Is the windshield different in the optional glass configuration, or just the other windows (in terms of additional tint and insulation)? I know the panoramic is the same regardless, but was not sure if there was some benefit in the windshield.

 

I believe the windshield is different. The tolltag has to be mounted in a specific area in order to be read and radar detector seems not working with this glass.

I took this option without hesitation. It adds another layer of refinement to my Porsche!

 

I've had both. My 15 and 16 Turbo both had the thermally glass as i ordered it thinking it was a must have . My 17 GTS was a lot car and it did not have it . The window however is tinted for privacy .

I would NOT order it again . I do not feel it was worth the cost or provided much of anything . In my 2015 car for instance I had forgotten to order the 3 zone climate . Even with the thermal glass the passengers in the rear baked (and complained) on a hot day . This was one big reason why i traded the 15 car for a 16 where the 3 zone was standard .

One more thing .. then I traded in both cars there was not even a hint of mention asking is either had the glass . in my opinion it was a 900 dollar waste and the fact that i bought it twice makes it 1800 bucks plus the interest I cold have gotten had I held onto my money . If my post saves you money then it was worth the read (which costs nothing but time).

 

I think all would agree that heat buildup is dependent on much more than just the type of glass in the windows. Noise reduction too. For that reason, it's a tough sell for the car manufacturers.

My phone works fine.

As for resale, most options have zero value at trade in. Hence it's better to upgrade to the next grade model than to heavily option a base car.

I would buy the optional glass again only if I were buying another Macan. I wouldn't want to think that a hotter car was because I was too cheap. And then there are those **** sunshades!

IMHO, there' no difference with the windshield. Its plastic (polyvinylbutyral) interlayer and tempered outside glass layers have been standardized via various regulations for many many years and Porsche simply wouldn't mess with this for minimal benefits.

 

First, I agree with just about everything in @Cyclesafe and @vwgrrc 's posts above. I have the thermal glass on my 2015 S and if I was ordering a new Macan today I'd get it again. I haven't done a side-by-side comparison with another Macan but I believe Porsche when they say it provides a cooler and quieter interior.

Earlier posts by other forum members indicate that, as you'd expect, the lamination does give more break-resistant side windows, which as @Cyclesafe said should make it a bit harder for bad guys to break into the car. However, one potential downside I've seen mentioned for that characteristic (maybe on a different forum) is that if someone needs to break the glass - for example, to free occupants after an accident - the lamination could make things a bit more difficult.

By the way, I tend to keep my cars for at least 10 years so the effect on the resale value of any options I add isn't a factor for me. I get the value from those options by using and appreciating them for a decade or more, and if they add nothing to the final resale price of the car - no problem.

 

For the U.S. market, the darker tint privacy glass on the rearward windows is standard. In Europe, it is optional.

Upgrading to the optional thermal insulated glass is worth considering if you would otherwise apply aftermarket tint for UV and IR protection. And yes, the windshield gets an additional IR heat rejection coating as part of the thermal insulated option.

Of course, if one trades-in their car every few years and always wears sunscreen to protect their exposed skin, then there is less justification for the thermal glass option or aftermarket tint.

 

Some good thoughts already here, but also wanted to share this thread from the archives for some additional information and point of view.

http://www.macanforum.com/forum/ord.../ordering-features-questions/2378-heat-noise-insulating-glass-option-worth.html

 

has anyone taken this option.


Does it drastically reduce the road and wind noise?


Thanks,


Geoff

 

If you search "insulating glass" in this same sub-forum, you'll find several threads with good input.

 

I have it on my 2016 Macan S. My daughter's 2017 Macan GTS does not.
I honestly cannot tell the difference. I did order it on my next Macan.

The Porsche Code*

 

Au contraire, before ordering my S I drove both with and without the glass in a demo S and a demo Turbo (one was shod with 20's and the other 21's). The with version was definitely quieter so I ordered. I have quite a few options that I won't get my dollars spent back on but that's true in general. On the other hand lots of owners quite happy without it. It was $990 option when I ordered. Probably wouldn't have if it's now $2K. Cheers to all.

 

As the guy in the next cube was the marketing manager for the polyvinyl butyral interlayer used in this glass I'd say that you get better UV resistance (no need for a sunshade) better IR resistance (cooler), better security (used with many more layers in security glass - even tanks), and some noise reduction. I bought it mainly because of nostalgia for when I gave a **** about the company I worked for.

There are other options that I would prioritize higher, however. Also, you won't miss it if you don't get it.

 

If you will ever travel with your dog in the car, the privacy glass is a good option. Makes a noticeable temperature difference, especially when getting back into the car after being out on a summer hike, say, and doesn't require you to run the A/C on full blast.

As for sound, the Macan is already very quiet; the glass probably adds to that.

