Have you ever wondered what press cars you see on the streets? Car expert configured?
Typically, a PR representative for a particular brand will sit down at a laptop and build it themselves. They’ll consider the main colors, desired options, and, in some cases, think about what could be added to make the car run better.
Sometimes that means fitting smaller wheels to improve ride quality. Other times it might mean opting for performance add-ons to enhance the handling of an otherwise temperamental car.
Porsche is taking a different approach with one of its new Macan EV press cars and giving away Car expert the keys
We were asked to configure either a base Macan or a Macan 4S. And instead of one person making the executive decision about the car, we decided to turn it into a competition.
The configurations you see below will be posted on Car expert Instagram page this weekend. Our followers will then vote and the winner will be shared with Porsche to build.
Here’s how each member of Car expert content team designed their Macan. Head over to Instagram to voice your opinion on which car will become a reality.
We’ve provided a quick breakdown of our key design choices for the sake of brevity. A full build sheet has been provided for each Porsche configuration.
THAN: Porsche Macan EV range to expand by 2025
THAN: 2025 Porsche Macan Electric Review and Video
Scott Collie: Macan 4S
As you might expect, I got it right. The new Macan EV has a unique shape and requires a different approach to the 911 or Taycan, which means Gentian Blue is out and Aventurine Green Metallic is in.
The Macan Sport’s 22-inch wheels give the car a solid stance on the road, while small details such as high-gloss black window surrounds, body-coloured mirror caps and black brake calipers help maintain a clean look.
Inside, the Truffle Brown Club leather interior looks great. Pretty, while Summerwood trim and Neodyne accents add contrast. I also chose Chalk Beige for the seat belts and Sport Chrono watch.
Finally, the car is loaded with performance options. That means rear steering, adaptive air suspension, and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus are all available.
William Stopford: Macan 4S
I opted for the very exciting 4S – loaded with mechanical upgrades, including rear-axle steering, torque vectoring and adaptive air suspension, but with the most luxurious interior.
Including beige leather, wood trim, ventilated and massaging seats. Just because this is a Porsche, doesn’t mean I want an all-black cabin with carbon accents.
As for the color, every time I see a Porsche Taycan in Frozenblue Metallic, it catches my eye, so it’s great to see it offered on the Macan. It’s like a robin’s egg or light blue, which might seem out of place on a Porsche, but it’s completely different.
It also looks almost identical to the blue on the ‘Skybird’ package of the 1977-78 Pontiac Firebird, although you can get the same colour wheels on the Porsche as on the Pontiac but they’re a bit too much on the Macan.
Alborz Fallah: Macan
The Porsche Macan EV is such a big gamble for Porsche that it almost deserves a medal for taking the risk.
With that in mind, if you’re going to buy one, you might as well go a little crazy to make sure it doesn’t just look like a grey rainbow of German hell.
For that reason, my Porsche Macan will be lavender or ‘Provence’ as Porsche likes to call it. It’s not quite pink so it suits both my wife and I, but it’s bright enough to stand out.
If I were going to spend $18,000 that I’d never see again on Paint To Sample, I’d go for a brighter version of that color, an even crazier color.
James Wong: Macan
I decided to go with the base RWD Macan for its classic Porsche driving feel. Oak Green Metallic is a gorgeous shade of my favourite colour, and combined with the optional Off-Road Design Package and adaptive air suspension, the Macan Electric retains its SUV roots with improved on-road comfort.
Club Leather in Truffle Brown offers a classic look in #GreenOverTan, perfectly complementing the wooden interior design package.
Other key options I’ve highlighted for everyday use and the great outdoors include ventilated front seats, the Sport Chrono Package with white stopwatches, embossed Porsche Crests on the front seat headrests, and a Bose premium audio system. Oh, and don’t forget the panoramic sunroof.
$50,000 in options sounds like a lot, but I think my Macan is the best choice.
Max Davies: Macan
Keeping it simple is the name of the game. I went for a simple yet classy dark grey on the outside, combined with a bit of aggression from the offroad design package.
I find the thicker spokes work well on the Macan, but there are just too many raw metal bits. That’s why I went with the machined finish on the outside with darker areas around it, as it’s enough to stand out against the paint but still blends in with the overall look.
