Hi All - Putting in my final build order for my 4S. It will be Ice Grey. Two items I can't decide on:

- Side blades -- Getting Ice Grey exterior. I realize there are a lot of opinions that the high gloss side blades look nice in this color. However, my question is on a 4S, without all of the other high gloss on the underside of the car found on a turbo, will the high gloss blades stick out as funny or a good look still? Has anyone seen this in a non-turbo Ice Grey macan?
- Roof rails -- I generally prefer look of the vehicle without the roof rails (although I don't hate them...) I'm trying to determine how much potential use I would get out of them. Likely not going to use for skis or bikes, but maybe a cargo box. Does anyone know how significant of a range reduction a roof box would bring?

 

Another factor is the authorized weight on the roof: it’s 75kg, roof box and bars included.
The range loss is huge, 10-30% depending on the box design…
I’ve discarded roof rails on my Turbo: I have no use, and I prefer the overall shape without it. Personal opinion/usage.

 

I don’t care for side blades on any build. Choosing body color on my ice grey turbo. Also skipping roof rails but adding gloss black window trim and mirrors. https://configurator.porsche.com/porsche-code/PSP7K4F8

 

Side blades look best color matched to me. Never been a fan of an alternative color or other finish on these. Think you get the nice body line effect with them painted to match. That said, if another design style appeals, run with it.

Roof Rails and the option to load a carrier box for the occasional trip, prompted me to get them. Unlikely use case for me, but can’t add the rails later, so chose them. I have also had rails on previous 2 Macan GTS (2018, 2023) so I am used to the look.

I also added the hitch as that’s the main use for the bike rack.

 

I know lots feel side blades should be the color of the car. To me, well I went all out, ice grey with gloss black everywhere I could ...door handles, insignia, window frames and side blades. I get my car in 3 weeks so I guess I will see how it turns out!!! But me, and the wife, felt strongly the contrast of gloss black to ice grey would be really cool. And heck that is the beauty of buying Porsche...having the ability to make such customizations!

 

I had the same doubts.

Here you can find pictures and my review of this combo:
https://www.macanevowners.com/forum/...-photos.17124/

TL;DR it very much depends on lightning; sometimes you don't notice that and sometimes you do although you will probably be the only one.

 

 

The black sideblades are so ugly in nearly every color, I am sure they put them there to force you to pay the extra just to get them in paint color.

 

To each his own.

 

Thanks... that's kind of where I'm out, although I started with the gloss black everywhere, but backed off a little bit --- don't really like the mirrors in gloss black, roof rails I'm now deleting, door handles I go back and forth on but currently off my build. On the side blade, it is definitely a polarizing look. I feel like it's kind of like a purely cosmetic pinstripe on the paint job. Adds a little something....and I guess at this point it's somewhat iconic to the Macan DNA. I keep telling myself I shouldn't like it, but then I switch it to paint color and I feel like things don't "pop" as much with the look on the side profile. I just find it an interesting detail, particularly in the gloss black. In certain lighting conditions I find it very striking.

 

Oh, I have one other question for you all... Headlights. The standard is labeled "LED-Matrix Design Headlights". The two available options (both for $530) suggest it's purely a cosmetic change (LED-Matrix Design Headlights in Black/Glacier Blue). However, at one point I swear the configurator indicated the upgrade also provided you with the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+). Does anyone know if the optional lighting is a functional difference or just cosmetic? I've tried to clarify with my sales agent and not gotten totally clear responses from her.

 

I asked this to my SA and was was his response. "The optional LED-Matrix Design Headlights will change the design and add more LED's, however, the Matrix functionality is turned off for the US market." Hope that helps!

 

My understanding is PDLS+ adds auto high beams

The above is wrong, SORRY!. beye has the correct answer in the next post (#14)

 

I’m pretty sure this option only adds a specific color (blue or black) inside headlights, and a specific animation for coming/leaving home. Same for taillights (with the satin or blue Porsche logo).

 

This is what my sales associate told me: Matrix design headlights are not standard. Standard headlights have auto high beam, dynamic leveling, 4-point LED running light with LED indicators. Upgrading to the Matrix design adds the swivel lights for turning, as well as a welcome feature when you lock and unlock your vehicle. Aesthetically they are different as well. Unfortunately, in the US, we can't unlock the full capabilities of Matrix headlights, hence the verbiage of "Matrix design". So even though you do have 84 individual LED's, in the US they are programmed as one.

However, it still very much confuses me since the configurator calls the standard lights "LED Matrix Design Headlights". I'll take her at her word that you also don't get the swivel/directional lights when turning, in addition to the lock/unlock feature. I'm at the point of just checking the box for the optional upgrade simply because of my fear of missing out....