Inside Story: The Porsche Macan GTS vs. The Jaguar F-PACE SVR

In the spirit of eternal watch arguments, like the Rolex Submariner vs. the Omega Seamaster, behold, the interiors of two of the finest high-performance luxury crossovers on the market.

From Germany is Porsche’s Macan GTS, an $88,450 screamer born on the Autobahn. From across the channel is Jaguar’s brutally quick F-PACE SVR, a 542 horsepower, V8-powered brute that comes nearly loaded for $93,175.
 

While Porsche’s Macan starts at about $4,700 less than the Jag, the Macan’s price quickly eclipses the Jag once you add items like a panoramic sliding roof, 14-way power heated/cooled seats, and a premium audio system, all of which come standard on the Jag. In addition, the F-PACE is the more potent performer of the two, besting the Macan in a sprint from zero to 60 mph by a half second, taking just 3.8 seconds.
 

But, instead of focusing on their performance, we delve into the world of interior luxury design, taking a closer look at the features, materials, and overall layout that distinguishes these two SUVs from the inside. Which telling details make the difference? It’s all up to you.

This one is really up to your personal taste. For analog lovers, the Macan takes the cake with its centrally mounted tachometer inspired by classic 911s and its “old-fashioned” needle speedometer. In contrast is the Jag, with its 12.3-inch fully customizable LCD screen. 
 

While the Macan just offers a small 4.8-inch display, the Jag’s full-width screen can display everything from gauge information, 3D map views, your favorite radio stations, detailed drive mode information, etc. If you’re a diehard techie, you will prefer the Jag’s setup. But, if you prefer the analog aesthetic, as many watch lovers do, then the Macan is the one for you.
 

Jaguar’s 14-way performance seats are a treat not only to sit in but also to behold. The slimline seats look sleek compared to the relatively bulky-looking Macan seats and the integrated noble chrome bezel in the shoulder area gives the F-PACE seats a decidedly premium appearance. Both the Porsche and the Jag include monogramming on the headrests and the Macan’s seats are definitely comfortable, but the Jag’s combination of comfort and style give it the edge.
 

Despite its slightly smaller 10.9-inch screen, the Macan’s infotainment system is snappy, intuitive, and displays customizable tiles to make it easy to tailor the screen to your exact specifications, just like your phone’s home screen. In contrast, is the Jaguar’s 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen, which allows the driver to carry out 90% of common tasks with just two taps from the home screen.
 

The Macan’s lower console is centered around the Porsche’s stunning silver and suede-trimmed gearshift selector, one of the few remaining automatic transmissions that are not digitally selected, like the Jaguar’s. This analog touch is oddly refreshing in our digital age. The Jaguar, though, takes advantage of its electronic gearshift selector by utilizing the space it saves for a compartment underneath and a large storage bin and cupholders behind it.
 

To the right of the Jag’s gearshift is the dynamic drive mode selector; finished in knurled aluminum, it turns not unlike a unidirectional bezel if you give it a go. Finally, we do appreciate the “Macan” plaque that adorns the center of the lower console, a welcome touch of bling to a generally more subdued Macan.

(Images © Jaguar and Porsche)