Comparing 2021 Macan with my 2017...for a possible upgrade

1750 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by macanblue, Apr 22, 2022

macanblue

Discussion Starter · Apr 21, 2022

So I finally ended up getting a loaner that is 2021 (base model) and had it for few days. Here are my thoughts on the face lift (comparing to my MY2017 Macan S - 95B):

Other than PCM and air vents relocation to accommodate the wider screen, I did not notice any changes in the interior. Are there any other changes?

That said, here are my observations after spending few days on these two items:

1. Older Vents are much better as we can get air a little higher up than this new one, where air is almost hitting tummy area but not that much up. What are your experiences for those who experienced these vents and older vents?

2. While CarPlay is now wireless, I find it is more restrictive. In 95B, we can browse phone book names, enter numbers etc while driving but the new PCM seem to lock those screens over. Is that true?

3. Where is the DVD player, is it fully gone?

4. Is wireless CarPlay stable? I had random issues making calls when I connect cable for charging and it is probably still using the wireless connection for CarPlay established prior to me connecting cable.

Contemplating swapping 2017 for a 2022 and wondering if it is worth - are we getting anything "interior" better?

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ghstudio

· #2 · Apr 22, 2022

1) I never could get the 2017 vents right...I find the lower vents actually work better.

2/4) I use car play for navigation...and it works very well both wired and wireless.

3) what is a dvd? there is also no 8 track player. Just copy the DVD to a memory stick.

4) You will certainly get better performance on the 22. The console, of course, is different....better in my opinion (i had a 17S/20S and now a 22 S. the air conditioning vent in the glove box is gone (if anyone cares). the steering wheel and controls on it have changed a little...for example, activating voice is now on the steering wheel, not at the end of the turn signal stalk.

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muncie

· #3 · Apr 22, 2022

Can only comment on vents--in winter the lower vent warms my fingers resting on the gearshifter perfectly. Never had any heating or cooling complaints in this vehicle with temp set and mode in auto.
21 GTS

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ryeager

· #4 · Apr 22, 2022

The lower vents were horrible for me in 90 degree summer weather while I had a loaner for a week. Even on max the airflow did not adequately reach my head and upper body, unlike my '18.

I noticed no appreciable difference between the loaner and my '18. The PCM was of course nice to play with, but the driving experience of the loaner was a bit worse vs. my '18. The loaner even had gremlins, like it's keyless entry not working and locking me out of the car for several minutes at a time, twice. Overall, I was happy to get my '18 back and did not miss the loaner.

In terms of the '22, I'm aghast that it loses the manual shifting gear lever. I rely on that when turning b/c I always drive in manual mode. That's basically a showstopper for me.

These are serious functional steps backwards in my book. Nevermind that I don't care much for the styling changes since the '18, either.

Newer is not always better. That said, I would not keep a '18 or earlier V6 model myself due to possible oil leak troubles, not at least without a warranty that would cover those potential problems.

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yrralis1

· #5 · Apr 22, 2022

macanblue said:
So I finally ended up getting a loaner that is 2021 (base model) and had it for few days. Here are my thoughts on the face lift (comparing to my MY2017 Macan S - 95B):

Other than PCM and air vents relocation to accommodate the wider screen, I did not notice any changes in the interior. Are there any other changes?

That said, here are my observations after spending few days on these two items:

1. Older Vents are much better as we can get air a little higher up than this new one, where air is almost hitting tummy area but not that much up. What are your experiences for those who experienced these vents and older vents?

2. While CarPlay is now wireless, I find it is more restrictive. In 95B, we can browse phone book names, enter numbers etc while driving but the new PCM seem to lock those screens over. Is that true?

3. Where is the DVD player, is it fully gone?

4. Is wireless CarPlay stable? I had random issues making calls when I connect cable for charging and it is probably still using the wireless connection for CarPlay established prior to me connecting cable.

Contemplating swapping 2017 for a 2022 and wondering if it is worth - are we getting anything "interior" better?

1) I hated the old vents and voiced it many times . That center vent blew AC onto my body . Part of me wonders if Porsche read my posts because they revised it precisely the way I suggested . Needless to say I love the new vents .

2) I dont use car play . Sat radio is my car thing. Both were fine.

3) I didnt even know the car had DVD much less would use it.

4) My phone reception and connection is fine except in specific areas .

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yrralis1

· #6 · Apr 22, 2022

Technology /comfort is the only thing you compare of the two cars ?

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VtHobbit

· #7 · Apr 22, 2022

ryeager said:
In terms of the '22, I'm aghast that it loses the manual shifting gear lever. I rely on that when turning b/c I always drive in manual mode. That's basically a showstopper for me.

When I first got our '21 GTS, I did find it awkward when accelerating from a stop into a left turn, as I couldn't find the upshift paddle easily (the reason some paddle-shift cars have them mounted to the column, not the wheel). So I started using the stick to upshift mid corner, which of course works.

However I have now modified my driving to either just let the engine rev in first until the wheel is straight, or hit the upshift paddle to initiate the upshift before cranking the wheel into the turn, depending upon traffic conditions. Both methods work fine... a minor adaptation I find.

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macanblue

Discussion Starter · #8 · Apr 22, 2022

yrralis1 said:
Technology /comfort is the only thing you compare of the two cars ?

What else should we?

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