Recently, I was able to borrow a Porsche Macan S (early model) for about a week, so I’d like to share my review.

The Macan is broadly divided into three generations

The Porsche Macan (95B model) has been on sale since 2014, undergoing several minor updates, making it a relatively long-lived model.

It can be broadly categorized into early, mid, and the current late generation, with the early Macan’s distinctive feature being that the rear tail lamps are not connected. I have experience with the early, mid, and late types, and their characters differ significantly.

This time, I want to report on the early model’s features through comparisons with the mid and late models.

Macan S (early model)

This Macan S is almost a bare-bones basic Macan. It comes with standard 18-inch wheels, standard suspension without PASM, no sport exhaust, no Sport Chrono Package—completely stock in terms of driving options.

At first, I didn’t have high expectations, but the moment I started the engine, the power was incredible. Even without a sport exhaust, the cold start produces a surprisingly loud roar. This is a kind of intensity you rarely experience in mid or late models.

Surprised by its boldness, I shifted the large, somewhat nostalgic shift lever into D and set off.

First impressions on the road

From the moment it starts moving, it’s unmistakably a ‘Porsche.’ This is truly a ‘Porsche.’

Of course, the mid and late models are Porsches too, but the early model’s character is noticeably richer. The tires grip the road with a smooth firmness, without any odd lightness. The steering response is tight with no looseness, yet it doesn’t feel overly twitchy.

Thanks to the moderate steering weight, subtle steering inputs are easy, and the car responds very linearly to even the slightest movements.

Of course, the car’s reaction to steering input is expected, but with this Macan, the speed of steering input synchronizes vividly with the car’s movements.

It’s like there’s an extra dimension in the steering parameters compared to ordinary cars. Both the amount and speed of steering input are transmitted with remarkable precision.

This is exactly the sensation you get in a 911.

That’s why driving it feels so rewarding. It’s as if the driver’s feelings and intentions are directly communicated to the car, which never betrays the driver’s will. It’s truly a horse-and-rider unity in a sports car.

The ride comfort is also excellent. It maintains a consistently pleasant ride in all situations, which is hard to believe for a standard suspension without PASM. I think the wheel and suspension combination is just right. The standard 18-inch wheels perfectly balance with the standard suspension.

Grinning from ear to ear, I sped through the city toward mountain roads.

My wife said, “You can tell this Macan is different within 2 seconds of getting in,” and I don’t think she was exaggerating.

Engine and PDK

Turning on Sport mode and switching to manual, I used the paddle shifters to pull the engine in 2nd gear before shifting to 3rd. At high revs, the PDK shift sounds “whoosh!” with a change that sounds like a 911—or even a GT3.

This is honestly an effect you can’t get with the mid or late model PDKs.

Downshifts are also fantastic, with the engine revving up and the tach needle dancing vividly. The shift speed is superb. With a racing-like roar, the downshift happens.

This is Porsche.

Later, the owner of a 718 Cayman GTS who rode along was also surprised by the PDK’s intensity. “The shift sound is better than the 718!” he said.

By the way, if you turn on the sport exhaust on the early Turbo or GTS models, the shift sound and exhaust roar are so intense it might even surpass a 911, so I highly recommend trying it if you get the chance.

The engine’s power and torque delivery are superb, and despite being a turbo engine, it feels like power builds strongly as the revs rise. The rev feel is precise and smooth. The tach needle climbs steadily, as if to say, ‘This isn’t just any practical car engine.’ It feels faster than the 340ps figure suggests.

Handling and ride comfort impressions

Handling is, needless to say, excellent.

As the model progressed to mid and late generations, handling became lighter and more agile, yet still gripped the road firmly, but the early Macan is the exact opposite—heavy and substantial.

However, this heaviness doesn’t mean the steering itself is physically heavy; rather, it feels like the entire car has a high density, with suspension arms and bushings all made of hard, rigid materials.

Because of this, it inspires a strong sense of security. It moves exactly as intended, and the driver can feel detailed road information through the steering, so the driver can place full trust in the Macan while driving.

The brakes are also impeccable and very controllable.

The brake feel, which responds precisely to pedal pressure, is true Porsche quality—there’s no compromise just because it’s an SUV. It’s truly Porsche braking.

Slowing down, downshifting with the paddles, enjoying the loud blip sounds, and turning the wonderfully refined steering wheel while accelerating out with strong traction through each corner is an absolutely sublime moment.

Summary

Riding the early Macan again after a while was very satisfying. I can wholeheartedly say it’s ‘good.’

I thought it was good when it was first released, but riding it again now, it’s truly wonderful.

We are expecting delivery of a Mercedes GLB at home soon, but honestly, I thought I should have gone for a used early Macan.

That’s how great the early Macan is.

If I were to give advice to those considering buying an early Macan, I’d recommend the air suspension model. The air suspension on the early Macan really offers excellent ride comfort. Incidentally, my brother, who generally dislikes Porsche and often criticizes it, says, “The air suspension ride comfort on the early Macan is better than any luxury car’s air suspension I’ve ever ridden.”

Also, the air suspension allows lowering the ride height, which lowers the center of gravity and makes the car much sportier.

For those who prioritize the distinctive sound of the early model, I recommend a vehicle with the sport exhaust or the GTS. Especially the early GTS has an unparalleled roar. I doubt anyone would be unsatisfied with that.

Personally, I’d aim for an early Macan Turbo with air suspension. The GTS is great too, but the Turbo with sport exhaust is powerful enough to rival the GTS.

Good-condition early Macans will likely become increasingly scarce in the used market. Prices are expected to remain high, so be mindful of common issues like PTM failures, and maintain PDK and differential oils properly for a very worthwhile purchase.

For those who prioritize practicality, ease of driving, and quietness that even their spouse can comfortably enjoy, I’d recommend the mid or late Macan. The early Macan, however, is a car for enthusiasts seeking that rich, authentic Porsche flavor.