The Porsche Macan has been the subject of heated debate since it dropped the combustion engine version. But the electric generation is an extremely competitive car with real sporting ambitions that doesn’t have to hide from new competitors like the BMW iX3 and the Mercedes GLC EQ. Especially not in GTS form. However, this has its price.
GTS models have now become important image carriers for the entire Porsche range. This applies to the 911 as well as to four-door models such as the Cayenne and Taycan. The Macan is now also available as a GTS and it can be assumed that this subtly sharpened performance version will become one of the best-selling variants. The design has been slightly revised, as is typical for the GTS, and as standard it has the extremely sensitive all-wheel drive with two electric motors and a total output of 380 kW (516 hp). In short overboost stages, this value increases to 420 kW (571 hp), together with a huge torque of 955 Nm. If you’re determined enough, the 2.4-ton crossover will accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach 200 km/h in an impressive 13.3 seconds. Its top speed of 250 km/h will be just as important to many potential customers as its maximum range of 580 kilometers.
As with the new Cayenne and the established Taycan, a modern 800-volt electrical system architecture enables fast charging. Still, the Porsche Macan GTS has lost some ground in the top echelon of electric performance. Its charging speed of 270 kW is undeniably fast, but the latest competitors from BMW, Mercedes, Volvo and Xpeng charge their underfloor battery packs much faster. 320, 370 or even well over 400 kW are now possible, and in the premium and luxury SUV segment this is becoming more and more to be expected for buyers.
Nevertheless, the overall package works. Especially as a GTS, which starts at an impressive 104,200 euros and comes with the usual visual upgrade, a really sporty appearance and useful features such as air suspension, off-road mode and optional rear-axle steering. If you miss the soundtrack of a combustion engine, you can simply turn down the stereo and instead enjoy two GTS-specific sound profiles, which are intended to replace the missing exhaust sound with a virtual, trumpet-like character.
For a 4.81 meter long mid-range crossover, the performance is generous and the acceleration is correspondingly impressive. But buyers don’t have to be afraid of a meaningless performance model. Yes, the GTS is solidly positioned, but that is mainly due to the wheel-tire combination and the torsion-resistant body structure, coupled with the heavy 100 kWh battery in the floor. This means that the suspension feels noticeably tighter and more direct than on the previous Macan GTS with a combustion engine. If you want an even sportier look, you can swap the standard 21-inch wheels for the optional 22-inch wheels. It looks good, but is hardly necessary. The steering, on the other hand, is excellent and sharp.
There is enough space in the interior for four people, although no one should be tempted to squeeze three people into the back seat. The electrically adjustable sports seats are almost perfect and, with leather upholstery, leave a better impression than the so-called Race-Tex material. The 476 liter trunk behind the electric tailgate can be expanded to over 1,300 liters by folding down the rear seats. There’s also an 84-liter trunk at the front, and if that’s still not enough, an optional trailer hitch can be used to transport trailers weighing up to 2,500 kilograms. Combined with the all-wheel drive and off-road package, it is a compelling setup for owners with adventurous leisure habits who want to enjoy not only the impressive driving pleasure but also the practicality of the Macan GTS.
