Picture yourself at the Porsche dealership, keys in hand for both test drives. Two nearly identical electric SUVs gleam under the showroom lights. The salesperson talks numbers—$78,800 versus $84,900—while you wonder if that $6,100 gap buys genuine thrills or just fancy badges.
Here’s what 68% of luxury EV shoppers discover too late: the price difference shrinks fast when you dig deeper. The Macan 4S bundles performance hardware and premium features that you’d add to the base Macan 4 anyway. I’ll walk you through the real-world differences that matter—from your morning commute surge to weekend canyon carving—so you choose the trim that actually fits your life.
Keynote: Macan EV 4 vs 4S
The Porsche Macan 4S Electric delivers 107 more horsepower, superior braking hardware, and genuine performance excitement for roughly $3,000 real-world premium over the Macan 4. With identical charging speeds, minimal range difference, and stronger resale values, the 4S represents exceptional value for driving enthusiasts seeking authentic Porsche character in electric form.
The Price Gap That Shrinks Before Your Eyes
What You’re Really Paying For
The sticker shock hits first. Macan 4 starts at $78,800 while the 4S commands $84,900. But here’s the trap nobody warns you about: that base Macan 4 quickly climbs past $90,000 once you add the must-haves the 4S includes standard.
The 4S bundles surround view cameras, larger 20-inch Macan S design wheels, stainless steel pedals, and those iconic red brake calipers. Configure a Macan 4 with equivalent features and the real performance premium drops to roughly $3,000. That’s exceptional value in Porsche’s world, where performance upgrades traditionally cost $10,000 or more.
The Resale Reality Check
Badge psychology runs deep in the luxury market. Early resale data shows “S” models holding 5-8% better value after two years. The performance reputation ages better than pure efficiency in the used market.
Lease calculations reveal the monthly payment gap narrows to just $75-100. When you factor in stronger residual values, choosing the 4S becomes the financially smarter long-term play for most buyers.
Power Differences You’ll Feel Every Day
Where Those Extra 107 Horses Live
The numbers tell a clear story. The Macan 4 delivers 402 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque—respectable figures that launch you to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The 4S unleashes 509 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque, slashing that sprint to just 3.9 seconds.
That one-second difference represents a chasm in the performance world. Owner testimonials consistently describe the Macan 4 as feeling “adequate” while the 4S delivers “sports car territory” acceleration that transforms daily drives into events.
Here’s where it gets interesting: highway passing power. The 4 needs planning for overtakes at 75 mph. The 4S provides instant confidence with effortless surge. At 50-75 mph acceleration, the 4S pulls 0.7 seconds quicker—exactly where you need power most.
| Specification | Macan 4 | Macan 4S |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 402 hp | 509 hp |
| Torque | 479 lb-ft | 604 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 4.9 seconds | 3.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 137 mph | 149 mph |
The Secret Performance Upgrades
The power difference stems from genuine hardware upgrades, not software tricks. The 4S features a larger 9.1-inch rear motor compared to the 4’s 8.3-inch unit. A more powerful 600-amp silicon carbide inverter manages the increased electrical loads.
This creates the foundation for Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus on the 4S—an electronically controlled rear differential that makes tight corners feel effortless. Combined with optional rear-wheel steering, the 4S corners like it weighs 500 pounds less.
Range Trade-Offs and Charging Truths
The 20-Mile Question
EPA ratings promise 308 miles for the Macan 4 versus 288 miles for the 4S. In real-world highway driving at 75 mph, both drop to 240-260 miles. The gap nearly vanishes when you drive like a human, not a hypermiling robot.
Cold weather equalizes everything. Both models lose about 25% range in winter conditions. When range shrinks, having extra power becomes more valuable than those theoretical 20 additional miles.
| Range Comparison | Macan 4 | Macan 4S |
|---|---|---|
| EPA Rating | 308 miles | 288 miles |
| Real Highway | 240-260 miles | 240-260 miles |
| Winter Range | ~230 miles | ~215 miles |
Identical Charging Changes Everything
Both models share the same advanced 800-volt PPE platform. Peak DC fast charging hits 270 kW on both trims. You’ll juice from 10-80% in 21 minutes at capable chargers.
Home charging works identically—overnight fills restore full range whether you choose the 4 or 4S. Annual electricity costs differ by maybe $50 for the 4S’s fun factor. That’s negligible for anyone shopping $80,000 electric Porsches.
Daily Living: Where Differences Actually Show
City Moves and Parking Lots
Both models offer optional rear-wheel steering that transforms parking lot maneuvers. But the 4S uses this technology more effectively with its superior torque distribution. Stop-and-go traffic reveals personality differences—the 4 glides smoothly while the 4S eagerly leaps between gaps.
Valet parking brings shallow but true reality: the 4S commands more respect. Red brake calipers and subtle S badges communicate serious performance intent that enthusiasts recognize instantly.
