the front end is being the main reasons but also the drive experience with rear axle steering makes the Macan feel smaller parking and city driving. Mind you I don’t particularly like long low riding cars so there is that bias. I guess I am more of a small SUV person and I like the higher seating position for getting in and out including loading stuff in/out of the trunk. This does not mean I would not try out an electric 911 because …well who wouldn’t