The steering on my '18 S feels very direct at all degrees to me, but this is my first Pcar, so I'm hardly an expert on good-steering cars.

I was just wondering if you've verified the tire pressures on your loaner before going too far.

 

Steering on my '17 GTS is spot on. I'd prefer it a bit heavier, but that's because I've got over a dozen years behind the wheel of X5s, which in early iterations were a bear to turn and maneuver. I can barely drive our '17 BMW X3. Granted, it's not an M-Sport, but that thing drives like crap imho. Good thing my son loves it I also feel like my wife's '17 Q7, with every option including the 4 wheel steering (and on both the 21" summer and 19" winter tires) feels like a boat compared to the GTS. Too much play in that wheel for my liking. I've driven loaner Macans and Cayenne's of various trim over the years--all have felt great. Test drive another Macan to compare.

 

The Macan GTS steering is pretty direct if a bit light. Putting PASM into Sports Plus mode helps make the steering heavier.

 

This is incorrect. PASM had no effect on steering feel.

 

Keep the Cayenne.

 

The first 5 or so degrees I turn the steering wheel, it’s easy and there is not much wheel movement...keep turning and then it gets artificially heavy and the wheels turn more linearly.

When you say 'wheel', do you mean the Steering Wheel or the actual front Wheels?

All steering is variable, or the car would be impossible to drive at high speed.

 

Look into PSP power steering plus. This is standard on all US cars. Disabled mine years ago a simple service done at you Porsche dealership and will make the Macan’s steering much more direct. This gets rid of the over booster and touchy steering especially at highway speed.

Check this site for more info using search tool.

 

This is correct. Disabling the PSP transforms the Macan's steering and hence the handling of the car.
A Porsche is designed with handling as a priority, so I find it quite bizarre that all US cars are sold with PSP switched on as standard! What was the thought process behind this decision?

 

I'm not exactly sure what you are describing, however, I can tell you that the GTS has much better steering feel than either the base or S.

I have a GTS and yesterday drove a base loaner while it was in for a yearly service. The base felt overly light and a bit dull. I also had a 2017 S and had to have power steering plus disabled to get the steering weight to feel OK. However, the GTS is spot on in my opinion for a crossover utility vehicle.

 

I'm not exactly sure what you are describing, however, I can tell you that the GTS has much better steering feel than either the base or S.

Yes, this seems to be consistent with the fact that I have a Turbo with a lowering module, and the lower I go the more the steering feel improves (to a point). Not surprisingly, understeer improves too.

 

I came from a Cayenne S with PASM, (I bought new in 2012), to a 2018 Macan Turbo PP.
I usually drive the Macan in lowered mode and find that the steering and suspension are much more precise than the Cayenne. The PDK transmission adds to the greater responsiveness.
The difference is that the Cayenne is an SUV. It sits higher, has more interior space and can tow a trailer.
The Macan is a crossover. It sits lower, is more responsive, has limited interior space and isn't meant to be used as a tow vehicle. I suppose it depends on how you intend to use it!

 

The OP has a Cayenne GTS, significantly better handling versus an S or base Cayenne.

Have you driven a Cayenne with PDCC? It's a relatively rare option, but oh boy does it improve the handling! And have you driven one of the new Cayennes? Handling is vastly improved versus the last generation. Granted it is still larger and heavier than a Macan and I would never claim that it handles as well as Macan, but it substantially improved.

Also, not sure what you mean when you say that the Macan isn't meant to be used as a tow vehicle. Not only does the owners manual clearly indicate otherwise, it's tow rating is significantly higher than the average compact SUV or crossover. A number of forum members have reported using theirs for significant towing duties and being happy with the results. Please do not spread misinformation about the Macan.

 

I just traded in my Cayenne S in on a 2017 Macan GTS and don't notice any steering wheel oddities. There is quite a difference in driving a base Macan and then a GTS. I had a ton of the base for loaners when I had the Cayenne.