I have both: the latest 2024 Macan GTS and a V8 Cayenne. They are meant for totally different purposes and uses.

Short answer: If this is just you, then Macan is the way to go, as it is just pure fun driving machine that no Cayenne can match given the size and weight. I have previous gen Cayenne Turbo and I drove Cayenne GT to see if I am missing on anything and although these Cayennes have the V8s, Rear Wheel Steer, and GT had PDCC and Sport Exhaust with lots of power and raw sound, they are not as fun as daily drivers as the Macan GTS with the V6, PDK, and suspension tuning for the form factor is just sublime and cannot be beat with anything bigger in SUV form. I am still waiting on the COBB maps to be available for the 2024 ECUs to get more power above stock setup to make it a complete package.

 

I am going to call, on @scornwel because he just picked up a Cayenne V8 Coupe .
I look forward to his review .

I personally love the smaller , agile , Macan but my wife likes the space and I have not driven the new car . I have heard a lot of good things about it.

 

First post, from Canada! 29th bday gift to myself incoming with a late May delivery. Pretty fired up, here’s my build… the car will be fully dealer PPF wrapped (gloss, non matte).

Any tips for a first-time new Porsche buyer much appreciated!

My 2024 Macan GTS Configuration


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I made a “switch” last year, deposit on a Cayenne and during the change period switched over a Macan T. They are both such great cars, I understand the dilemma.

The Macan ultimately won me over with the handling and PDK. (Added air suspension and summer tires to my build)

 

It really depends on what your needs are. I like to have a large car no matter what. You may say nobody will seat on the back, etc… until you want to go out for dinner with friends and give them a ride. You may not need the trunk space until you need it. I rarely have more than 4 people in any of my cars but my wife always drives large SUVs because when I need the size, I have it. She went from several BMW X5s to Mercedes GLS to now a a BMW X7. I like the Macan for myself as someone mentioned above it is quick, nimble, agile and I usually have only myself in the car. But again, I always have a need to get the X7. Thus, at the end of the day it depends on what other cars you have and what do you need. I have seen people here where it was just a couple and they both got Macans. I would never do that. But I would also never get two Cayennes.

 

Without having driven the car, I still feel there are certain selling points that I can discuss. The Macan is a fantastic vehicle, but it is on its third refresh. It has never been redesigned. Porsche threw the kitchen sink at the original Macan, and from there they have graduated to improving it while clinging to it as they wrestle with phasing it out. I would love to see a redesign

The Cayenne is the last ice V8 SUV that Porsche is probably ever going to make. Surrounding this car. They are also plugging hybrids. I don’t want a plug-in hybrid. I want pure ice and no gimmicks.

The redesign includes a more luxurious interior, updated technology, similar to that in the 992, along with more color and interior choices than the macan .

Hard choices. The last grip of retiring champion or the beginning phase of the next retiring champion. For myself, I look at the Cayenne as the vehicle that would be the next step . My Macan is only one year old. I still have time with it. I don’t know what will be when I’m ready to buy my next SUV. That’s why I’m interested in this vehicle too.

 

I have owned and DD a 22 Macan S for almost two years. We just bought a new Cayenne S and I've driven a few times. Both are fantastic cars. If I were buying an SUV for myself again, I would without a doubt get a Macan GTS. You are more immersed in the driving experience and feel like you're part of the car. If you don't haul any people around, even more reason. It's perfect in every way. I still remember my response when people would ask me how I liked it - "it's the best car I've ever owned, and the second isn't even close". It has enough space, plentiful agility, gobs of torque and quickness. Visibility is excellent. The only thing I think the Cayenne does better is handling and it has a more satisfying low RPM experience. The Macan can lean a bit in corners, while the new Cayenne S is absolutely flat in corners and touch of the throttle rewards instantly. It's quite shocking for an SUV. The V8 in the Cayenne is a real gem and punching the throttle is addictive. The interior of the new Cayenne is stunningly beautiful.

My wife drives the Cayenne and loves it. She's just in love with the car. It's far better than the GLE 450 she owned, and to be honest, she's right.

