2022 Porsche Macan GTS Review

The luxury compact SUV market in Malaysia has consistently maintained strong demand, as consumers seek the quality associated with premium brands while also valuing the practicality and performance for daily driving. The 2022 Porsche Macan GTS, as a popular contender in this segment, has clear key selling points — enhancing power output and chassis tuning based on the standard Macan while retaining Porsche's iconic design language and luxurious features. In this test drive, we focus on evaluating whether its dynamic performance lives up to the "GTS" sporty designation and whether its space and features can meet the needs of family use.

The exterior design of the Macan GTS follows the family styling of Porsche SUVs but emphasizes sportiness in its details. The front end features matrix LED headlights with blacked-out treatment, paired with a large lower air intake grille, making it visually more aggressive than the standard version. The side profile has smooth lines, and the 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels (standard) contrast sharply with the red brake calipers, while the black plastic cladding around the wheel arches adds a rugged, off-road vibe. At the rear, the blacked-out LED taillight strip with its continuous design enhances recognition, and the dual exhaust with quad-round outlets further reinforces its performance attributes. Overall, the design balances luxury with subtle adjustments to underscore the sporty identity of the GTS version.

Inside the cabin, the combination of luxury and sporty ambiance is executed seamlessly. The dashboard features Porsche’s iconic "five-tube" instrument cluster, with a 7-inch color display in the center that shows navigation, power output, and other information. A 10.9-inch central touchscreen is fitted in the middle, equipped with the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The operation is smooth, and the response speed is quite satisfactory. The seats are upholstered in a mix of genuine leather and Alcantara material, with the front seats offering 14-way electric adjustment, including lumbar support and leg extension adjustments. The seats offer excellent support with soft padding, ensuring comfort even during long drives. In terms of materials, the dashboard and door panels are covered with soft-touch materials, complemented by metal trim, providing a tactile and visual appeal that aligns with the positioning of a luxury SUV.

In terms of space, the Macan GTS has body dimensions of 4726mm×1922mm×1621mm and a wheelbase of 2807mm, which places it within the standard range for a compact SUV. The front row offers ample space — for a passenger standing 180cm tall, there is about a fist's worth of headroom after adjusting the seating position. Rear space is average; for the same height passenger, the legroom is about two fists, and headroom is one fist, sufficient for daily family usage. In terms of storage capacity, the standard trunk volume is 488L, which can be expanded to 1503L with the rear seats folded, accommodating large luggage items. The in-cabin storage compartments are also quite practical, with adequate space in the door panels, center armrest console, and front cupholders, making it convenient to store small items like phones and water bottles for daily use.

In terms of power, the Macan GTS is equipped with a 2.9L twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 440PS and peak torque of 550N·m, paired with a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. The manufacturer claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 272km/h. During actual driving, the power response is lively at takeoff, with the throttle pedal tuned to be sensitive, offering an obvious pushback sensation with light pressure. Switching to Sport Plus mode, the transmission's gear-shifting logic becomes more aggressive, with quicker downshifts. During overtaking, a deep press of the accelerator instantly delivers power output, and the car's high-speed acceleration capabilities are also strong. For daily driving, the Normal mode is sufficiently smooth, suitable for urban commuting.

The strengths of the Macan GTS lie in its handling and chassis performance. The steering is precise, with minimal play, light at low speeds, and stable at high speeds, providing the driver with ample confidence. The chassis uses adaptive air suspension (standard), supporting height and stiffness adjustments. In Normal mode, it can filter out most road bumps to maintain comfort; when switched to Sport mode, the suspension becomes firmer, the body roll is well-controlled, and cornering support is strong. The braking system performs exceptionally well, with six-piston calipers paired with perforated ventilated discs, resulting in short and linear braking distances, keeping the car stable during sudden stops.

As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 11.3L/100km. In our actual testing, it was approximately 13-14L/100km in city driving and 9-10L/100km on highways, which is consistent with the performance of the 2.9T V6 engine and acceptable for performance-oriented users. Noise control is well-executed, with minimal wind and tire noise during highway driving. In Normal mode, the engine noise is well restrained, only becoming noticeable through the exhaust system in Sport Plus mode, enhancing the driving experience.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2022 Macan GTS lie in its power performance and handling. The 440PS power output is among the top in the luxury compact SUV segment. The shifting speed and smoothness of the PDK transmission are impeccable. At the same time, it retains the luxurious features and practical space of the Macan series, making it suitable for daily family use. Compared to competitors in the same segment, such as the Mercedes GLC 43 AMG and BMW X3 M40i, the Macan GTS stands out in terms of brand premium and steering precision, with a relatively reasonable price point (RM 786,232).

This car is suitable for two types of consumers: one is young people who value performance and handling, pursue driving pleasure, and wish for a sense of luxury in a car at the same time; the other is users who need to balance family use, as the Macan GTS offers enough space and features for daily needs while delivering driving excitement on weekends. Overall, the 2022 Porsche Macan GTS is a model that balances performance, luxury, and practicality, making it highly competitive in the luxury compact SUV market.