Macan S - what Spec?

[Beggarall]

I am looking for advice. I am considering changing my Cayenne and having been lent a Macan S when my car was in for service am considering buying one. However, I am bewildered by the number of options and packages and am also spoilt for choice- the Porsche website lists over 100 approved vehicles. I am looking for a diesel but I think there have been some problems with owners of diesels using them for short trips and the filters getting clogged - which is maybe why there are such a lot of them available. My questions. Air vs Spring suspension? Wheel size. Sunroof (I think most have this). PSM (?standard). PCM - lots of connectivity options. Sound system - is Bose worth it? Park assist, sensors and cameras. Xenon headlamp - some are called "black" and have washers! Must have at least 14 point seat adjustment. Heated seats (front and back?) All kinds of leather and bodywork options which I don't understand. Spare wheels? Chrono packages? Other trim options...Have I missed anything? Your help appreciated. Thanks

[Beggarall]

Koln-RS said:

It's a dilemma for sure.

The Macan is a premium SUV and class leader. You could keep things simple and the price low, but there are a lot of tempting boxes to tick and you can elevate it to a luxury SUV, at a price. And, if you are intending to keep it long term and do quite a few miles, then why not have the nice toys and driving enhancements.

Some people say that the options are worthless at resale, but I gather that has changed and certain options increase appeal and value. And, are you buying it to use and enjoy, or to sell?

IIRC the desirable options are Air, 20" Spyder wheels, extra leather, heated seats, Bose, parking sensors, headlamp upgrades, sports seats, PCM/phone upgrades, cruise, internal and external trim upgrades, some like the big sunroof........whether you go Diesel or Petrol is personal preference, both have their pros & cons. If your pockets are deep, go for PTS (special paint colour) - Macans are popular, and it would stand out from everyone elses.

Thanks for your quick reply. Do people think the Air suspension is worth it - and has it proved to be reliable? There are a lot of "nearly new" cars available but it is difficult to choose between them.

[Beggarall]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I have lined up some to try and will let you know how I get on

[Beggarall]

Thank you for all the very interesting replies. I finally made my mind up a few weeks ago and have to say I love the driving experience of the Macan - feels much more like being in a Porsche than the Cayenne (which for me was a great car). The one I bought is a Macan S Diesel volcano grey (looks black) with pano roof and air suspension. I was slightly worried about air v spring suspension but I find the ride much better with the air - stays level round bends and quite firm enough. The rear seat passenger also seem to like it - important to me and something of an acid test when trying out the various options. It has lots of other bits like PCM and PASM, rear parking camera (still trying to get used to this), 14-way seats with memory, heated front seats, mirrors and steering wheel, white instruments, leather seats, and power-plus steering (or whatever it is called but great for low speed manoeuvring). Does not have swivel-round-corners headlights and only standard sound system which seems adequate for my use. It has privacy glass (I thought this must be standard). What else - 21inch wheels with the turbo design which I have had on my other cars and found difficult to clean. There are some other things which I wouldn't have bothered with like "smokers pack" which basically gives 12v cigar lighter type sockets front and back and keyless entry. I am sure I have forgotten some things but that is the gist of it - and mpg in the high 30s and over 40 if I am gentle on the throttle and stick to the limit on motorways. The one extra I think I would have chosen is the larger fuel tank.
I do have a couple of questions - firstly how do you know when to fill up with with Adblue - and what happens if you miss out? Can you top up before you go if you were going on a long trip? There is also a knob in the glove compartment that looks like it has something to do with the lights but I can't find reference to it in the handbook. Thanks again