You might be a bit mixed up by now, but you can't go wrong with either. I would recommend picking up one of the last ICE Macan GTS'. It's the most Porsche (IMO). I picked up a 992 GTS and the Macan is more closely aligned to the feeling I get when driving it. Mine was an S and was more than satisfying.

A few things that are common - The Steering, Brakes, Engine and ergonomics are all excellent. You won't regret any of it.

The Macan feels more special, and in GTS trim it will deliver.

Larry's opinion is really valuable here. He was spot on with his analysis of my build and helped me through countless iterations of my journey. If there's one thing I've learned, it's listen to the Pontiff.

 

I have owned and DD a 22 Macan S for almost two years. We just bought a new Cayenne S and I've driven a few times. Both are fantastic cars. If I were buying an SUV for myself again, I would without a doubt get a Macan GTS. You are more immersed in the driving experience and feel like you're part of the car. If you don't haul any people around, even more reason. It's perfect in every way. I still remember my response when people would ask me how I liked it - "it's the best car I've ever owned, and the second isn't even close". It has enough space, plentiful agility, gobs of torque and quickness. Visibility is excellent. The only thing I think the Cayenne does better is handling and it has a more satisfying low RPM experience. The Macan can lean a bit in corners, while the new Cayenne S is absolutely flat in corners and touch of the throttle rewards instantly. It's quite shocking for an SUV. The V8 in the Cayenne is a real gem and punching the throttle is addictive. The interior of the new Cayenne is stunningly beautiful.

My wife drives the Cayenne and loves it. She's just in love with the car. It's far better than the GLE 450 she owned, and to be honest, she's right.

You might be a bit mixed up by now, but you can't go wrong with either. I would recommend picking up one of the last ICE Macan GTS'. It's the most Porsche (IMO). I picked up a 992 GTS and the Macan is more closely aligned to the feeling I get when driving it. Mine was an S and was more than satisfying.

A few things that are common - The Steering, Brakes, Engine and ergonomics are all excellent. You won't regret any of it.

The Macan feels more special, and in GTS trim it will deliver.

Larry's opinion is really valuable here. He was spot on with his analysis of my build and helped me through countless iterations of my journey. If there's one thing I've learned, it's listen to the Pontiff.

Thats a great write up . The compliment has humbled me . They dont know why the 911 forum calls me "the Pontiff" . Its because they think I know more than I actually do . What does happen after 30 years of buying the cars and meeting others is growth and knowledge . Without having driven the new Cayenne I now have an idea of what to expect from your post .

One common point is that the primary driver is also my wife . Having come from a life of sports cars the first time I had an SUV I felt the the space practically swallowed me . The Macan is so sufficient yet my wife uses a lot more space in the car than I do . There is another point which is that my Macan is new . With all this talk about EV and phasing out the Macan the "just in case" plan has me already looking as to whats next . Those two things put the V8 on my radar .

I suppose the sad part is that as Porsche moves toward EV it narrows the scope of what I can have with them . I love the cars so much that I look at whats left to embrace in there hopes that my long run with Porsche doesn't end .

 

@scornwel - Just a note on the rear axle steering . On the 2024 Cayenne the vehicle comes with an AGM battery . On of the big complaints with the 992 is the cost off the Lithium battery if it dies . It is lighter however . Opinions on RL are split of whether the cost risk is worth it . It was a 50 /50 split where some guys omitted it to avoid the cost and others said no way . They got it.

In basic city driving the first thing you notice is the sharp turning radius . Push the car into a roundabout though and the rear end just swivels out along with you in a 911 . Haven't driven the Cayenne but my former 911 lacked it (was a lot car) and my current one has it. I notice the difference but would not suffer if a car didn't have it . If optioning the car I want it .

I did sign up for a track day but it was booked and I was on a wait list (they didnt call ) . I believe at the track is where the real differences will show .

When I put all the performance stuff on a car its mostly with me in mind. My wife tends to be more civilized in her daily driving but even with her ... there's that once in awhile moment .If I was the Op .. I would spec the car much like yours .

