Updated Porsche Macan GTS Ready For 2020
Porsche updated their Macan earlier this year, but enthusiasts would have noticed a model missing from the line-up, consisting of the Macan S and Macan Turbo. Meet the updated Porsche Macan GTS, expected to arrive in South Africa from next year, which features all of the exterior and interior styling updates from this year’s Macan, along with more power and more torque than its predecessor.
The Macan GTS, which stands for ‘Gran Turismo Sport’, features a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 280kW of power and 520Nm of torque. Porsche boasts that the GTS will do the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.7-seconds thanks to the snappy 7-speed PDK transmission and all-wheel drive. If this isn’t quick enough for you, then you can equip your Macan GTS with the optional Sport Chrono package which brings the 0-100km/h time down to 4.5-seconds.
The list of standard features is also quite interesting. For starters, you get an entire adaptive air suspension, capable of raising the crossover SUV by up to 10mm, as well as 20-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, a sports exhaust system and bigger brakes all around. The options list includes features like an optional interior package featuring leather with Carmine Red or Chalk stitching, bigger brakes, Bose Surround Sound system, and a new wireless charging tray.
One of the distinguishing traits of a GTS model is the signature blackout, which includes black accents around the car and darkened headlights and taillights, which are Porsche Dynamic LED’s by the way. Step into the cabin and you’re treated to a sporty blend of Alcantara leather, brushed aluminium and interesting colour combinations on the electrically adjustable sports seats. The Porsche Macan GTS should be priced somewhere between the Macan S and the faster Macan Turbo and is expected to arrive in South Africa in the third quarter of 2020.
Also worth a look: the Porsche Dives In: The Electric Boat with Macan Turbo Power and the Porsche raises the bar with their all-new powerful Taycan. .
FAQ
Q: What does the Porsche Macan GTS cost in South Africa?
The Porsche Macan GTS is expected to be priced between the Macan S and Macan Turbo when it arrives in South Africa in Q3 2020, which should put it around the R1,400,000 to R1,600,000 mark.
Q: Is the Porsche Macan GTS worth buying over the regular Macan S?
Absolutely, the Macan GTS delivers 280kW and 520Nm compared to the S model's lesser output, plus you get adaptive air suspension, 20-inch RS Spyder wheels, and that distinctive GTS blackout treatment as standard.
Q: How fast is the Porsche Macan GTS compared to other Macan models?
The Macan GTS rockets from 0-100kph in just 4.7 seconds, or 4.5 seconds with the Sport Chrono package, making it significantly quicker than the Macan S but still a step below the flagship Turbo model.
Q: What are the key differences between the Macan GTS and Macan Turbo?
The Macan GTS sits below the Turbo with its 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 280kW, whilst the Turbo packs more punch and commands a higher price, but the GTS offers most of the performance thrills at a more accessible price point.
Q: Does the Porsche Macan GTS come with all-wheel drive in South Africa?
Yes, the Macan GTS comes standard with Porsche's all-wheel drive system and a 7-speed PDK transmission, making it perfect for South African driving conditions from the Cape's mountain passes to Gauteng's highways.
Should You Buy It?
The Porsche Macan GTS is the sweet spot in the Macan range if you can stretch to around R1,500,000. With 280kW of twin-turbo V6 grunt, adaptive air suspension as standard, and that menacing GTS blackout styling, it delivers 90% of the Turbo's thrills without the full financial sting. The 4.7-second 0-100kph time is properly quick for South African roads, and you get all the latest Macan updates plus those distinctive 20-inch RS Spyder wheels. Yes, you should definitely consider the GTS over the regular Macan S, it's the best performance SUV under R1,600,000 in South Africa if you want Porsche DNA with serious everyday usability.
