The new Porsche Macan GTS revealed today is purported to be the sportiest version of the electric SUV yet. That's thanks not only to a powerful dual-motor layout, but also a special tune of the chassis, and it's all wrapped up in a suitably sporting visual update inside and out.
What is different about the GTS's exterior?
As ever with Porsche's GTS models, it's all about the black detailing. Various items, including the 'side blades', wheelarch trims and the lip of the active rear spoiler are all black on the Macan GTS, while it'll be the first model in the lineup to gain a new 'Sport Design Package', which is due to be rolled out across the electric Macan range.
Up front, the Macan GTS has Matrix LED lights with a dark-tinted background, a finish that's mimicked on the rear lights. There you'll spot a lower apron and more pronounced aerodynamic diffuser, which is complemented by new side skirts that widen towards the back of the car.
All this will look at its best if you upgrade to the arch-filling RS Spyder Design wheels, of course, 22-inch rims. By default, the Macan GTS gets 21-inch wheels in 'Anthracite Grey'.
On the subject of paint colours, among the 15 standard hues is 'Carmine Red' and 'Lugano Blue', both of which you can see in the image gallery above.
Does the interior match up?
It can do, yes. If you opt for the optional GTS Interior Package, the decorative stitching on the seats, steering wheel and elsewhere can be had in Carmine Red, Slate Grey Neo or Lugano Blue to match the exterior paint. This also comes with a Carbon Interior Package.
As standard, the Macan GTS's cabin is a mix of greys and blacks, though the material blend includes more of Porsche's tactile 'Race-Tex' upholstery, matched to smooth black leather. What the firm calls "adaptive 18-way adjustable Sports Seats” are also included.
Is the GTS all mouth and no trousers?
Not at all. For starters, the GTS gets the same powerful electric motor as the Macan Turbo on the rear axle, complete with an electronically controlled differential lock (Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus - PTV Plus - if you're au fait with your Porsche acronyms).
During use of the launch control facility, peak power from the two electric motors (a second drives the front wheels) rises to 571hp, with torque peaking at a massive 955Nm. Hence the 0-100km/h time of just 3.8 seconds.
But straight-line acceleration is never what a GTS model is all about, so Porsche has tweaked the chassis as well. The GTS has air suspension and PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) dampers for a start.
The tuning of the latter, along with that of the anti-roll bars, is unique to the GTS and its 10mm-lower ride height gives it what Porsche claims to be the lowest centre of gravity in the range. Buyers can add rear-axle steering if they wish, as an optional extra.
And as it's an EV...
Ah yes, we better talk about range and charging. The Macan GTS manages 584 kilometres on a charge of its 100kWh battery pack on the WLTP cycle and can charge at up to 270kW on a rapid DC charger.
Irish pricing for the electric Porsche Macan starts at €88,746.