2020 Porsche Macan GTS: Guilty Pleasure?
The GTS Macan may not be the top of the line model like the Turbo, but is this the one that hits the sweet spot?
Sometimes it is hard to realize that not every single person has to have a hardcore analog driver’s car in their lives. In reality, most people really just want to get from work and back in a decent amount of comfort. How engaging or rewarding the driving experience usually isn’t a factor when purchasing a car nowadays.
However, Porsche as a brand is also up to the challenge of making the best automobiles possible. This is why the 2020 Macan GTS might be the car for those who want to “have your cake and eat it too”. Carfection host Henry Catchpole was recently out in Europe filming the release of Porsche’s latest GTS models. Included among them were the Macan. Let’s see what the prolific journalist has to say about the new vehicle.
Although Catchpole might have been having more fun in the new 718 Cayman/Boxster GTSs, it’s hard to ignore the Macan when it is in such a beautiful color like Miami Blue. He describes the car as the leader in Porsche’s lineup for those looking for “practical performance.” Although that the Macan is graced with a twin-turbo V6 like the previous model, this 2020 version has some changes. The engine is now 2.9L instead of 3.0L and features a “hot V” design for the turbos. This means a more responsive engine and less boost lag due to shorter exhaust manifolds.
Sounds like all positives, right? Now that the Macan GTS is making 375 HP and 383 HP, it has more than enough power to push around its 4,000-pound weight. This small SUV is even capable of doing 0-to-60 in less than 4.5 seconds with the Sport Chrono package. However, Catchpole admits he is a little disappointed with the new engine for one reason: the sound.
According to him, the previous generation had more character and made for a more enjoyable driving experience. However, due to new regulations in Europe regarding emissions, new cars must be sold with a particulate filter in the exhaust which kills sound. This new Macan, of course, features this new filter. It is good to know the first mod new European Macan owners should be making.
However, Catchpole can’t disregard the pleasant driving dynamics that this new model offers. He admits that the SUV does handle like a much smaller car in the corners. The specific Macan he was driving featured the active dampening suspension and not the optional air-suspension. He agrees that there is no need for the optional suspension because the car is already extremely comfortable with the standard option.
The interior features classic Porsche elegance in design. Such features include an Alcantara steering wheel, black brushed aluminum trim, and an insane amount of buttons. Catchpole agrees that he prefers “lots of buttons than one big touch screen.” His favorite feature of the interior is the 8-way adjustable sport seats.
The GTS Macan may not be the top of the line model, but Catchpole agrees that it was always the “more engaging and lively” of the variants offered. Is this the Porsche for those that want a bit of excitement with their practicality? Some might describe it as a guilty pleasure, some might call it just right. When you have color options like Mamba Green and Miami Blue, can you really go wrong?
Screengrabs: Carfection / YouTube
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