One thing I notice with my wife after driving SUV's since 2012 is that she got so used to driving a raised car that she forgets when she takes the 911 . Its easy to do. Sometimes I take the Macan and park as of my front bumper could scrape and laugh at myself .

 

@scornwel - Just a note on the rear axle steering . On the 2024 Cayenne the vehicle comes with an AGM battery . On of the big complaints with the 992 is the cost off the Lithium battery if it dies . It is lighter however . Opinions on RL are split of whether the cost risk is worth it . It was a 50 /50 split where some guys omitted it to avoid the cost and others said no way . They got it.

In basic city driving the first thing you notice is the sharp turning radius . Push the car into a roundabout though and the rear end just swivels out along with you in a 911 . Haven't driven the Cayenne but my former 911 lacked it (was a lot car) and my current one has it. I notice the difference but would not suffer if a car didn't have it . If optioning the car I want it .

I did sign up for a track day but it was booked and I was on a wait list (they didnt call ) . I believe at the track is where the real differences will show .

When I put all the performance stuff on a car its mostly with me in mind. My wife tends to be more civilized in her daily driving but even with her ... there's that once in awhile moment .If I was the Op .. I would spec the car much like yours .

One thing I notice with my wife after driving SUV's since 2012 is that she got so used to driving a raised car that she forgets when she takes the 911 . Its easy to do. Sometimes I take the Macan and park as of my front bumper could scrape and laugh at myself .

The LiPo issue does concern me too, mostly because the value and usefulness of RAS on the 992 is almost unnoticeable to me.

My wife sounds a lot like yours. She likes being up and the nice interior comforts.

Back to RAS, I can absolutely feel it working on the Cayenne. In fact we drove one with and without. The wifes navigation was objectively better with RAS. I noticed it most in slow moving maneuvers. It would also explain the exceptional cornering in the Cayenne, compared to Macan.

 

RAS may be more noticeable on the Cayenne because of its longer wheelbase - it needs it. The same likely holds true for the
Panamera.

It may be difficult to discern the presence of RAS on a 992 for the same reason as noted above - like the Macan, its wheelbase is
relatively short. IOW, both the 992 and the Macan will have a quicker feel in handling precisely because of their (relatively) shorter
wheelbases.

I had a 2018 Panamera 4S loaner a few years ago for a month and was surprised at the agility of my Macan Turbo when it was
returned to me. When I have had the opportunity to drive Cayenne loaners, presumably w/out air suspension, I have been a bit
surprised at their pickup truck like ride.


Another thing to consider about the Cayenne is that it was redesigned a few years ago to more closely resemble Porsche's #1
seller - the Macan! While it may look much like a Macan, they're two, very different, vehicles.


Good luck!

 

Great points on wheelbase. Makes sense. Though I would expect a SWB car to benefit with RAS on the track.

 

I just went thru this! Im head over heels for this GTS (arriving May: My 2024 Macan GTS Build); I mean I find that every stitch on this build is EXACTLY what I wanted in a perfect compact SUV for me. Though my exact spec wasn’t readily available at a dealer, I checked out several differently spec’d 22’+ GTS’s / Gen 2 Turbo’s to pick and choose what I liked best in a perfect (to me) Macan. I also checked out an X3MC and X4MC… but their supbar (subjective) looks and cheaper looking/feeling interior, worse handling, despite being breathtaking off the line, just killed any interest I had in BMW as an option.

Honestly, the 2024 Macan GTS felt, and depending on your build, looked more like a hot hatch back sports car than an SUV imo. The Cayenne S feels like a big, heavy, very spacious/luxurious/high-tech and family-friendly vehicle, with v8 growl when you want it; not a bad thing at all, just not what I was looking for. And if I were a backseat passenger, or putting my growing family of 4 or 5 first, the Cayenne S would be the way to go between the two. But I am buying this car for myself as a driver. After the Macan, the Cayenne felt a bit like I was driving my dad’s truck as a kid kinda thing (Im 5’10), especially when reaching for the shifter.

