I cannot comment on exterior as it's very personal but I have a 2022 S in Night Blue and changed the Brake calipers to Black, I thought the RED was too much and changed the window trims to black, Chrome trim looks awful after a few years. Cannot shine them up with any product. I left the taillights as standard. I think with your Exterior that would also look sharp. As for the Sound System, it's Budget. If you can afford to spend the $$ on Burm then by all means....Good Luck and Enjoy!!
2024 Macan S Build Critique Please
HI everyone,
Background: I have a 2015 Macan S with about 74k that I've had for a little over 8 years. I was fortunate to find a salesperson who really knew the car and guided me through the customization process. Midnight Blue with tan interior, it has wood (walnut) inlays and a walnut heated steering well, 14-way seats, AS, ACC, cargo storage system, and Bose. I've loved this car and serviced it regularly at the dealer, but it hasn't loved me back, developing just about every problem described in the forums (oil leak, coolant leak, CV joint). As a result, I've had a chance to drive every loaner configuration except the GTS for a few days to a couple of weeks at a time. So, what to do now that it's running perfectly? Well, sell it, of course, and order a new one (and hope for greater reliability). I momentarily considered the Genesis GV70, but the dealer was so horrible and unknowledgeable that I took that as a sign and ran right back to Porsche. I also didn't appreciate how much they "borrowed" from Porsche and Bentley. (Check out how the liftgate opens and closes and the A/C controls, and you'll see what I mean).
After comparing and driving the base, T and S, I'm sticking with the S. I read on forums that having a lot of options might advise moving up to the GTS, but it isn't for me. The difference was about $13k (my build prices out at $92k for a 2024); dealer is willing to take about 3% off. I'm planning to lease it and will likely buy at the end of the lease.
This is the build code for my anticipated 2024 vehicle: Macan S | Porsche Car Configurator
Choosing a Sound System: I've added on the Burmester sound system after carefully going back and forth between two Macans parked side by side. I streamed from Apple Music, so it wasn't the purest sound source for comparison, but I could definitely hear significant differences. Both were set at "0" for bass and treble. On classical music passages, the flute sounds on the Burmester were even and balanced, could hear the "bite" of the instrument, same with a harmonica blues passage. On the Bose, the flute was unbalanced, overly colored, and even harsh sounding at high registers. The harmonica was less detailed, and I couldn't hear the "bite." Piano on the Burmester was more resonant and natural sounding, more muddled on the Bose. Finally, both male and female singing voices and jazz orchestral sounds were more balanced, natural-sounding, and detailed on, you guessed it, the Burmester. When I went back into the Bose one last time, it was so much less enjoyable, even though I'd been listening to an older Bose model for 8 years.
Interior Choices: I'd really appreciate feedback about the difference between getting a stock interior, such as Agate Grey, black, or tan, versus paying for an upgrade to Pebble Grey. If anyone has pictures with any of these interiors or thoughts on pairing with the Copper Ruby Metallic, I would welcome that. For the seat itself, I'm going with the 14-way comfort, I'm just not an 18-way seat person. Little too snug, and the bolster bulge makes it hard to get in (back and hip issues). Wish I liked it better, great concept.
Interior Trim: I'm planning on going with the Anthracite Chestnut, but haven't actually seen it. I think that would go with black, Agate Grey, or Pebble Grey interior material. Would love to hear what others think or if anyone has a picture to share. Considered the brushed aluminum and welcome thoughts. Didn't care for the carbon fiber, the pattern was too big for my taste. Really think I'm going to miss the pre-2022 center switches. In my opinion, they were perfect, and the matte finish looks to be quite durable. Eight years later, they look brand-new. Also, don't love the haptic glossy black piano design. I never had to look down to operate the older ones.
Steering Wheel: I'm getting a heated wheel again (even in Southern California, love it in the morning and nighttime), but am uncertain whether to upgrade from the standard wheel to GT style. Again, welcome your thoughts.
Ionizer? I don't have it now, but sitting in heavy traffic frequently, I'm wondering if this might be a good investment. Thoughts?
Clear Rear LED Taillights? I think they look cool, worth $200, so of course, it is just under $1,000. Porsche Dollars. Do others like them with this build, or should I keep the standard lights?
Thanks for your thoughts and feedback. I've probably spent hours reading on this forum and added several thousand in features as a result (case in point... PTV+ for driving through the Los Angeles canyons which I do quite a bit).