The truffle brown interior complements the grey well, and I decided to keep it simple. There are some clean accents around to keep it interesting, as well as some little extras like the Porsche lettering and the sports seats.
Joshua Nevett: Macan 4S
The Macan Electric offers a different kind of (quiet) refinement and I designed it that way.
The playful yet casual metallic oak green exterior is paired with a luxurious brown leather interior for comfort.
The electric version of the Macan offers plenty of performance, but buyers may prefer a quieter ride. With that in mind, this configuration has few racing features beyond the front sports seats.
This Macan 4S doesn’t cost much and would be the car I’d want to drive every day.
Jack Quick: Macan
With my Porsche Macan Electric configuration, I decided to go with a simple exterior and an over-the-top interior. This is because you spend more time looking at the inside than the outside.
On the exterior, I wanted to highlight the optional 22-inch RS Spyder Design wheels painted in Neodyne, which is basically gold. That’s why I went for a stealthy look with a Jet Black Metallic finish and lots of black accents.
Inside is a black and Bordeaux red extended leather package that creates a strong look.
To create visual cohesion between the interior and exterior, I opted for a Neodyne trim package that extends from the dashboard to the front and rear doors.
Jordan Mulach: Macan 4S
Figuring out the configuration of any Porsche is like going down a rabbit hole, with an almost mind-boggling number of exterior and interior combinations.
I couldn’t pass up the Copper Ruby Metallic paint as it reminded me of the Velvet from my dad’s old Ford FG Falcon G6E Turbo Mk1, which happened to have a cream Cashmere interior – which I’ve tried to replicate here with black and powder beige leather.
Opting for performance tires will force you to use RS Spyder-style wheels, which still look pretty sharp.
All exterior trim is black, while the interior includes features inspired by more sports cars like a GT steering wheel, Sport Chrono Package, and carbon fiber trim.
My luxury spending means I’ll be paying $66,170 more than retail for these extras.
Sean Lander: Macan 4S
We tested a base Macan in this Papaya Metallic paint a while back and I loved it. Sure, it might not be as durable as black or white, but it stood out on a dreary Melbourne day.
Opting for the painted Off-Road Design package (which I wouldn’t take off-road for fear of ruining the trim) eliminated base model feel Black bumper and side skirts stand out.
Satin black 22-inch RS Spyder Design wheels are a must, as are black door handles and carbon wing mirrors, finished with black roof rails. Optional Matrix LED headlights with Glacier Blue accents are a no-brainer.
Inside, I kept the traditional black color scheme, but like any other Porsche, the black seat belts were replaced with Crayon seat belts.
The Sport Chrono package (obviously) and carbon interior, along with leather-trimmed air vents, heated and cooled front seats, and illuminated Porsche logos below the headrests.
Tyra Lawler-Cass: Macan 4S
There’s nothing more stunning than an all-black Porsche.
While I do love the green and tan combination (especially on the 911), I opted for a gloss black exterior and all-black leather interior to keep the overall look cohesive and timeless.
I made some strategic decisions like fitting 22-inch RS Spyder Design wheels and performance tires, as well as adding trunk storage and heated seats front and rear.
At this price, the car should make my life less than stress.
Subtle touches like Summerwood finishes, Porsche emblems on the headrests, and illuminated seat badges add a touch of sophistication to the interior (plus, it won’t feel like an abyss inside).
I chose the GT Sports steering wheel and shift knob to fulfill my sports car dreams. I also didn’t include a passenger display. I’ve always been against passenger displays – appreciate the car you’re driving!
Megan Spence: Macan 4S
I decided to go with a high performance color and Slate Grey Neo was the perfect choice.
The car is fitted with 22-inch black RS Spyder Design wheels that really add to its stealthy look. I also added red brake calipers for a pop of color, which contrasts nicely with the gloss black trim on the windows and body-colored mirror caps.
Inside, I opted for the stylish Black and Crayon leather interior. The Crayon seat belts tie everything together, adding a bit of flair and complementing the overall design perfectly. I just added a head-up display for the passenger because, why not?
Performance-wise, the Macan EV is loaded with all the top features. With rear-axle steering and adaptive air suspension, it’s ready to tear up any fun road, too.
