The Porsche Macan GTS Electric: Inside-Out

As the GTS badge indicates a more enthusiast-geared experience, there was a pleasant mix of Alcantara and carbon fiber throughout my tester’s cabin. Not in a showing off manner, but rather to visually nudge its occupants. Comfortable leather seats, substantial switchgear, and reasonably sized screens comprise the rest, with the infotainment screen measuring 12.6 inches, whereas the instrument cluster is 10.9. It’s spacious and offers a commanding view of the road, with good overall visibility and a comfortable driving position. The steering wheel even telescopes far out to bolster the latter, which when combined with power bolstering and tilt in the seat, allows for a very sports car-like experience. To get the full effect of all of the above, it takes an additional $6,570 over the base price.

Outside, the Macan GTS gets wider side skirts than lower trims, plus clever side molding that helps direct air around its 21-inch wheels. Its front fascia is more aggressive, too, with blacked-out accents. This tester’s 21-inch wheels are actually standard fare on the Turbo trim ($640) and aid aerodynamics even further. It’s cool seeing bright red multi-piston calipers poking out from behind its thick spokes. Finally, the GTS sits 0.4 inches shorter than other trims.

The Porsche Macan GTS Electric: Battery And Charging Specs

Situated underneath is a 95 kWh net battery with 800V architecture. This allows for faster charging, and can even split the system into two 400V units to allow for NACS charging (the network that Tesla utilizes) with an adapter. Peak DC fast charging is 270 kW, and, at my local Electrify America station, gaining 40 percent took no more than half an hour. Peak range is rated at 290 miles, which at first may seem to fall a hair short by modern standards, but considering the GTS’ focus is fun and engagement, it’s actually right on the money. Especially when a peak combined 563 horsepower and 704 pound-feet of torque is on tap from its dual motors.

The Porsche Macan GTS Electric: Driving Impressions

Those figures push and pull the GTS’ 5,000+ stature to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. It’s a lively experience—more peak-torque shove than gradual run-up. This makes for swift avoidance on the road, getting up to well-above the speed limit on short on-ramps, and plenty of power to get out of the way. Porsche also utilizes a mechanical differential on the rear axle which not only offers a bit more engagement—you feel it scramble grip under certain corner-exit scenarios, much like an internal combustion platform. One can’t deny the G force, but it really requires a careful eye to avoid the attention of law enforcement.

Which is nothing but praise, especially considering its excellent ride quality and overall assuring driving experience. It’s confident, and one never feels like they’re in over their head without the proper amount of braking force or tire grip. The front brake rotors are a massive 15.75 inches, whereas the rears are 13.8, and the 21-inch wheels are shod in 255 front and 295 rear Michelin performance all-season rubber.

The brakes aid a lot in energy recuperation as well, otherwise, mild regeneration can be enabled via a button in the drive mode settings. Sadly, no one-pedal driving, but Porsche and other German brands aren’t as keen on this in general. Still, I was impressed by how much energy I could recover, particularly after a fun rip through my local mountain roads. With careful driving, it could potentially exceed that 290-mile range, too.

When it comes to handling, the Macan GTS rides on sport-tuned two-chamber air suspension. In Normal mode, it’s very comfortable and soaks up rough roads with ease. When in Sport it’s the ideal mix of body control, comfort, and turn-in. Sport Plus is a bit rougher, but the sharper throttle and stiff ride is appreciated on smooth stretches of fun roads. Finally, the GTS’ steering is very on-brand for Porsche: a brilliant ratio, surprisingly good feedback, and the perfect amount of weight builds up in corners. It’s tremendously fun to play with—the mighty Macan just grips and grips in the corners—but also makes it well-suited for dipping and diving through urban traffic with ease. I was amply impressed by my tester’s turning radius as well, which is always appreciated in urban driving scenarios. However, this was due to its rear-axle steering, which isn’t standard, but rather a $2,150 option.

The Porsche Macan GTS Electric: An Enthusiast’s All-Rounder

With ample power on tap, excellent luxury amenities, fast charging, solid range, and an excellent ride quality, the Macan GTS Electric solidifies the badge’s stature as a go-to premium compact crossover. The athletic Porsche DNA permeates throughout the experience. It takes some added equipment to optimize the experience, namely in the wheels and four-wheel steering, but worth the upgrade for sure if consumers want a do-anything solution without tailpipe emissions.