Best,
Bruce
Background: I have a 2015 Macan S with about 74k that I've had for a little over 8 years. I was fortunate to find a salesperson who really knew the car and guided me through the customization process. Midnight Blue with tan interior, it has wood (walnut) inlays and a walnut heated steering well, 14-way seats, AS, ACC, cargo storage system, and Bose. I've loved this car and serviced it regularly at the dealer, but it hasn't loved me back, developing just about every problem described in the forums (oil leak, coolant leak, CV joint). As a result, I've had a chance to drive every loaner configuration except the GTS for a few days to a couple of weeks at a time. So, what to do now that it's running perfectly? Well, sell it, of course, and order a new one (and hope for greater reliability). I momentarily considered the Genesis GV70, but the dealer was so horrible and unknowledgeable that I took that as a sign and ran right back to Porsche. I also didn't appreciate how much they "borrowed" from Porsche and Bentley. (Check out how the liftgate opens and closes and the A/C controls, and you'll see what I mean).
After comparing and driving the base, T and S, I'm sticking with the S. I read on forums that having a lot of options might advise moving up to the GTS, but it isn't for me. The difference was about $13k (my build prices out at $92k for a 2024); dealer is willing to take about 3% off. I'm planning to lease it and will likely buy at the end of the lease.
This is the build code for my anticipated 2024 vehicle: Macan S | Porsche Car Configurator
Choosing a Sound System: I've added on the Burmester sound system after carefully going back and forth between two Macans parked side by side. I streamed from Apple Music, so it wasn't the purest sound source for comparison, but I could definitely hear significant differences. Both were set at "0" for bass and treble. On classical music passages, the flute sounds on the Burmester were even and balanced, could hear the "bite" of the instrument, same with a harmonica blues passage. On the Bose, the flute was unbalanced, overly colored, and even harsh sounding at high registers. The harmonica was less detailed, and I couldn't hear the "bite." Piano on the Burmester was more resonant and natural sounding, more muddled on the Bose. Finally, both male and female singing voices and jazz orchestral sounds were more balanced, natural-sounding, and detailed on, you guessed it, the Burmester. When I went back into the Bose one last time, it was so much less enjoyable, even though I'd been listening to an older Bose model for 8 years.
Interior Choices: I'd really appreciate feedback about the difference between getting a stock interior, such as Agate Grey, black, or tan, versus paying for an upgrade to Pebble Grey. If anyone has pictures with any of these interiors or thoughts on pairing with the Copper Ruby Metallic, I would welcome that. For the seat itself, I'm going with the 14-way comfort, I'm just not an 18-way seat person. Little too snug, and the bolster bulge makes it hard to get in (back and hip issues). Wish I liked it better, great concept.
Interior Trim: I'm planning on going with the Anthracite Chestnut, but haven't actually seen it. I think that would go with black, Agate Grey, or Pebble Grey interior material. Would love to hear what others think or if anyone has a picture to share. Considered the brushed aluminum and welcome thoughts. Didn't care for the carbon fiber, the pattern was too big for my taste. Really think I'm going to miss the pre-2022 center switches. In my opinion, they were perfect, and the matte finish looks to be quite durable. Eight years later, they look brand-new. Also, don't love the haptic glossy black piano design. I never had to look down to operate the older ones.
Steering Wheel: I'm getting a heated wheel again (even in Southern California, love it in the morning and nighttime), but am uncertain whether to upgrade from the standard wheel to GT style. Again, welcome your thoughts.
Ionizer? I don't have it now, but sitting in heavy traffic frequently, I'm wondering if this might be a good investment. Thoughts?
Clear Rear LED Taillights? I think they look cool, worth $200, so of course, it is just under $1,000. Porsche Dollars. Do others like them with this build, or should I keep the standard lights?
Thanks for your thoughts and feedback. I've probably spent hours reading on this forum and added several thousand in features as a result (case in point... PTV+ for driving through the Los Angeles canyons which I do quite a bit).
Best,
Bruce
1 - 19 of 19 Posts
The copper ruby metallic works with them all, no wrong choice.Interior Choices: I'd really appreciate feedback about the difference between getting a stock interior, such as Agate Grey, black, or tan, versus paying for an upgrade to Pebble Grey. If anyone has pictures with any of these interiors or thoughts on pairing with the Copper Ruby Metallic, I would welcome that. For the seat itself, I'm going with the 14-way comfort, I'm just not an 18-way seat person. Little too snug, and the bolster bulge makes it hard to get in (back and hip issues). Wish I liked it better, great concept.
