The Porsche Macan hit headlines when it launched last year for being the best-driving SUV around. And now it’s even better from behind the wheel as Porsche has applied its driver-focused GTS upgrades to the Macan, making it the sportiest model yet.
However, it’s actually got less power than the Macan Turbo. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 in the GTS puts out 355bhp and 500Nm of torque, which with launch control and the standard seven-speed PDK dual-clutch auto gearbox means a scorching 0-62mph time of 5.0 seconds flat for this 1,895kg SUV.
Instead, Porsche has focused on tuning the Macan’s chassis, so the GTS sits 15mm lower on its stiffer suspension. Like the new 911, Porsche’s PASM adaptive suspension dampers are standard here, so you can cruise around in plenty of comfort in the Normal mode, retaining the regular car’s supple ride even on 20-inch alloys. If you want even more ride comfort, air suspension is available as an option.
Select Sport and the GTS’ more focused setting over the regular car is obvious – the Macan rolls less in bends, and the car’s mass tries to tear the front tyres off-line less due to the extra grip. It means the steering is more precise, too, as the Macan does its best to bend the laws of physics.
There’s a surprising amount of grip given the size and weight of the car, and you can throw the Macan into bends at a rate that’d embarrass some sports cars thanks to PTM Porsche Traction Management. This helps the car turn in to the corner with clever electronically controlled differentials, punching out the other side with unflappable traction thanks to four-wheel drive.
Keep the throttle pinned and the engine revs with a snarl, the exhaust cracking on gear shifts. However, the GTS never feels truly rapid – it’s brisk in a straight line, but hit a twisty road and it’s clear where Porsche has focused its efforts.
The brand’s designers have tweaked the car’s styling to show its sharper character, too, with those 20-inch wheels coming as standard. There’s also an emphasis on black, with a more prominent dark grille and blades in the front bumper, black GTS inserts on the doors and satin black quad exhaust pipes in the new, dark rear diffuser.
The 3D cut-out rear lights get a dark-smoked finish, while the headlights feature black inserts and optional LED technology – a first on the Macan.
Inside, there’s lots of Alcantara for the GTS-specific seats and contrasting stitching to reinforce the sports theme, while an optional GTS interior pack adds some more logos and a coloured rev counter.
Often making a car sportier hurts practicality, but with the debut of Porsche’s new infotainment system in the Macan, the GTS is actually the most usable model in the range.
Like the new 911, a seven-inch central touchscreen that responds to smartphone-like swipe gestures now offers online connected services like Google Street View and real-time traffic info. With Porsche Car Connect and the Porsche Connect app, owners can send destinations to their car’s sat-nav remotely, or stream music from their mobile.
The GTS boasts the same 500-litre boot as the rest of the range, rising to 1,500 litres if you fold the rear seats down. And with quoted efficiency of 32.1mpg and 207g/km, fuel economy is acceptable.
As a result, the latest addition to the Macan line-up blends usability and performance neatly. If you want the best-driving SUV on the market, look no further.
- Price: £55,188
- Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6
- Power/torque: 355bhp/500Nm
- Transmission: Seven-speed PDK dual-clutch auto, four-wheel drive
- 0-62mph: 5.0 seconds
- Top speed: 159mph
- Economy/CO2: 32.1mpg/207g/km
- On sale: Now