Highway Confidence Gaps
Triple-digit passing reveals the 4S’s true character. Both cruise beautifully at legal speeds, but the 4S feels more planted when pushing limits. The superior braking system—375mm discs with six-piston calipers versus 350mm discs with four-piston units—inspires confidence during spirited drives.
“The 4S handles better than the base car by a wide margin. In Sport Plus mode, grip feels limitless with almost zero body roll, even on damp roads.” — Road & Track testing notes
Weather wisdom matters for all-wheel drive systems. Both handle slippery conditions well, but the 4S’s advanced torque vectoring provides superior control when traction disappears.
The Ownership Experience Nobody Discusses
Maintenance Sticker Shock
First service surprises hit at the two-year mark: expect $1,400-2,500 for both models. Porsche maintenance costs what Porsche maintenance costs, regardless of trim level. Basic DIY tasks like cabin air filters and windshield washer fluid save hundreds yearly.
Warranty coverage remains identical: eight-year battery protection covers your biggest worry. Software updates arrive over-the-air for both trims, keeping infotainment current without dealer visits.
Early Adopter Quirks
Both models share occasional infotainment glitches—expected for first-generation electric Macan. The charging network continues expanding rapidly, with NACS adapter compatibility arriving September 2025 for Supercharger access.
Porsche’s track record provides reassurance. They fix issues quickly when you’re paying premium prices. Both models benefit equally from ongoing software improvements.
Making Your Choice: The Heart vs Head Decision
Choose the Macan 4 If You…
Value efficiency above all else. That extra 20 miles of theoretical range brings genuine peace of mind for range-anxious buyers. You drive conservatively, preferring comfort over canyon carving.
Budget considerations matter significantly. Every dollar counts in your household finances, and the Macan 4 delivers 90% of the Porsche experience at the lower price point.
| Buyer Profile Guide | Macan 4 | Macan 4S |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Style | Conservative cruiser | Enthusiast driver |
| Priority | Maximum efficiency | Maximum engagement |
| Budget Flexibility | Strict limits | Some stretch room |
Stretch for the 4S When You…
Crave that acceleration surge. The power difference transforms mundane drives into smile-inducing events. You’ve owned performance cars before and know you’ll miss the extra punch if you don’t get it.
Plan to keep the vehicle long-term. Better resale values cushion the initial investment. The “S” badge carries performance credibility that ages well.
The Regret Factor Test
Consider this honestly: most Macan 4 owners who later test drive a 4S wish they’d stretched initially. Weekend warrior math works simply—if thinking about spirited drives makes you smile, get the 4S.
Partner approval ratings matter too. The 4S turns passengers into instant car enthusiasts with its effortless acceleration and composed handling.
The Bottom Line: Why This Choice Matters Less Than You Think
Both models will seem dated compared to next-generation EVs arriving soon. You’ll remember how your Macan made you feel, not EPA ratings or 0-60 times. Choose the one that sparks joy during test drives.
Life’s too short for automotive regrets. If you can swing the 4S payment comfortably, the smile-per-mile mathematics work overwhelmingly in its favor.
My Honest Take
Start with the 4S test drive. Feel the maximum capability first, then decide if you can live without it. Finance the modest difference at current 2.9% rates—we’re discussing roughly $100 monthly for genuine thrills.
Trust your gut reaction during that first acceleration run. Did you giggle with delight or merely nod approvingly? Your honest emotional response tells you everything about which trim suits your personality.
You’re choosing between two exceptional machines that represent Porsche’s electric future. The Macan 4 delivers everything you need with trademark German polish and efficiency. The 4S adds everything you want with addictive performance urgency.
Drive both back-to-back with someone you trust. Watch their face during launch control activation. Their reaction—and yours—will crystallize this decision perfectly. Both models excel, but only one will make your heart race each morning.
Macan EV 4S vs Turbo (FAQs)
Is the Macan 4S worth $6,000 more than the Macan 4?
Absolutely, when you factor in the real-world price difference. The 4S includes about $3,000 worth of standard equipment that’s optional on the Macan 4, making the true performance premium roughly $3,000. For that modest amount, you get 107 additional horsepower, superior brakes, and hardware upgrades that transform the driving experience from capable to thrilling.
What’s the real-world range difference between Macan 4 and 4S?
In actual highway driving at 75 mph, both models achieve 240-260 miles—the EPA’s 20-mile advantage for the Macan 4 largely disappears. Cold weather reduces both ranges by about 25%, making the power difference more valuable than the marginal efficiency gain. For typical luxury EV buyers, this range difference won’t impact daily usability.
Should I get rear-axle steering on Macan 4?
Rear-axle steering enhances both models significantly, but it’s particularly beneficial on the more powerful 4S where the torque can better utilize the improved agility. At low speeds, it reduces turning radius for easier parking. At highway speeds, it enhances stability and responsiveness. Given the technology’s impact on the overall driving experience, it’s worth considering on either trim.