Ready for a hot take? Completely subjectively and money aside (literally twice as much money and almost 50% more power), but I wouldn’t even take a Cayenne Turbo GT over a Macan GTS. I think it’s primarily the looks, because the Turbo GT is a beast by all accounts… it literally looks like it could eat a Macan.

I don’t think it’s possible for you to get an answer here. Personally, I have learned that if I am having doubts before even receiving what I ordered, it’s probably best to cancel the order as they are probably never going to go away.

ALSO, tip, don’t get insulated glass on the Macan, it kills the sound of the engine in the cabin imo. You hear / feel the bassy rumble still but lose a lot of the highs/mids of the sound.

Good luck!

 

Excellent...TY

 

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I think one big question in the Macan versus Cayenne. Current situation, lies in the future of both. Prior to the launch of the EV Macan, the European production was going to cease. They are now rethinking this. Typically this vehicle would be due for a redesign. The Cayenne is a redesigned vehicle. At the rate of my driving, I’m looking out 18 months to replace my wife’s vehicle. I will have to just wait and see how this all plays out.

The original poster is still in the window where it’s a safe bet to buy either one. He just has to figure out which one he likes more..

 

I drove the Cayenne and it was nice, but it didn’t turn my crank. I bought the GTS because I wanted a sportier car that was somewhat practical. The GTS is awesome. I like to look at the Macon better than the cayenne and the Macon GTS handles and away That the cayenne can’t possibly do. It’s typically just my wife and myself and our dog in the Macon has plenty of room for all of us and I get my sports car in a more practical body.

 

No….

 

I’m going from my ordered ‘22 Macan to a ‘24 Cayenne S on order. For me the Macan was too small just often enough; from me or others getting in and out of the front seats, or the occasional back seat passenger too, to using the trunk space and to drop the back seats down I always have to move my drivers seat forward. When I have a back seat passenger behind me I have to drive with my seat forward, or like I said when my back seats are down for the occasional cargo haul. My kids are all out of town in college, and 2 of 3 graduate and not likely coming back in May. I’m ready for just a little more space and an amazing handling vehicle. Got RAS, FYI, oh, and sport exhaust!

 

You won't be disappointed. We just picked one up and it's a fantastic vehicle. We got RAS and AS PASM. It's shocking how well it corners. The V8 is a beast and the sound is amazing.

 

certainly there are trade offs. The Macan GTS is a street legal SuV race car - my 2022 Macan GTS is so much fun to drive, it is my daily driver. The Cayenne is a little bigger inside and a lot bigger outside; I suspect the Cayenne GTS is wickedly fast too, but I believe you will feel the larger size. The Macan has a the PDS trans, while Cayenne has Tiptronic, which allows it to pull more weight. And, the Cayenne GTs is significantly more expensive. Test drive each, even if in base mode, to feel the size as you steer along some curvy roads. Then decide.

 

Thank you for all your help and input. Tomorrow is my freeze date and I submitted my final build today. Here is the final

Macan GTS | Porsche Car Configurator

configurator.porsche.com

 

Thank you for all your help and input. Tomorrow is my freeze date and I submitted my final build today. Here is the final

Macan GTS | Porsche Car Configurator

configurator.porsche.com

Why don't you want to check off the free air suspension for zero cost. Better ride, no body roll, and off road mode that raises the car?

 

Definitely DON'T select that option. All GTS come with air suspension, selecting that box gets rid of the GTS exclusive lowered setting that's standard and essentially gives you an S with AS ride height. It's the most misleading option with the way it's worded.

 

I'm trying to decide on a replacement for my 2018 Macan Turbo PP, which is a tough decision because it's been such a great car. I like the Cayenne coupe and would most likely order an S, but still waffling about a Macan GTS. Even considered looking at the Mercedes GLE AMG 63. Meeting with local Porsche dealer today, but they've never been easy to deal with. I'll probably end up ordering another car from my NJ dealer friends, at least I don't feel like I'm getting the run around from them.