Interior Trim:
I didn't like the look of aluminium with the copper ruby - in fact finding a trim that went was so tricky it made me consider a different colour. I think anthracite is probably the best one of the lot, definitely - piano black also looked OK in the flesh but I also don't like it.I'm planning on going with the Anthracite Chestnut, but haven't actually seen it. I think that would go with black, Agate Grey, or Pebble Grey interior material. Would love to hear what others think or if anyone has a picture to share. Considered the brushed aluminum and welcome thoughts. Didn't care for the carbon fiber, the pattern was too big for my taste. Really think I'm going to miss the pre-2022 center switches. In my opinion, they were perfect, and the matte finish looks to be quite durable. Eight years later, they look brand-new. Also, don't love the haptic glossy black piano design. I never had to look down to operate the older ones.
Try them if you can. The GT wheel is a little smaller and gives you a bit of sportiness in it's so easy to rotate the car using it, but dials are more visible through the normal wheel if seating position is higher.Steering Wheel: I'm getting a heated wheel again (even in Southern California, love it in the morning and nighttime), but am uncertain whether to upgrade from the standard wheel to GT style. Again, welcome your thoughts.
With the copper ruby, yes, must have clear IMHO or the reds will clash. Ditto get black calipers.Clear Rear LED Taillights? I think they look cool, worth $200, so of course, it is just under $1,000. Porsche Dollars. Do others like them with this build, or should I keep the standard lights?
I have a 2022 S in chalk. Like the standard taillights better. Would pay extra if they were the option. I use the SportChrono almost every time I drive it. Sport obviates the need for pedal commander IMO. Maybe only drive in sport 10% of the time, but nice to quickly shift back and forth.
It's your car, but...
Personally, I'd black out the chrome trim and the chrome model designation.
Sound system - Be aware that there could still be shortages and delays on both Burmester & Bose stereo upgrades. My '23 Macan S arrived at the dealer March 25th absent the Burmester amp and I just picked 2 nights ago when they finally received the amp - almost 9 weeks later. Ironically, I had an ear infection which totally messed up my hearing, but even on the short drive home with one good ear I could tell the stereo was way belter then the Bose system I had in my 2020 Macan. If you like music you'll be happy with it.
Interior - I don't think you "need" to go above the standard interior. I happen to like the pebble interior as well but it's not cheap. For some strange reason the pebble is cheaper on the Macan T - 2,140 v 3,880. I would have been tempted to do the pebble if it was the same price in the S as it is in the T. I usually don't like wood on a Porsche but the Anthracite is nice.
Steering Wheel - The standard one feels perfect to me, but to each his own...
Clear taillights. I think the clear looks way better with the Copper Ruby. I disagree with the person who said to get rid of the red brake calipers - I like them with the Copper Ruby.
Personally, I'd black out the chrome trim and the chrome model designation.
Sound system - Be aware that there could still be shortages and delays on both Burmester & Bose stereo upgrades. My '23 Macan S arrived at the dealer March 25th absent the Burmester amp and I just picked 2 nights ago when they finally received the amp - almost 9 weeks later. Ironically, I had an ear infection which totally messed up my hearing, but even on the short drive home with one good ear I could tell the stereo was way belter then the Bose system I had in my 2020 Macan. If you like music you'll be happy with it.
Interior - I don't think you "need" to go above the standard interior. I happen to like the pebble interior as well but it's not cheap. For some strange reason the pebble is cheaper on the Macan T - 2,140 v 3,880. I would have been tempted to do the pebble if it was the same price in the S as it is in the T. I usually don't like wood on a Porsche but the Anthracite is nice.
Steering Wheel - The standard one feels perfect to me, but to each his own...
Clear taillights. I think the clear looks way better with the Copper Ruby. I disagree with the person who said to get rid of the red brake calipers - I like them with the Copper Ruby.
So as above said another copper ruby owner popping in.
I don have clear tail lights standard look good IMO. U need pics video lemme know.
Red calipers look dope .. i was in same boat again if u need pics or videos lemme know..
