2020 Porsche Macan GTS

What’s new?

The 2020 Porsche Macan GTS marks a significant upgrade over its predecessor, boasting a new 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, Larger cast iron discs offer better braking performance. The standard sport exhaust system and 20-inch RS Spyder Design wheels in satin-gloss black further distinguish it from other Macan models.

Exterior updates include a redesigned front fascia, rear diffuser, and side skirts, all finished in black for a more aggressive appearance. The rear gets redesigned LED taillamps with a chiseled LED strip. This trim sits 10 millimeters lower due to the GTS-tuned standard adaptive air suspension, improving both aesthetics and handling. The cabin receives a new design with a larger 10.9-inch touchscreen, replacing the seven-inch touchscreen.

Returns with a new engine after a one-year break

The 2020 Macan GTS receives a crucial boost under its hood, with a new 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine mated to a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, replacing the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 unit from the 2018 model. The 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 produces 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, marking a 15 horsepower and 14 pound-feet increase over the outgoing engine. Porsche says the GTS takes 4.5 seconds to run from 0-60 mph with the Chrono Package, but independent test results reveal a 0-60 mph timing of 3.9 seconds, two-tenths of a second faster. The top speed is rated at 162 mph.

Porsches are not known for fuel economy, and the GTS doesn’t make a good case either. Its 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 offers a dire 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. A 19.8-gallon fuel tank provides 435.6 miles on the highway.

When compared to its rivals, the Macan GTS fails to impress with economy. In comparison, although significantly cheaper, the 2020 AMG GLC 43 features a 385-horsepower twin-turbo unit with slightly better fuel ratings. The BMW X3 M40i, on the other hand, features a 382-horsepower turbo straight-six while presenting 21 and 27 mpg in the city and highway. Also, the price-to-power ratio of the GTS is much lower because of its high pricing.

It’s a facelift, but you’ll struggle to spot the changes!

The Macan GTS receives subtle yet effective exterior updates that enhance its sporty character. Building on the Macan’s recent facelift, this model stands out with its distinctive black accents. Its front fascia, rear diffuser, and side skirts are finished in gloss black. The fascia is dominated by sharper LED headlights with optional darkened housings and PDLS+ function to optimize visibility. A sporty bumper with wide intakes sprinkles an athletic look and motivates improved airflow. These darkened components and sporty elements add more drama to the overall design, setting it apart from other trims.

Unlike the front, the changes are more pronounced at the rear. A pair of wedge-shaped LED taillamps graces the bulgy rear end, with a thin LED strip joining both taillamps to create a dramatic look. Designers added GTS-specific touches, including side blades with prominent "GTS" logos and 20-inch RS Spyder Design wheels in satin black. The Sport Design package, standard on the GTS, adds unique front and rear bumpers with side skirts for a more muscular appearance. Due to its adaptive air suspension, this trim sits 10 millimeters lower than other Macan models, giving it a more planted stance.

The GTS offers a range of exterior color options, including eye-catching colors like Carmine Red and Chalk. There are several no-cost colors for buyers to choose from, but if you want a customized look, there are metallic colors for $700 and special paints for $3,120. Buyers seeking one-off colors can select $11,430 Paint To Sample, available in metallic and non-metallic colors. A panoramic sunroof is available for those who want to let more light into the cabin, though it adds weight at the highest point of the vehicle, potentially impacting handling.

A redesigned cabin with new infotainment features

Unlike the exterior, the Macan GTS’s interior features crucial and visible changes. The dated dashboard design is replaced by a more modern one. Like always, the design is function-centric with clean lines, properly labeled controls, and an array of buttons in the lower dashboard and front console, which makes essential controls very easy to find. You get rotary buttons for adjusting multimedia and temperature, plus small monochromatic screens for temperate display, which we find modern and user-friendly. A semi-digital cluster lies behind the steering wheel, which may deter buyers from expecting a full digital cluster. However, to get that you’ve to wait until 2024 as the 2025 Macan finally gets a 12.6-inch curved cluster.

