Sporty and focused Macan GTS driven
The GTS treatment now comes to Porsche’s compact SUV, as if the existing models aren’t sporty enough
Porsche has added another version to its Macan line-up in the guise of the GTS, which slots in between the S and Turbo models in terms of performance and price.
It’s like an “intermediate” model that isn’t too common nor outrageous in both visual and driving appeal. Rivals do it as well: Audi S Q5, BMW M40i and Mercedes-Benz GLC450 AMG.
But in the case of Porsche’s compact SUV, some might suggest that such a model is unnecessary and, after all, merely adds more dilemma for the Macan punter. If you look at the accompanying graphic, the GTS is only a whiff more powerful and quicker than the S.
But, without doubt, the GTS certainly has more character than the S, be it in visual or driving terms. Opt for the flashy exterior red colour and you get standout black hues on the wheels, grille, vents, exhaust pipes, window lines and front and rear lights.
Of course, those needing some understatement can always settle for silver, white or dark grey colour. But red seems to work well with the GTS moniker because the redcoloured rev-counter and stitching on the leather upholstery inside the car genuinely exudes sportiness.
The GTS uses a pumped-up motor of the S rather than a detuned version of the Turbo. With some tweaks in the engine management system, the GTS is 20hp more powerful than the S.
Despite being only marginal, you can note the extra zest the GTS has over the S especially when you force that tacho needle to the redline. But, at the same time, you can also feel the 40hp deficit the GTS concedes to the Turbo.
This is so Porsche-like where every inch of a position in the luxury car market counts.
What could be harder to differentiate the GTS from top and below are the driving characteristics, in spite of some different values for the brakes and suspension. Whatever, the GTS gets adjustable suspension and exhaust note, plus a host of other features as standard to let the driver increase the driving appeal of the GTS.
Despite its sporty mission, the ride is on the comfortable side when driven over country roads on the Spanish island of Tenerife. Maybe not as comfy are the tight rear quarters which, however, is an inherent flaw of the Macan and not the GTS treatment itself.
Like in the facelifted 911 we drove earlier this month, the Macan sees a new infotainment on the dashboard that’s easier to use thanks to similar operation seen on today’s mobile devices.
What the Macan doesn’t get, though, is the steering-mounted rotary dial to operate the driving modes (Sport and Sport Plus). This means that the centre console remains extra-busy with buttons only pilots will find a doddle to use.
Ever since the Macan was born two years ago, we found it to be the most car-like SUV to drive in the premium compact SUV market. In fact, it’s like the sports car of SUVs, and the GTS further underlines that position.
More good news. Go for the GTS today and it is taxed at 50% under current excise rules (like the S and Turbo, thanks to power exceeding 220hp). Buy it next year when there’s a new CO2-based excise tax system in place and the rate falls to 40% for the S and GTS (the Turbo remains hit with 50% due to its 3.6-litre engine).
Which means that at well over 10 million baht, the Turbo can be forgotten because for more than 2 million baht less, you can get the GTS that still manages to deliver the thrills both visually and dynamically.