What is it?
The GTS has quite a lot of presence on the road
Throughout the years, the GTS badge has come to represent a sweet spot within Porsche’s range of cars. It’s been the case for the 911, the Cayman and even the larger Cayenne, and now it’s been laid upon the new Macan Electric.
With a range of changes over the standard electric model, the GTS aims to be – as so many cars before it have been – a ‘goldilocks’ model within the line-up. We’ve been trying it in the UK for the first time to find out.
What’s new?
The GTS badge has graced many Porsche models
The GTS takes a similar approach to the full-fat Turbo model, but there are some points of difference. The GTS has a 10mm drop in ride height over the rest of the Macan range and, for the first time, it gets its own distinctive ‘sound’ inside which aims to add a little extra theatre when accelerating. If you’re not a fan, you can still turn it off.
Price-wise, the GTS sits bang in the middle of the Macan Electric range. The standard car starts at just under £70,000, with the GTS model coming in at £90,800 before options. At the top of the tree sits the £99,300 Macan Turbo Electric.
What’s under the bonnet?
Subtle GTS badges are here and there
Powering the Macan GTS is a dual-motor setup, with one placed at each axle to help this car deliver all-wheel drive. You’ll find that setup used in many Macan Electric models, but in the GTS they combine to bring 563bhp and an impressive 955Nm of torque. They’re both outputs that would’ve been scarcely believable for a high-end sports car a decade ago, let alone a practical SUV.
Brought together, that power and torque will get the Macan GTS from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 155mph. Porsche claims a range of up to 358 miles from the GTS, too, while a maximum charge speed of 270kW will allow the Macan to go from 10 to 80 per cent in 21 minutes when it’s hooked up to a rapid charger.
What’s it like to drive?
The GTS uses a dual-motor setup
As we’ve mentioned, the GTS has always acted as a sweet spot within the Porsche range of cars and that feels the case here. It’s quiet, refined and impressively stable and even at lower speeds the ride quality is good. It’s supportive enough to allow the GTS to cut through bends accurately, yet doesn’t fall apart around town. In essence, it’s the best of both worlds.
While the range-topping Turbo might deliver the headline performance, even a brief blip of throttle in the GTS leaves you wondering why you’d need any more power. That sound generator isn’t bad, either, but for most of the time we did leave it off – the whole car feels a lot more relaxing without it.
How does it look?
The Macan GTS looks great in a standout red colour
The latest Macan Electric draws on some of the styling of the original – and rather successful – petrol-powered model, but adds its own distinctive flavour. With the GTS, you’re getting a variety of black-finished elements such as the window trims and wheels, which do look good and can be used to contrast the primary colour of the car nicely.
Our test car came finished in optional Carmine Red – a £1,245 extra – and though a little bit more expensive, it did suit the GTS down to the ground. The standard 21-inch alloy wheels finished in grey also look great, particularly with that bright red exterior paint.
What’s it like inside?
The Macan’s interior is cleverly laid out
The interior of the GTS appears to show Porsche at its very best. It’s solid, logical and offers plenty of space throughout, so it’s just what you’d want from a more family-focused model. In the GTS, you’ve got all manner of Race-Tex finishers here and there – it’s a suede-like material – and the adaptive sports seats are both supportive and comfortable. While we don’t like the use of gloss black plastic, everything in the Macan does feel very high quality. Plus, having a slightly smaller screen than is becoming normal in new cars feels like something of a novelty, but it’s far less distracting too.
Space-wise, the Macan does well and there’s plenty of room in the back for passengers. The Macan also offers a 476-litre boot, while an extra 84 litres comes via the well-sized ‘frunk’ which is ideal for storing the car’s charging cables in.
What’s the spec like?
Contrast red seat belts are a trademark GTS feature
The GTS gets a great level of equipment and though, being a Porsche, you can go to town with the optional extras, you don’t feel like you’re being required to in order to get a well-specified car. The central 10.9-inch infotainment system is packed with features, while a well-laid-out menu system means that you don’t feel lost when you’re looking for a specific feature.
We’ve also got to praise the Porsche app, which gives you a good idea of key details about the car. It’s also great for planning out a route, as it’ll take into account charge stops and which ones will offer you the quickest top-ups.
Verdict
The Macan GTS certainly lives up to that famous moniker. From within the Macan Electric range, it does feel like the best choice, blending the type of performance that you’d expect from a Porsche but with just the right level of equipment.
Add in a decent amount of range, a fast charging speed and impressive acceleration, and you have a package that is hard to ignore.
Model as tested: Macan GTS ElectricPrice: £99,818Engine: Dual electric motorsPower: 563bhpTorque: 955NmMax speed: 155mph0-60mph: 3.5secondsMPG: NAEmissions: NARange: 359 milesMaximum charging speed: 270kW