Brief thread from 2014: http://www.macanforum.com/forum/macan-general-discussion-forum/8330-privacy-glass.html

More recent thread (through July 2016): http://www.macanforum.com/forum/ord.../ordering-features-questions/2378-heat-noise-insulating-glass-option-worth.html

 

If you live somewhere very hot, then yes it's worth while... the UV rejection could be very worthwhile in these circumstances


It does make it almost impossible for a fast smash & grab.. google or search the forums for pics of various attempts.. the glass is hardly damaged.


I bought it for noise reduction more than anything, and to be honest it's a very minor difference. If you have the money, go nuts... otherwise there are better options to be had for the money.

 

It's too quiet that I have to roll down the windows to hear the exhaust. It is much cooler than my other cars but still have to tint the front windows.

 

I have had both a 2017 S with and without the privacy glass....in the Tampa area. The car with the thermal glass option is IMHO significantly cooler....I don't have to turn the fan up as high to be comfortable. The car with the glass option is probably the quietest car I've ever owned...but the car without the glass option is also quiet.

I am glad I ordered the glass on my replacement Macan...and yes, like so many other Porsche options, you don't get your money back. Again, IMHO, if you are driving a Porsche then why are you concerned about getting the $1000 or so back.....do you really think you will get more for your car if you have 18 way vs 14 way seats....or seat ventilation?

If you are focused on the $'s, you probably should not be buying any Porsche. If you're worried about $'s, just wait until you have your Porsche serviced. If you must have a Porsche and are financially reaching, get one with minimal options. You're going to lose money even on those that the dealer says "must have".

Net...if you are in South Florida or Arizona, etc where you have lots of days over 90F, I'd recommend the glass option. On the other hand, my dealer has no "lot cars" with that option....so it's certainly not critical.

 

Or sunglasses and the AC can work too


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

lol! and earplugs too

 

We have the thermal and noise insulating glass, and I like it. Especially when you spend $5,000 for the Burmester sound system.

 

I have it, does reduce road noise a little, has not been hot enough here to test the thermal part. Will report back late summer when it is 100F at the lake.

 

I'm late to the party on this thread but I was curious as to the UV rating of the thermal/insulating glass which other posters have commented on. I wrote Porsche USA asking for the rating and this is the response I got:

"The thermal and noise insulated laminated glass helps for more efficient reflection of infrared light and exterior sound. This feature is unfortunately not rated for a UV block percentage. "

To answer OP's question though, yes it definitely reduces outside noise noticeably and I absolutely love it.

 

The “privacy” portion of the glass that is standard on the Macan (rear L+R seats, rear window, sunroof glass), are these just cosmetic or is there a UV protection with that darker color. IF not I am going to add a clear tint to provide the protection as needed.

 

I have no way to measure it in exact terms, and mine has the insulated glass option for the side windows. But I can say that adding clear 3m Crystalline to the sunroof considerably improved how much heat I felt on sunny days with the cover open, and that getting the same 3m on the windshield (in addition to the darker tint Llumar my dealer installed on the side windows, so I never had to live without it) was a huge quality of life upgrade in terms of heat and not having to wear sunscreen on my hands. I would at least consider the sunroof and (clear) windshield tinting a necessity for hot places.

 

My new build ('18MacanS in the factory now) will have thermal and noise insulated glass, but I wonder if that includes the pano roof? I may have to consider something for the roof... humm.

 

Anyone have experience with the thicker glass option? My friend in Ohio is thinking about ordering it on his MY19..I remember the AD mentioning it to me but as in something we don't really need in Ohio?!

 

If you're talking about VW5, "Thermally and Noise Insulating Privacy Glass," we ordered that for our 2018 S (which is three+ months old now). We like it, because I have hearing aids, and my wife had throat surgery which resulted in a very soft voice, so it suits our needs. The car is nice and quiet, facilitating conversation, and IMHO makes the car seem more like an equivalently priced luxury car, as opposed to a car that merely handles, goes, stops, and is suspended like it's on rails ... ya know, a blast to drive.

OTOH, we only test drove a Base and S without the glass for a few minutes, so we're not great ones for being able to compare it to Macans without this option; I think you'll need to hear from multi-Macan owners, who have or have had one of each. Also, some folks specifically like to hear the engine sounds.

For us, the car is quiet enough that we could tell the difference -- the increased noise level -- when we switched to snow tires a month or so ago. So, depends on what you want to -- or don't want to -- hear. That's the "noise" part; regarding the "thermal" part, I have no idea.

 

Certainly, the glass option cuts down on the heat if you are in a very warm area like south florida. It also makes the car quieter which means you will hear less of the exhaust (may be a minus) and more from internal rattles/whines....but also much less road noise. It does reduce the strength of cellphone signals slightly which isn't a factor in areas with good cellular coverage.....and any radar detectors/toll transponders must be placed in a marked area around/above the rear view mirror.

From my point of view, the main reason to buy is the reduction of heat....but I live in S florida. If I lived in the north, I wouldn't order the option.

 

I ordered the glass on my 18 MacanS (It is now in the factory, so not yet born!) because both my husband and I have had skin cancer. It is supposed to cut down on the UV rays.

 

Works good... well worth the extra cost.