Facelifted Porsche Macan GTS revealed

An upgraded Porsche Macan GTS has been announced, completing the midlife makeover for the original mid-size German SUV range first launched in Australia in mid-2014.

Joining the rest of the upgraded Macan line-up launched here in February, the first update for the GTS since it arrived here in 2016 brings a downsized twin-turbo 2.9-litre petrol V6 that brings more power and torque, for a small price.

Now available to order for $109,700 plus on-road costs (just $200 more than before) ahead of first deliveries in the first quarter of 2020, the MY20 Porsche Macan GTS also brings fresh cosmetics and more standard equipment.

The lower-output version of the Macan Turbo’s new 2.9-litre biturbo V6 (as seen in the Cayenne and Panamera) produces 280kW of power (up 15kW on the 3.0-litre biturbo engine it replaces) and 520Nm of torque (+20Nm) over a broad 1750-5000rpm.

When optioned with the Sport Chrono package including launch control, Porsche says that’s enough to propel its most dynamic Macan variant to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds and a 261km/h top speed.

That makes it 0.3sec quicker to 100km/h than before and once again positions the GTS between the 3.0-litre V6-powered Macan S ($98,200 plus ORCs) and the $142K Macan Turbo flagship in terms of both price and pace.

Fitted with the same PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard, the latter delivers 324kW/550Nm and can hit 100km/h in as little as 4.3sec.

In line with its 'Gran Turismo Sport' brief, the latest Macan GTS again brings specific tuning for the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) damping system and a 15mm-lower ride height (adaptive air suspension is optional and drops the chassis a further 10mm).

The GTS rides on 20-inch RS Spyder Design satin-gloss black wheels with 360x36mm front and 330x22mm rear brake rotors and red callipers, while tungsten carbide-coated Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) or Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) systems are optional.

Other standard features include a specific sports exhaust system, Sport Design exterior package with new black front and rear highlights and unique side skirts, a black rear diffuser and exhaust outlets, and darkened LED headlights (with Porsche Dynamic Light System or PDLS) and tail-lights with LED light bar.

Inside, there’s plenty of brushed aluminium, a multi-function leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddles and Alcantara graces the centre armrest, door trims and centre panels of the exclusive sports seats, which come with eight-way adjustment and beefier side bolsters (14-way comfort seats are optional).

In Australia, standard equipment also extends to a driver memory package, digital radio, Apple CarPlay with Siri voice recognition, ParkAssist with reversing camera and Surround View, privacy glass, rear side airbags, a larger 75-litre fuel tank and auto-dimming mirrors.

However, relegated to the options list are adaptive cruise control, Lane Change Assist, front seat heating, a heated windscreen, ionizer, Carmine Red or Crayon leather trim with additional Alcantara features BOSE Surround Sound.

How much does the 2020 Porsche Macan cost?
2.0 (a) – $81,800
3.0 S (a) – $98,200
2.9 GTS (a) – $109,700
2.9 Turbo (a) – $142,000
* Prices exclude on-road costs