2017 Porsche Macan GTS: This is The One You Should Buy!

Our first drive of the 2017 Porsche Macan took place in Tenerife, Spain. The Macan, which is the Cayenne’s little brother, first hit the market last year and immediately challenged its rivals in the fast-growing compact luxury SUV segment. We all know what a success it’s been already, as its lower price makes it easier for a wider pool of buyers to afford an SUV with the Porsche label. Yet, this little vehicle stays true to the brand’s DNA. No one can accuse the manufacturer of watering down their products just to make a buck and gain a bigger market share.

Of course, even though the Macan starts at a relatively reasonable price, it’s hard to leave the dealership without tacking on some of the options we’re used to getting factory-standard on less prestigious vehicles. This quickly sends the price skyward and, if you get carried away, it can reach dizzying heights in no time—even exceeding the cost of a 911. With Porsche, the equipment and personalization possibilities are endless.

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The Macan GTS, the next logical step

Porsche’s marketing strategy generally involves maintaining public interest in its models by introducing different variants in the years between overhauls. The Macan S and Turbo were the first to come out, and the GTS released in 2017 will be the third Macan variation. We could've expected to see a base model ranked below the Macan S, a vehicle already offered in other markets, but no word on that yet.

Porsche’s GTS models are endowed with a bit more power and outfitted with little extras to make them look sportier. That’s exactly what you get from the 2017 Macan GTS, which slides into the lineup between the S and Turbo. It comes with the same engine as the Macan S, namely a 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder mill, but with an extra 20 horsepower. This means the GTS delivers 360 ponies and 368 lb-ft of torque, which is not far off from the Turbo’s 400 horsepower. Power is transmitted to all four wheels by way of the excellent dual-clutch PDK gearbox.

Head-turning sport treatment

In a bid to set itself apart, the GTS comes in a limited range of colours, of which some are exclusive to this model. Porsche has equipped it with high-performance tires mounted on exclusive 20-inch RS Spyder rims in a matte black finish. The exterior accessories come in the same shade and finish as the rims, creating an eye-catching contrast. With personality to spare, the GTS makes it immediately obvious that it’s a cut above the rest.

The interior also boasts a distinctive treatment, especially the Alcantara sport seats emblazoned with the GTS emblem. Quality materials and attention to detail are ubiquitous, while the dashboard is nicely laid out and easy to read. As is the tradition at Porsche, the ignition is on the left side of the steering wheel. The centre console features the same design used for almost all of the manufacturer’s new models, with a series of controls on either side of the hefty shift lever.

It’s not easy being compared to a 911

We drove the Macan GTS at the launch of the new Porsche 911. It’s not easy for an SUV to be compared with such a highly acclaimed sports car, but the model performed well on the winding roads that run through the Tenerife area in Spain. Obviously, we had to go a little light on the accelerator, but this GTS exceeded our expectations with its dynamic handling. It stays glued to the road and the suspension manages weight transfers beautifully. Bigger wheels and wider tires also enhance its superior capabilities.

Mash the accelerator and the Macan GTS darts from 0-100 km/h in about 5.2 seconds—or less if you buy the optional Sport Chrono package, which makes the chassis, engine and transmission’s behaviour even more hardcore. We liked the fact that the GTS’ unique sport exhaust releases a bit more engine rumble, especially when starting up.

Buyers will love the Macan GTS’s versatility. It delivers a dynamic ride and can take you wherever you want to go, even during snowstorms. In normal driving conditions, the all-wheel drivetrain is geared for performance, sending 70% of torque to the rear wheels, though it can vary up to 100% in either direction (front or back), depending on conditions.

Is this the one you should buy?

Even though the GTS has a higher starting price ($73,100) than the Macan S, we think it offers the best value for the money. It comes with an attractive list of standard equipment, many of which are optional on the S. Plus, its eye-catching style is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, and who can say no to a few extra ponies?