Standard interior is good.. i got matching key from amazon saving hundreds what porshe charges.. mine was 12 bucks…
Sound system mine is standard and is good enough..
I don have clear tail lights standard look good IMO. U need pics video lemme know.
Red calipers look dope .. i was in same boat again if u need pics or videos lemme know..
Standard interior is good.. i got matching key from amazon saving hundreds what porshe charges.. mine was 12 bucks…
Sound system mine is standard and is good enough..
This was really helpful. I can say that I have chrome trim now and it's held up well after 8 years (car in the driveway). My current calipers are silver, never thought about changing them. Thanks!I cannot comment on exterior as it's very personal but I have a 2022 S in Night Blue and changed the Brake calipers to Black, I thought the RED was too much and changed the window trims to black, Chrome trim looks awful after a few years. Cannot shine them up with any product. I left the taillights as standard. I think with your Exterior that would also look sharp. As for the Sound System, it's Budget. If you can afford to spend the $$ on Burm then by all means....Good Luck and Enjoy!!
Wow. What great detailed feedback. Helpful observation on the GT vs standard steering wheel. I will definitely pay closer attention to the differences. I'm the same on the piano black, there would just be too much of it. Going to go have a look at different interior colors today to try to nail it down.The copper ruby metallic works with them all, no wrong choice.
I didn't like the look of aluminium with the copper ruby - in fact finding a trim that went was so tricky it made me consider a different colour. I think anthracite is probably the best one of the lot, definitely - piano black also looked OK in the flesh but I also don't like it.
Try them if you can. The GT wheel is a little smaller and gives you a bit of sportiness in it's so easy to rotate the car using it, but dials are more visible through the normal wheel if seating position is higher.
With the copper ruby, yes, must have clear IMHO or the reds will clash. Ditto get black calipers.
I had a problem with my 2015 Macan where the polished black vertical trim panels looked horrible after just a few years. Finally replaced them, of course, well after the warranty expired. Appreciate the caution on the sound system, I'm going to roll the dice and hope for the best. That's interesting on the price difference for Pebble interior, noticed those kinds of difference between models on several features. Congrats Porsche. Plan to examine the steering wheels, been perfectly happy with my heated standard one. I've always wanted red brake calipers, so probably not going to change it. Thanks for all your feedback.It's your car, but...
Personally, I'd black out the chrome trim and the chrome model designation.
Sound system - Be aware that there could still be shortages and delays on both Burmester & Bose stereo upgrades. My '23 Macan S arrived at the dealer March 25th absent the Burmester amp and I just picked 2 nights ago when they finally received the amp - almost 9 weeks later. Ironically, I had an ear infection which totally messed up my hearing, but even on the short drive home with one good ear I could tell the stereo was way belter then the Bose system I had in my 2020 Macan. If you like music you'll be happy with it.
Interior - I don't think you "need" to go above the standard interior. I happen to like the pebble interior as well but it's not cheap. For some strange reason the pebble is cheaper on the Macan T - 2,140 v 3,880. I would have been tempted to do the pebble if it was the same price in the S as it is in the T. I usually don't like wood on a Porsche but the Anthracite is nice.
Steering Wheel - The standard one feels perfect to me, but to each his own...
Clear taillights. I think the clear looks way better with the Copper Ruby. I disagree with the person who said to get rid of the red brake calipers - I like them with the Copper Ruby.
I enjoyed the SC on the 4 cyl loaner I had, but didn't think I'd use it on the S. Will have to think about this one. Thanks!I have a 2022 S in chalk. Like the standard taillights better. Would pay extra if they were the option. I use the SportChrono almost every time I drive it. Sport obviates the need for pedal commander IMO. Maybe only drive in sport 10% of the time, but nice to quickly shift back and forth.
Thanks for the feedback. Out of curiosity, which window trim did you go with? I guess the choices are base plastic, chrome, and high gloss black. Could go with any of them. As for sound, I'm going to listen again just to make sure my ears weren't fooling me. Hope that I can find Agate Grey, the $4k for pebble is hard to swallow.So as above said another copper ruby owner popping in.
I don have clear tail lights standard look good IMO. U need pics video lemme know.
Red calipers look dope .. i was in same boat again if u need pics or videos lemme know..
Standard interior is good.. i got matching key from amazon saving hundreds what porshe charges.. mine was 12 bucks…
Sound system mine is standard and is good enough..
