Should I upgrade to the S ?

[BruceS2]

I really like my 4, but since I did not get to order the options I want, I had to accept what was on the car...not bad at all but what if I upgraded to a custom ordered S? A few questions...

1. Is there enough difference between the S and the 4 that I should even care? Really less milage range on the S for normal driving? Have not driven the S yet but have driven the Turbo...it was very fast.

2. I do have a lease and I've gone about 1 year so far. I figure 6 to 8 months for new order to arrive? So I would be ~18 to 20 months down the road with the current lease depending on when I ordered. 7K miles to date.

And is there any general concern that Porsche will really cut back on building the EV considering the current market conditions?

Thanks for any feedback!

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[Wivenhoe]

I originally ordered a 4 but a cancellation meant I could option up a 4s instead and get a much quicker build. When I looked at the price increase I was pleasantly surprised as some of the options I wanted were cheaper or included in the 4S over the 4. I would do a quick comparison and see if the true additional cost in likely lease rates is worth it. I very rarely use the added acceleration but it is there for the occasions I do. The lease increase may reflect the better depreciation of say the S over the 4 or the other way round !

No doubt other members would think that you should wait and see what the GTS gives for the lease cost increase.

 

[CHP]

I really like my 4, but since I did not get to order the options I want, I had to accept what was on the car...not bad at all but what if I upgraded to a custom ordered S? A few questions...

1. Is there enough difference between the S and the 4 that I should even care? Really less milage range on the S for normal driving? Have not driven the S yet but have driven the Turbo...it was very fast.

2. I do have a lease and I've gone about 1 year so far. I figure 6 to 8 months for new order to arrive? So I would be ~18 to 20 months down the road with the current lease depending on when I ordered. 7K miles to date.

And is there any general concern that Porsche will really cut back on building the EV considering the current market conditions?

Thanks for any feedback!

I currently have a 4 loaner (5 weeks). It's slightly slower, in particular accelerating from standstill. It will depend on your overall driving style. The 4 is plenty fast. I suggest to spec both 4 and 4S as you like and have a look at differences in lease. Here in UK we have a shortage (as compared to Dec 24) of available stock cars, this may be due to new MY 26 though. I heard from Porsche dealer that they are now building by demand and no longer by factory capacity to avoid flooding the market.

 

[ColdCase]

When I compared 4 and 4S configurations months ago I did not find much difference in cost for the options I wanted. The wheels where a big $ swinger I think. Doesn't matter if you like standard wheels. There may be a couple options available on the S that are not available on the 4, like the locking rear dif I think.

 

[W1NGE]

When I compared 4 and 4S configurations months ago I did not find much difference in cost for the options I wanted. The wheels where a big $ swinger I think. Doesn't matter if you like standard wheels. There may be a couple options available on the S that are not available on the 4, like the locking rear dif I think.

PASM is standard on 4S
108 PS more on 4S
0 - 60 mph with launch control, 4S is 1 second quicker
Top speed 12 mph greater on 4S
170 Nm of additional torque on 4S
1 mile of range less when measured with standard wheels on 4S
larger disc brakes on 4S
PTV+ (torque vectoring) not available on 4
Matt black window surround on 4, 4S has chrome

In summary, if you're not that fussed on additional power then the main gain with the 4S (without adding options) is PASM and larger brakes.

 

[BruceS2]

Thanks all! I just saw the GTS in the configurator...another decision. Cheers

 

[Macan13000]

I honestly think it’s a bit unnecessary to go for the S version when the base RWD Macan EV is already extremely capable. The base car is not “slow” by any stretch — it delivers plenty of performance for everyday driving, and even spirited driving.

Upgrading just to get a few tenths faster to 100 km/h makes very little real-world difference. You’ll rarely use that extra power on public roads, and you certainly won’t feel it most of the time. The RWD version already has instant torque, smooth acceleration, and that typical Porsche handling balance.

For me, it makes much more sense to spend the extra budget on useful options: adaptive seats, premium audio, upgraded interior finishes, or driver assistance features. Those are things you enjoy every single day, not just during a 0–100 sprint.

So personally, I’d say: buy the base model, or keep the one you have. Configure it nicely, and enjoy it. You’ll have a fantastic car without paying for performance you don’t really need.

 

[ColdCase]

I honestly think it’s a bit unnecessary to go for the S version when the base RWD Macan EV is already extremely capable. The base car is not “slow” by any stretch — it delivers plenty of performance for everyday driving, and even spirited driving.

Upgrading just to get a few tenths faster to 100 km/h makes very little real-world difference. You’ll rarely use that extra power on public roads, and you certainly won’t feel it most of the time. The RWD version already has instant torque, smooth acceleration, and that typical Porsche handling balance.

For me, it makes much more sense to spend the extra budget on useful options: adaptive seats, premium audio, upgraded interior finishes, or driver assistance features. Those are things you enjoy every single day, not just during a 0–100 sprint.