Material quality is superior, as you expect from a German luxury offering. Piano black or dark walnut trims are standard or no-cost upgrades. Buyers can opt for carbon fiber or aluminum inlays for a sportier touch. Black leather seats are standard, but you can opt for two-tone or club leather seats with GTS embossing at extra cost. Contrast stitching and deviated leather seats are available for a sportier look.

The cabin seats five passengers with sufficient headroom and legroom on both rows. A pair of eight-way power seats with heating and memory is standard. Buyers can also opt for 14-way power seats with heating and cooling and heated rear seats for all-weather comfort. If you want an upright sitting posture, there are 18-way GTS sports seats at $1,710. Drivers can also opt for a new GT steering wheel at $330 and a multifunction sports steering wheel with carbon fiber inserts at $520.The Macan offers 17.6 cubic feet of standard cargo space, followed by 52.9 cubic feet once you fold the rear seats; not the roomiest in the segment, but decent for daily needs.

A notable upgrade from the previous model is the 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which replaces the seven-inch unit from the 2018 model. The touchscreen is paired with the latest PCM interface, and the touch response is snappier than before and user-friendly. However, you don’t get Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay costs $360. A wi-fi hotspot, navigation with voice assist, HD radio, and a 10-speaker audio system are standard fitments. Buyers needing better audio quality can pick between a Bose premium audio or a Burmester High-End Surround stereo set.

Interior features highlights

• 8- or 14-way power front seats with heating

• Heated and ventilated front seats

• Heated rear seats

• 10.9-inch touchscreen with 10-speaker audio set

• 18-way GTS adaptive sports seats with memory and heating - $1,710

• Two-tone or club leather seats

• Wireless Apple CarPlay - $360

• Bose premium audio system - $990

• Burmester High-End Surround Sound System - $5,700

Very few luxury SUVs can match the Macan’s handling and drivability

The Macan GTS is a true driver’s SUV, with handling that belies its size and weight. Porsche’s active all-wheel drive system with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) continuously distributes power between the front and rear axles, ensuring optimal grip in all conditions. The electro-mechanical power-assisted steering column feels light and accurate but doesn’t offer sufficient feedback like most modern Porsches. You don’t get the Power Steering Plus feature or rear-axle steering like the Panamera GTS luxury sport sedan, which we think could have been great additions.

This trim rides on GTS-tuned suspension with front double wishbones and a rear multi-link setup, lowered by 10 millimeters compared to other trims for a lower center of gravity. While the suspension does a great job eliminating body roll during sharp maneuvers, the ride quality is firm, and you can easily feel road imperfections. Buyers looking for better handling and smoother ride quality can opt for the optional adaptive air dampers with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which continuously adjusts the damping to suit the driving conditions. It provides a smooth ride in normal mode but firms up noticeably in Sport and Sport Plus for sharper handling.

The optional Sport Chrono package adds a dash-mounted chronometer, launch control, and additional drive modes. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) is also available, using targeted rear-wheel braking to help rotate the GTS through corners. The GTS’s cast iron brakes measure 14.1 inches up front and 13 inches in the rear, providing strong stopping power with a good pedal feel. Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB) and carbon-ceramic brakes (PCCB) are available if you need even more stopping power.

20-inch RS Spyder wheels with Michelin Latitude Sport 3 tires are standard in this trim, meticulously balancing good ride quality and grip for most driving scenarios. Porsche also provides several 21-inch wheel options to spice up the looks and improve handling, but the stiffer suspension and larger wheels will improve the ride quality.

Reliability, problems, and warranty

Reliability data for the 2020 Macan GTS is limited due to its relatively recent release, but early reports suggest it maintains the generally solid reputation of the lineup. Consumer Reports gives the 2020 Macan an above-average predicted reliability rating based on data from previous model years. The 2020 Macan received two recalls from the NHTSA, with problems regarding faulty seatbelt anchors and missing headlight screws.

Porsche is among the most reliable luxury carmakers, ranking fourth in J.D. Power’s 2020 Vehicle Dependability Index. This SUV earns 83/100 overall and a 78/100 quality and reliability score from J.D. Power. Repair Pal, on the other hand, gives it 1.5 out of 5.0 and states an annual maintenance cost of $1,265.

