Having launched the small but perfectly formed Macan two years ago it was only a matter of time before Porsche introduced the GTS version of this sporty little crossover, as they do with all their models.
The Macan is now a fully fledged member of the GTS club, the tenth addition to the fleet, and, inevitably it ticks all the necessary boxes to make it a worthy addition to this particular Porsche stable which now produces some of the marque’s most popular cars.
The GTS, sits between the Macan S and the mighty Macan Turbo. It has the same 3-litre twin turbo V6 engine as the Macan S but it has been tweaked to provide an additional 20bhp, taking it to 360 and has been given a torque boost from 460nm to 500nm.
It also sits 15 millimetres lower to the ground than the S and has a chassis with Porsche Active Suspension Management which increased its handling agility.
Optional air suspension ensures you stay comfortable, making all the pot-holes and uneven conditions on roads barely noticeable. Our test drive car came in the classic Carmine Red GTS colour with gorgeous 20-inch black RS Spyder design wheels and carbonfibre sideblades which gives the vehicle a classy aggressive look.
This Macan also has new LED headlights and four-spot Day Running Lights, the same as the new 911. It also shares the 911’s new three-dimensional tail lights.
The interior is also GTS-specific with Carmine Red heavy-stitching on the leather, GTS logo on the headrests, sports seats with Alcantara centre panels and the GTS red rev-counter on the instrument cluster which is otherwise typical Porsche.
There are lovely carbon-fibre and metal trims and the button-heavy centre console, again a signature Porsche design, houses the gearlever.
This Macan also has the new Porsche Communication Management infotainment system which made its debut in the latest 911. It features a new seven-inch multi-touch monitor and the whole set-up is a massive improvement on the old system making connectivity much easier. Everything about the cabin is high-end and it is reasonably spacious while managing to retain a compact sportscar feel.
I fell in love with the Macan Turbo when it was launched in Germany but this GTS is equally as entertaining if not quite as fast.
It is like driving a large 911 and that 3-litre engine, hooked up to the excellent seven-speed PDK gearbox, provides a lively performance.
You can drive the car in Normal, Sport or Sport Plus and there is also a setting for off-road, although this car was built to tear up tarmac and I wouldn’t take it anywhere near a sand dune.
In Sport Plus with the optional sports chrono package, the GTS performs brilliantly, with a rather pleasing engine note which pops and crackles on the overrun and provides a truly engaging drive.
It has a 0-100kmh time of five seconds in Sport Plus mode and although there is a slight trace of turbo lag it is hardly noticeable.
And because Porsche are constantly pushing the envelope on research and development there is a fascinating piece of technology in this vehicle with Lane Keeping Assist working in conjunction with Lane Change Assist.
Essentially, this piece of kit not only makes sure you don’t wander from lane to lane but if you start to drift the car steers itself to put you back in the right place.
You can actually take your hands off the steering wheel and watch in amazement as it does its stuff. A word of warning though – don’t think you can lean back and put your hands behind your head and let the car take the strain. This might be the future of motoring but, for now, it still needs driver input so you need to stay alert.
There is a growing trend for this kind of technology and for performance crossovers with the Jaguar FPace the latest impressive addition to the sector.
The Macan GTS packs a mighty punch and, in its sector, is probably the benchmark. If you don’t want a 911 and find the Cayenne a little too big it is the perfect compromise.
It doesn’t come cheap, starting at Dh292,400 before you even look at pricey options that were fitted to our fully-loaded test car which took it to Dh363,940, but it is yet another example of Porsche excellence.
