Porsche Macan GTS review

But it’s not. I’d argue that most commentators with an opinion worth listening to would still say what they’ve said from the start, which is that the Macan remains the most desirable car in its category. Which is one reason Porsche has decided merely to facelift the facelift and squeeze a few more years out of the old girl. The other is that when the all-new replacement comes it will be a pure electric vehicle and it’s not quite ready yet.

We’ll likely see it in the UK at the start of 2023 so by giving the old ICE car a fresh breath of life, Porsche not only tides itself over in the interim, it also gives its more traditional customers an option when the electric Macan appears for it seems certain that for some time both old and new cars will be sold side by side. So what you see here is the old Macan with a very slightly modified back and front and, more significantly, a de-buttoned interior.

As for the range, there’s a bit of smoke and mirrors going on here. Porsche says the GTS model has gained 60bhp, but actually it’s the same powertrain found in the old and now dropped Macan Turbo and priced accordingly. Likewise, the new Macan S is within 5bhp of the old Macan GTS. The old Macan S is gone, while the base Macan gains another 20bhp to 261bhp, which is still far less power than the same engine provides in a VW Golf R.

And the new Macan Turbo? That’ll be the electric car. I drove a GTS and liked it as much as I expected. Air suspension is standard – it was optional even on the old Turbo – but otherwise there are few surprises. The car is quick, composed and involving for something so high and heavy. There’s still nothing in this class I’d rather drive. For such an old car, this ‘new’ Macan remains amazingly competitive. Then again, when it comes to reheating old soup, no one does it better than Porsche.

Porsche Macan GTS

Engine: 2894cc, V6, twin-turbo
Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch, 4WD
Power: 434bhp @5700rpm
Torque: 405lb ft @ 1900rpm
Weight: 1960kg

Power-to-weight: 221bhp/tonne
0-62mph: 4.3 seconds
Top speed: 169mph
Price: £64,770

Ti rating: 8/10