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

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 - Macan's throttle is attached from the top, not at the floor like Taycan or other sports car, I really hate that.

I think I will only drive the Macan in sport settings, while I usually stick to normal on the Taycan (mostly London driving..)

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., I can see how some people may prefer one or the other (of course getting in & out from the Macan is way easier)

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 . I did spec the red leather on the Macan which I love and now it makes my Taycan black interiors a bit sad.

Rear Passenger Space
I haven't carried my 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 when I will be forced.

Infotainement
Not even a comparison here, Macan is way faster and more reactive, I also love the ambient lights used to signal many operations, I wish the Taycan had the same. The Play Store with Youtube, Amazon Music, Podcast apps and a few games is really good, I hope developers will push more apps there. With Android Auto connected the Macan driver's display can show the full map with all info + directions (only thing available on the Taycan) which is also great.

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 valuable 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

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.

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.

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

andics said:

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

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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 maybe as a second car (I wish)

Today I realised the big difference on the pedals feel....Macan's throttle is attached at the top instead of the floor like the Taycan (or any other sports car I've ever had..)

That is big down for me

@andics @grizzler Macan 4 vs Taycan ct 4 here
Same conclusions , specially the lack of regen button is sad, and even more so now that I drove 3500 km.
The Macan's consumption is a little lower at low speed, I am much less convinced above 110 km/h, the SCX factor of the Taycan is better.
I was able to negotiate to keep my Taycan PMCC, but too bad programming charging for a departure time does not work properly.
My only regret is not having been able to change my pre-order Macan for a Macan 4s; it was built very early , without my salesman warning me of this fact
Finally, very happy with the Macan 4

andics said:

Today I realised the big difference on the pedals feel....Macan's throttle is attached at the top instead of the floor like the Taycan (or any other sports car I've ever had..)

That is big down for me

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That's a plus for me.

I test-drove a Taycan and the accelerator pedal-angle caused some minor pain. +1 for the Macan EV.

EDIT - I just got in my car (BMW iX3) and realised instantly it has a floor-attached pedal - DOH! Most of my previous cars have been BMW so this is actually what I am used to - the Taycan pedal angle was still an issue.

I guess in a sports car, you are in a flatter position so a floor pedal is better.

Every other car I've had has been the same in this regard, so I'm glad the Macan is built this way. Curious as to why though.

4sCT21 said:

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.

Click to expand...

I have a Macan 4 and a 2025 RWD (loaner for a few weeks, my CT4 is getting battery service done).

First, "I" prefer the Taycan wagon. My wife, the Macan.

The macan drives "less good" but it drives great. The Taycan feels much more sports car like and feel to it. The macan having a taller profile and being an suv is probalby a bit more compliant chassis. The Macan has better visibility and probably comfort. The Taycan pulls a fair bit harder. The Taycan gets a little better efficiency, although both Macan 4 and Taycan RWD are better than my 2022 CT4, by a fair amount. I think the Taycan feels a bit more premium overall. This is hard to explain.

I'm not sure if one or the other is really more 'usable' (comparing wagon to suv). I think they are probably pretty close in practice. I think which you prefer really comes down to which profile/style of vehicle you prefer.

My wife is averaging mixed driving 3.6-3.8 mi/kwh
The Taycan RWD a tick better than that for me, but I also have a heavier foot. I think ultimate cruising range Taycan will be better. In normal around town day to day use, I think they end up being pretty close.

BTW: The 2025 Taycan doesn't have a regen button either, you have to program one of the diamond buttons for it or find it in the PCM.

Spyerx said:

I have a Macan 4 and a 2025 RWD (loaner for a few weeks, my CT4 is getting battery service done).

First, "I" prefer the Taycan wagon. My wife, the Macan.

The macan drives "less good" but it drives great. The Taycan feels much more sports car like and feel to it. The macan having a taller profile and being an suv is probalby a bit more compliant chassis. The Macan has better visibility and probably comfort. The Taycan pulls a fair bit harder. The Taycan gets a little better efficiency, although both Macan 4 and Taycan RWD are better than my 2022 CT4, by a fair amount. I think the Taycan feels a bit more premium overall. This is hard to explain.

I'm not sure if one or the other is really more 'usable' (comparing wagon to suv). I think they are probably pretty close in practice. I think which you prefer really comes down to which profile/style of vehicle you prefer.