Are you an audiophile? I feel the standard audio is decent PLUS I find myself turning down the volume knob just to hear the engine roar 
For $5700 I would use that elsewhere and I am I drummer so I do like my clean audio, its up to you though. I like the standard system just fine - plus you can use that money towards PPF or Ceramic later
I am a sucker for my black interior - looks really mean and slick
For $5700 I would use that elsewhere and I am I drummer so I do like my clean audio, its up to you though. I like the standard system just fine - plus you can use that money towards PPF or Ceramic later
I am a sucker for my black interior - looks really mean and slick
I might be an audiophile. It was a family business years back (Gale Speakers) and Gale Turntable. Since you're a drummer, perhaps this? Gale Album - Percussion.(If you want a link to the MP3, let me know) My brother was great friends with Ray Cooper who has played with Elton John, met him a few times, been trying to track him down related to a book I'm writing about my brother.Are you an audiophile? I feel the standard audio is decent PLUS I find myself turning down the volume knob just to hear the engine roar
For $5700 I would use that elsewhere and I am I drummer so I do like my clean audio, its up to you though. I like the standard system just fine - plus you can use that money towards PPF or Ceramic later
I am a sucker for my black interior - looks really mean and slick
I plan to give them a second listen and compare to the base system. I haven't done that yet, just Bose. I searched through the configurator and couldn't figure out what PPF was. As for ceramic brakes, those can be added afterward for less than $4400? Really appreciate the comments. As for interior, I'm all over the place. black may be an option. Thanks!
I went back and looked again. Don't know that I'll change the calipers, but I'm planning to now change the window trim to gloss black and think I'm going to drop the clear tailights.I cannot comment on exterior as it's very personal but I have a 2022 S in Night Blue and changed the Brake calipers to Black, I thought the RED was too much and changed the window trims to black, Chrome trim looks awful after a few years. Cannot shine them up with any product. I left the taillights as standard. I think with your Exterior that would also look sharp. As for the Sound System, it's Budget. If you can afford to spend the $$ on Burm then by all means....Good Luck and Enjoy!!
Thanks to you and a couple of other posts, went back and looked at taillights among other details. Switching back to standard. As for SC, maybe I don't fully understand it. If I have AS, doesn't setting AS to Sport Plus and turning on Sport Mode do the same thing? I watched the video of the stopwatch function and don't see myself ever using that. Still, it certainly was fun when I tried it. Still debating between the heated Standard steering wheel and GT. Seems like SC requires the latter. So many choices...I have a 2022 S in chalk. Like the standard taillights better. Would pay extra if they were the option. I use the SportChrono almost every time I drive it. Sport obviates the need for pedal commander IMO. Maybe only drive in sport 10% of the time, but nice to quickly shift back and forth.
I think you are in the minority opinion on this forum. The base stereo is meh. The Bose is decent. The Burmester is nice. I have the base stereo in my wife's '23 Cayenne and I'm disappointed with the sound every time I get in the car.Are you an audiophile? I feel the standard audio is decent...
PPF = Paint Protection Film. It's not a factory option but a clear film that you can get put on over the paint to protect it from rocks etc. Lots of info on this forum about PPF if you search for it.I searched through the configurator and couldn't figure out what PPF was.
Thanks, will check it out. I guess I've been pretty lucky with my 2015 Macan.I think you are in the minority opinion on this forum. The base stereo is meh. The Bose is decent. The Burmester is nice. I have the base stereo in my wife's '23 Cayenne and I'm disappointed with the sound every time I get in the car.
PPF = Paint Protection Film. It's not a factory option but a clear film that you can get put on over the paint to protect it from rocks etc. Lots of info on this forum about PPF if you search for it.
I regretted getting Burmester on my old Turbo. Didn’t matter at all with the resale value and when I got into my new Turbo with base audio, my wife and I couldn’t tell a huge difference. I would use the money elsewhere, but I can also understand if you choose to spring for it. Some people have 10k+ home audiophile setups, what’s a few K for your car. I just figured out that I don’t have audiophile ears.
I am definitely going to have a listen again. Wish there was a way to do a blind listening test. I heard marked differences between the Bose and Burm, but didn't really consider it and Base. Not interested in resell since I will likely lease it then purchase when the lease is up. Thanks for your comments. I'm so grateful to you and others who have weighed in on my choices.
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