Porsche Macan GTS durability test: the Turbo is faster, but this one is more enjoyable
Three months, nearly 14,000 kilometers, and we still smile every time we get in. Our Porsche Macan GTS durability test is coming to an end. It’s time to assess the results. And the outcome is surprisingly positive, as this electric Porsche has something that many other EVs lack: character.
Why the GTS is better than the Turbo
We’ve already driven the electric Porsche Macan 4 for several months. It’s an excellent car—comfortable, fast, and well-built. But if you browse further down Porsche’s price list, you’ll find options that are even more exciting. At the top is the Macan Turbo, with a whopping 639 horsepower. Yet we would skip it. The GTS has something that its more powerful sibling doesn’t offer to the same extent.
With a maximum power output of 571 hp, the Macan GTS has significantly less power than the Turbo. Yet you won’t notice any difference while driving. The GTS is already incredibly fast, but more importantly, it delivers its performance on the road in a particularly convincing manner.
This isn’t solely due to software. Porsche has adjusted the suspension, installed different stabilizer bars, and developed specific tuning for the GTS. The front suspension has also been made stiffer. You can really feel the difference, especially when the road starts to twist. The front end responds with great precision to steering inputs, while the rear end retains enough flexibility to actively assist.
It’s actually remarkable that an electric SUV weighing over 2,200 kilograms can feel so agile. You know you’re driving a heavy vehicle, but once you take a few smooth turns in a row, that feeling largely disappears.
The Porsche Macan GTS loves to play
The best thing about the Macan GTS might be its ability to engage the driver. In normal driving mode, it’s a pleasant, comfortable SUV that makes daily commutes effortless. But turn the drive mode knob on the steering wheel to Sport or Sport Plus, and its character changes significantly.
The handling feels more direct, the suspension becomes stiffer, and the electronics give you more control. Especially in Sport Plus, it’s remarkable how well the rear of the car responds. The stability system doesn’t intervene immediately when you take a corner more aggressively. Porsche has tuned the electronics so that the driver still has a real role to play.
The artificial engine sound also contributes to this. It might sound strange in an electric car, but the pitch changes with speed, providing additional information about what the car is doing. It doesn’t try to convincingly mimic a combustion engine, but it works surprisingly well as a supplement to the driving experience.
We were already very impressed with the driving qualities during our first durability test. After nearly 14,000 kilometers, that enthusiasm has only grown. In fact, when it comes to sporty driving, steering precision, and engagement, we consider the Macan GTS one of the most enjoyable electric cars we’ve driven so far.
A Porsche that still catches your eye
We got to choose our own durability test vehicle. At first, a light blue body with bronze-colored wheels seemed like a good idea. It’s certainly eye-catching. But would we still be so enthusiastic about it after a few months?
In the end, it became a dark blue Macan GTS with black 22-inch wheels, Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, and various black exterior accents. A somewhat subdued combination, but one we still enjoy looking at. This isn’t always the case with the electric Macan, which can appear quite plain in a less distinctive version.
The interior is also very pleasant to be in. The soft Race-Tex upholstery, beautiful stitching, and sporty finish give the GTS its own unique atmosphere. Our test vehicle also features a panoramic roof, rear-wheel drive, and a passenger display that allows the co-pilot to watch a video, for example, without distracting the driver.
Of course, all those extras aren’t necessary. But they do make this Porsche particularly pleasant to drive every day. That said, the price also rises significantly as a result. According to Porsche’s official information, the Macan GTS starts at €110,600, while our fully equipped luxury test vehicle costs well over €150,000.
Porsche Macan GTS Luxury Test: 380 to 400 kilometers in real conditions
Anyone driving an electric car with 571 horsepower and wide sports tires shouldn’t expect it to be energy-efficient. Especially not when you regularly utilize its full power output.
During our endurance test, we found an average consumption of around 22.5 kWh per 100 kilometers. This means in practice we can cover about 380 to 400 kilometers on a single charge. And that’s with a fairly aggressive driving style. Those who drive more gently can naturally cover more distance.
Officially, the Porsche Macan GTS has a battery pack with a total capacity of 100 kWh, of which 95 kWh is usable. The maximum WLTP range is 586 kilometers, but for us, real-world experience is more important.
The fast charging performance is also impressive. The Macan can handle up to 270 kW, and we actually witnessed this charging capacity multiple times during our endurance test. It helps to enter a fast charger as a destination in the navigation, so that the battery pack is pre-cooled to the optimal temperature. Under favorable conditions, charging from 10% to 80% takes about 21 minutes.
A convenient feature is that the Macan has charging ports on both sides. The AC charging port is located on the left, while the right side allows for both AC and DC charging. This means you don’t have to worry as much about the car’s position when using a charging station.
Are there no drawbacks at all?
Of course. The Macan GTS isn’t a perfect car. For example, the seating position for adults in the back isn’t ideal. The limited space to put your feet under the front seats is particularly noticeable. This is partly due to the battery pack under the floor.
In addition, the control for the trunk lid wasn’t chosen very well. More than once we accidentally opened it simply by pressing the wrong button. It’s not a major problem, but it’s one of those small quirks you only discover after using it for a longer period.
The large wheels and wide sport tires also have their downsides. They contribute to excellent grip and direct steering response, but at the cost of some comfort and increased fuel consumption. Those who mainly want to drive casually can also get by just fine with a less sporty Macan from Porsche.
In our previous long-term test update, several other issues came to light, including an unnecessary intervention by the automatic braking system and a navigation system that sometimes behaves stubbornly when recalculating charging stops.
After 14,000 kilometers, we know enough
The interesting thing about a long-term test is that the initial impression can change over time. A car that impresses during a brief test drive might become quite boring after a few thousand kilometers. Conversely, you sometimes discover qualities that you hardly noticed at first.
With the Porsche Macan GTS, there’s no sign of boredom. We now know about its minor shortcomings, understand its fuel consumption, and have thoroughly tested its charging performance. But above all, we remain impressed by the way it drives.
The combination of precise handling, an excellently balanced chassis, and a drivetrain that is highly adjustable makes this GTS a true driver’s car. That’s exactly what you’d expect from a Porsche, but it’s by no means obvious in a heavy electric SUV.
Although the Turbo model may be more powerful and the new Cayenne S Electric more modern in various aspects, our preference still lies with this Macan GTS. Not because it’s the fastest or most practical electric Porsche, but because it still provides us with tremendous driving pleasure after nearly 14,000 kilometers. And that’s ultimately what a GTS is all about.
Text: Werner Budding, Camera: Rob Steltman