Porsche Macan GTS (2015) revealed: could this be the best-handling SUV on sale today?

Published: 28 October 2015 Updated: 28 October 2015

 Bigger power, bigger brakes, black trim
 ‘More sporting’ suspension settings
 On sale now, from £55,000 in the UK

Just as night follows day, a GTS variant follows a new Porsche model launch. Now it’s the Porsche Macan’s turn, with the usual sprinkling of trim tweaks, a power hike and a more nimble suspension setup. Could GTS spell the best-driving SUV on sale today?

What separates a Porsche Macan GTS from a regular Macan?

Bigger power, bigger brakes and a lower ride height are the headline changes. Under the bonnet is the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 as the Macan S, with power upped by 20bhp to 355bhp and a sports exhaust system to make it a little more vocal. The range-topping 395bhp Macan Turbo is still the daddy power-wise; the new GTS sits between it and the Macan S in the horsepower hierarchy. A seven-speed PDK twin-clutch automatic gearbox is standard.

Apart from a lower ride height, Porsche says ‘a more sporting state of tune has been applied’ to the Macan GTS’s electronically controlled dampers.

Porsche paints it black

Like other current Porsche GTS models, you can tell the sportiest Macan apart by lots of black bits of exterior trim and big (20in), matt black wheels.

Inside you’ll find different seats, GTS logos everywhere and the latest version of Porsche’s touchscreen multimedia system, recently fitted to the newly facelifted 911 and making its first appearance in the Macan.

How fast is the Porsche Macan GTS?

Top speed is 160mph and 0-62mph a nice round 5.0 seconds if the optional Sport Chrono pack’s fitted. And if you’re interested, fuel economy’s rated at 31.4mpg combined and CO2 emissions at 212g/km.

How much?

The Macan GTS goes on sale in the UK on 28 October 2015, from £55,188 (with an on-track training session at Porsche’s Silverstone Experience Centre thrown in).

Click here for all of CAR’s Porsche Macan news and reviews.

By James Taylor

Former features editor for CAR, occasional racer

Comments