 

I'm trying to decide on a replacement for my 2018 Macan Turbo PP, which is a tough decision because it's been such a great car. I like the Cayenne coupe and would most likely order an S, but still waffling about a Macan GTS. Even considered looking at the Mercedes GLE AMG 63. Meeting with local Porsche dealer today, but they've never been easy to deal with. I'll probably end up ordering another car from my NJ dealer friends, at least I don't feel like I'm getting the run around from them.

I'm trying to decide on a replacement for my 2018 Macan Turbo PP, which is a tough decision because it's been such a great car. I like the Cayenne coupe and would most likely order an S, but still waffling about a Macan GTS. Even considered looking at the Mercedes GLE AMG 63. Meeting with local Porsche dealer today, but they've never been easy to deal with. I'll probably end up ordering another car from my NJ dealer friends, at least I don't feel like I'm getting the run around from them.

I had a Base cayenne loaner for a week and loved it . Although not as agile as a Macan GTS the new Cayenne is a lot more agile than the former gen . It is also very spacious and comfortable. The Macan dash is antiquated and the space feels more a sport sedan than an SUV yet an M3 will cream it . The ideal is to have a Macan GTS and a Cayenne . I liked having both with one 911 (instead of two 911's which I have ).

Price plays a wild card in deciding . Realistically a Base is all one needs but the S has that V8 . My lowest build is 99K (Base ) and 125K (S) . I likely would have jumped to the S until I heard my trade in number and looking ahead to seeing it happen again with the S . I wasn't expecting an amazing trade number but I wasn't ready to just hand over my Macan either . It came to my attention a few days after that the GM at my dealership (everyone from sales to service and customers ) loved him is gone . That shake up might have played a role in my trade so I decided to keep the Macan . However if I were new car shopping the Cayenne S would be the SUV of choice . My 911 is so good that all the fun /fast thrill is with that car . I haver grown to where an SUV ought to just be an SUV . That 99K Base car does get it done .

 

We have a base Cayenne that my wife drives. I just found out that the Cayenne Coupe doesn't have a sun roof, not that I use one much but it would be nice to have since the 911 doesn't have one. Not a deal breaker tho, I did get an order slot for a Cayenne S coupe, my first pass at a build was over 170k (trying to build similar to Turbo GT) and that was a bit higher than I ws thinking about.

 

I looked at BMW X5 M today. Lot's of bells and whistles, still leaning towards Cayenne S. I like the look of the Coupe the best, just not sure if the regular Cayenne S isn't more practical.

 

Well I'm going with the Cayenne S Coupe. Going to order one. I'm also selling my Turbo S and will be selling or trading my Macan when the Cayenne comes in.Love the Turbo S, always love having a sports car. It's just not practical for me, kind of overkill and can't be fully used.

 

I drove both the Cayenne S and Macan S last year before making my purchase.

The intention was to use as a daily driver. While I like the handling of the Macan S it can be overkill for a daily city commuter unless you open it up on the highway. Plenty of smiles per mile. Practicality is burden and that is where the Cayenne with a tow hitch would come in favor.

If I had to do it over again I would either do a Macan T or Base Cayenne with selection options. Still love the Macan S.

 

New member here. I was set on a new Cayenne S E-hybrid as my first Porsche to replace my Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe as my daily driver. After much deliberation on size, utility bills (charging at home vs. company paying for gas), how often I drive alone, etc. I made the switch to a non-electric Macan. Was lucky enough to pick up a new 2025 GTS off the lot. Drives completely different than the Cayenne, and no regrets on the size (or the price tag).

 

Nothing like a V8 Cayenne GTS. I had a 2013 GTS pretty well loaded with all the goodies, even the Burmester sound system. Loved that car even auto crossed it a few times. I wont go into details except speed or alcohol was not involved. with the Adaptive cruise control set at the 70 mph speed limit, I took out 70 feet of steel guardrail, head on. Bounced off a tree. Landed in a ditch and walked away with a small cut over my left eye and a bruise from my shoulder to my ankle. There wasn’t an undamaged panel or an unbroken piece of glass on the car. This has got to be the safest car on the planet. So sobering pictures.. we now have a 2018 Macan GTS and I love the nimbleness of the car but still miss my Cayenne.
drive safe!
Tony