4 minute read
Porsche Macan GTS
FORECOURT PORSCHE MACAN GTS
Power
The turbocharged V6 pumps out 434bhp and 550Nm of torque
The Macan had begun showing its age in certain key areas – Jack Evans took the updated GTS model for a spin to determine if Porsche has resolved the issue.
WHAT IS IT?
This is a second, subtle update ahead of a fully electric version hitting the roads in 2023. It gains revised looks, a more streamlined engine line-up and a less button-heavy interior.
WHAT’S NEW?
The car gets a tweaked grille plus prominent diffuser at the back. Entry-level Macans still use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but the Macan S ditches its older 3.0-litre V6 in favour of a more powerful 2.9-litre version. The range-topping Turbo is replaced by the car we’re in today – the GTS – which nearly matches its output.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
The Macan in GTS setup makes use of a 2.9-litre turbocharged V6 that kicks out a considerable 434bhp alongside 550Nm of torque. Driven via a seven-speed PDK automatic, it’s enough to send the GTS from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds – or 4.1 when fitted with the optional Sport Chrono package as with ‘our’ car.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
One of the best things about the Macan and continues to be so in this new version is how spot-on the driving position is, which means you’re starting off from a good point.
Well-weighted steering gives you the confidence to make the most of the engine’s power, while good levels of body control ensure you don’t actually notice its two-tonne weight as much as you may think. There’s a certain firmness to the ride at low speeds, but the quality of the damping means larger potholes don’t thump through to the cabin.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
The Macan has always been a smartly proportioned SUV and the subtle changes only enhance this. The tweaks made to this latest version give it added presence without completely overcooking it. These GTS-badged cars gain a host of black-coloured accents across the car, too, while the rear diffuser surrounding the car’s four exhaust pipes is bespoke to this model as well.
THE KNOWLEDGE
Porsche Macan GTS
Price (as tested): £85,276 Engine: Turbocharged V6 petrol
Power: 434bhp Torque: 550Nm
Max speed:
169mph
O-60mph:
4.1 seconds
MPG (combined):
24.1-25.0
Emissions:
258g/km CO2
Looks
The GTS gets a host of black-coloured details and a rear diffuser surrounding the quad exhausts.
With fewer buttons to press, the cabin has a far more minimalist appearance.
Cabin
the older Macan: a head-scrambling number of buttons littered the central area around the gear selector, making changing settings and features a bit of a cumbersome task.
Now, however, these have been replaced in favour of touch-sensitive haptic buttons – much the same as those you’ll find on the latest Cayenne – which gives the Macan’s cabin a far more minimalist appearance. The gear selector itself has been made smaller too.
And although the general architecture might be showing its years, the attention to material quality is still excellent. Everything fits together beautifully – although we’d have to question the red-coloured plastic air vent surrounds on this particular car, as they cheapen the look of the cabin – madness, given they’re an extra costing £1,002.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
Prices for the Macan GTS kick off from £64,770 and for that you get plenty of standard equipment. Highlights include LED headlights with dynamic cornering lights and park assist for hassle-free manoeuvres. You also get a full instrument cluster that has a 4.8-inch colour display fitted into a ‘pod’.
A full infotainment setup with Apple CarPlay and 10-speaker sound system is fitted as part of the GTS’s standard list of equipment as well.
Our test car, with extras such as a panoramic sunroof (£1,166) and heated multifunction steering wheel trimmed in Race-Tex with carbon inlays (£1,158), tipped the scales at £85,276 – a considerable chunk of cash for a car this size.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?
Evo said: ‘New range-topping Macan GTS proves once again that Porsche can do practical and performance in one car.’
WHAT DO WE THINK?
Porsche’s smallest SUV is going to have considerable in-house competition once the electric version arrives (the pair are set to be sold alongside one another), but these tweaks have ensured that up until that point it’ll still remain one of the best-handling cars in its class and one that will no doubt find favour with many drivers after performance and practicality.
Sure, the options list can easily send prices skyward, but go easy with the box-ticking and this remains an incredibly appealing SUV both in terms of dynamics and – thanks to this update – interior quality.
TARGET BUYERS:
Drivers who want all the flavour of a Porsche sports car in a more practical layout.
THE RIVALS:
Mercedes-AMG GLC63 Audi SQ5 BMW X3 M40i
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. Fine build quality. 2.Strong engine. 3.Understated looks.
DEAL CLINCHER:
The Macan might be starting to show its age but this GTS version shows there’s plenty of life in the old dog yet.