So personally, I’d say: buy the base model, or keep the one you have. Configure it nicely, and enjoy it. You’ll have a fantastic car without paying for performance you don’t really need.

Usefulness and need is subjective. Thats why we want to define exactly the 4/4S difference and the member can make his own decision. This is a diverse group, I don't think there is a feature thats not useful enough to someone that is willing to pay for it..

For me, a Porsche, driving feel is necessary. The base Macan does that, especially if you like to swing the rear out. For any SUV, I want all wheel drive, a locking diff to deal with my icy driveway with less drama, rear wheel steering to make getting in an out of my garage easier, a trailer hitch, and superior stability. I don't want fancy leather in a SUV, or home theater class audio, just something durable and sounds good. There are a few cosmetic things for sure.

I'm pleasantly surprised by the stability PTV+ provides.

YMMV...

 

[Fluff]

I have a 4, after 2 I-Pace. its probably a little slower from zero, but mid range overtaking is superb. If you live in Germany, then the Turbo or GTS could be worthwhile. I think i'd struggle to use the faster acceleration in the UK.

 

[W1NGE]

I honestly think it’s a bit unnecessary to go for the S version when the base RWD Macan EV is already extremely capable. The base car is not “slow” by any stretch — it delivers plenty of performance for everyday driving, and even spirited driving.

Upgrading just to get a few tenths faster to 100 km/h makes very little real-world difference. You’ll rarely use that extra power on public roads, and you certainly won’t feel it most of the time. The RWD version already has instant torque, smooth acceleration, and that typical Porsche handling balance.

For me, it makes much more sense to spend the extra budget on useful options: adaptive seats, premium audio, upgraded interior finishes, or driver assistance features. Those are things you enjoy every single day, not just during a 0–100 sprint.

So personally, I’d say: buy the base model, or keep the one you have. Configure it nicely, and enjoy it. You’ll have a fantastic car without paying for performance you don’t really need.

We'd all rather have all wheel drive (safety and winter handling) so personally the RWD is not part of the equation.

 

[dwauch]

Sorry if i missed it, but how long is your current lease? If standard 36 months, you'll likely have a big negative equity hit getting out of your current lease early. Which would not make sense to me.

 

[jwatte]

The OP suggested he'd start ordering maybe 18 months from now, so planning ahead a long time

I think the speed matters, because I merge onto the freeway on very short onramps built in the early days of freeway construction around here ... plus, it's convenient to change lanes when otherwise the drivers here frequently see turn signals as a sign of weakness.

I think 4WD and rear wheel steering and adaptive suspension are highly valuable.

But, to each their own! If you are OK with the performance of the base car, then I highly recommend you also test out the Audi Q6 e-tron, just for comparison. It's the same platform, slightly different creature comforts, slightly different pricing plan. They don't have anything matching the Turbo, though.

 

[TomekGnomek]

4 is fine for the first EV but in any other case I would go for 4S

 

[dwauch]

The OP suggested he'd start ordering maybe 18 months from now, so planning ahead a long time

I think the speed matters, because I merge onto the freeway on very short onramps built in the early days of freeway construction around here ... plus, it's convenient to change lanes when otherwise the drivers here frequently see turn signals as a sign of weakness.

I think 4WD and rear wheel steering and adaptive suspension are highly valuable.

But, to each their own! If you are OK with the performance of the base car, then I highly recommend you also test out the Audi Q6 e-tron, just for comparison. It's the same platform, slightly different creature comforts, slightly different pricing plan. They don't have anything matching the Turbo, though.

re: potential negative equity...

Actually - his quote is "I do have a lease and I've gone about 1 year so far. I figure 6 to 8 months for new order to arrive? So I would be ~18 to 20 months down the road with the current lease depending on when I ordered."

Which makes it sound like he's ready to order now and would only be 18-20 months into the current lease when it arrives. If he has a 36 month lease, could be big negative hit. I can't see any performance boost worth it if that is the case. Perhaps he has a 24 month lease. Even so, I'd still time it closer to lease end if that is the case. I would not bank on a pull ahead program to get him out early.

 

[outie]

I had a Macan EV4 as loaner when I took my Taycan GTS in for recalls. My wife really liked it compared to my Taycan, but it felt really slow in my standard as it's the slowest car in my stable.

Last month before the tax credit ends I decided to lease one but spent a lot of time finding the right car. I almost pulled the trigger on a 4 CPO loaner but at the last minute I found another 4S CPO loaner that costed about the same with even better options, higher MSRP, and less mileage. I was considering to buy it out as it has 6 year warranty total being a '25 CPO. However, the GTS that just got revealed might change my mind...

The time it takes from spec to delivery really comes down to allocation. The dealer will be able to tell you the expected delivery timeline if they have an allocation available, so you may want to ask around. From allocation lock to delivery it took 6 months total for my 911, which was delayed by 2 months waiting at German port. This is in SoCal.

If I had a 4 I'd want to get the GTS, not 4S.

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