My wife is averaging mixed driving 3.6-3.8 mi/kwh
The Taycan RWD a tick better than that for me, but I also have a heavier foot. I think ultimate cruising range Taycan will be better. In normal around town day to day use, I think they end up being pretty close.

Click to expand...

Thanks for that info.

Cruising range is king for me, was caught out on my other EV purchase and lost alot of money (for me).

The Macan will have a shorter cruising range than Taycan, so I might consider going Macan 4s if I'm going to have to charge on the way back from work anyway.

Thank you all for this excellent thread. Question please, for I have not yet driven a Macan Turbo with Sport Chrono (so have not experienced Sport Plus mode) but does the Macan pull harder in Sport Plus mode than it does in Sport mode? Reason I am asking is that in Sport Plus mode using “Push to Pass” on a 2025 CT 4S, it feels as if the Taycan accelerates faster to 60 than the Macan Turbo in Sport mode. Any input please?

Spyerx said:

I have a Macan 4 and a 2025 RWD (loaner for a few weeks, my CT4 is getting battery service done).

First, "I" prefer the Taycan wagon. My wife, the Macan.

The macan drives "less good" but it drives great. The Taycan feels much more sports car like and feel to it. The macan having a taller profile and being an suv is probalby a bit more compliant chassis. The Macan has better visibility and probably comfort. The Taycan pulls a fair bit harder. The Taycan gets a little better efficiency, although both Macan 4 and Taycan RWD are better than my 2022 CT4, by a fair amount. I think the Taycan feels a bit more premium overall. This is hard to explain.

I'm not sure if one or the other is really more 'usable' (comparing wagon to suv). I think they are probably pretty close in practice. I think which you prefer really comes down to which profile/style of vehicle you prefer.

My wife is averaging mixed driving 3.6-3.8 mi/kwh
The Taycan RWD a tick better than that for me, but I also have a heavier foot. I think ultimate cruising range Taycan will be better. In normal around town day to day use, I think they end up being pretty close.

BTW: The 2025 Taycan doesn't have a regen button either, you have to program one of the diamond buttons for it or find it in the PCM.

Click to expand...

I would like to chime in on the 2025 Taycan regen. Yes, the dedicated button is gone, so diamond on the steering wheel can be programmed to mimic previous gen, however, Taycan actually still has driver configurable regen off/on/auto modes where Macan EV does not. I am fully aware that both have regen behind the scenes at all times not manageable by the driver. The other super inconvenient change on the 2025 is the cruise control stock that is flipped with speed +/- up/down vs. forward/back, which is unfortunately the same setup in the Macan EV.

Fun TC Driving said:

Thank you all for this excellent thread. Question please, for I have not yet driven a Macan Turbo with Sport Chrono (so have not experienced Sport Plus mode) but does the Macan pull harder in Sport Plus mode than it does in Sport mode? Reason I am asking is that in Sport Plus mode using “Push to Pass” on a 2025 CT 4S, it feels as if the Taycan accelerates faster to 60 than the Macan Turbo in Sport mode. Any input please?

Click to expand...

Unfortunately both my cars don't have sport chrono, so I can only comment on "Sport"

SergeyIndy said:

I would like to chime in on the 2025 Taycan regen. Yes, the dedicated button is gone, so diamond on the steering wheel can be programmed to mimic previous gen, however, Taycan actually still has driver configurable regen off/on/auto modes where Macan EV does not. I am fully aware that both have regen behind the scenes at all times not manageable by the driver. The other super inconvenient change on the 2025 is the cruise control stock that is flipped with speed +/- up/down vs. forward/back, which is unfortunately the same setup in the Macan EV.

Click to expand...

Exactly, the button can be mapped but there is no AUTO function for the Macan (even if I have the cameras from ACC).

Also there is no screen button to "lift" (and then save the location on the PCM prompt) like in the Taycan, so on the Macan I am using the diamond button for that which is very helfpul in the city with all the bumps.

A

Haven’t needed lift and i live in an area with very steep hills and driveways. Normal height is fine. Not same for taycan which i use lift often.

i never found auto regen useful. If you’re using innodrive it is sort of the same thing. It just auto brakes and will regen.

i have the diamond mapped to top view for parking.