However, there are some problems with the 2020 model, which you must be aware of if you’re considering one. Some owners reported minor electrical issues, particularly with the infotainment system. A software update in May 2020 caused problems for some owners, resulting in constant reboots and potential battery drain. Porsche addressed this through subsequent updates.

Occasional complaints mention premature brake rotor wear, especially for drivers who frequently engage in spirited driving. The 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, while reliable, may be prone to carbon buildup on intake valves over time. Rattling noises, rough idling, and sudden stalling are some common problems with the Macan, mostly due to faulty fuel injectors, ignition coil failures, and turbocharger problems.

Warranty

Porsche includes a four-year basic and powertrain warranty with this luxury SUV. A one-year or 10,000-mile complimentary maintenance scheme is also included. BMW offers the same basic and powertrain warranty but promises a three-year or 36,000-mile complimentary benefit with the X3 M40i.

Warranty highlights

• Four years or 50,000 miles basic warranty

• Four years or 50,000 miles powertrain warranty

• Four years or 50,00 miles of roadside assistance

• 12 years or unlimited miles perforation and corrosion warranty

• One year or 10,000 miles complimentary maintenance

How does the Macan GTS compare against rivals?

2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43

With prices starting at $59,500, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG is cheaper than the Macan GTS by $11,800, but don’t let the lower MSRP deter you because the AMG is superb in terms of value. It’s powered by a 385-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, which, although more powerful than the Macan GTS, needs 4.7 seconds (0.2 seconds slower than Porsche) to clock 0-60 mph and offers a limited top speed of 130 mph, slower than the Porsche. However, AMG’s powertrain is slightly more efficient.

Styling-wise, the GLC 43 sports a more aggressive look with its AMG-specific grille and larger air intakes. Its interior features a modern layout like the Macan GTS, but there is a 12.3-inch all-digital cluster, and the MBUX interface is more intuitive. The AMG also provides 19.4 cubic feet of cargo space and 56.5 cubic feet of maximum storage room, which is more practical than the Porsche. Another major point is its expansive set of standard/optional safety features.

2020 BMW X3 M40i

The BMW X3 M40i is one of the best compact luxury SUVs. With an MSRP of $55,900, the M40i is $15,400 cheaper than the Macan GTS. Unlike its German rivals, the M40i adopts a turbocharged inline-six mill with outputs rated 382 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, which gets it from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds, making it faster than the other two. However, it can’t better the Macan GTS’s 162 mph top speed and handling credentials.

As for its design, the BMW X3 M40i is one of the stunners in this segment. Its sharp LED headlamps, iconic Kidney Grille, and muscular stance make it an alluring luxury SUV. Equally impressive is its interior. Drivers get a digital cluster and a 10.3-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay, but you unfortunately don’t get Android Auto, which the GLC 43 offers. With 28.7 cubic feet of standard space and 62.7 cubic feet of maximum storage space, we have enough reasons to prefer the X3 over rivals.

Conclusion: The Macan GTS gets better with more power and advanced features, but can’t better rivals

Refreshed for the 2020 model year, the new Macan GTS brings some honest upgrades. Its 375-horsepower twin-turbo V6 produces more power than the outgoing engine, and the output jump translates to faster acceleration. The sharp handling makes it a joy to drive on winding roads, while its refined interior and comfortable ride ensure it excels as a daily driver. With precise steering and a sport-tuned suspension, the GTS outshines its competitors.

However, all this goodness comes at a steeper price, with its starting MSRP significantly higher than the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and BMW X3 M40i. Despite being more affordable, its German counterparts fare better with traits appealing to most buyers. The GLC 43 and X3 M40i provide more standard features, powerful yet efficient engines, snazzier styling, and roomier cargo spaces. To be honest enough, the Macan GTS costs more than $70,000, and we don’t mind adding spending $5,600 more for the 503-horsepower BMW X3 M, which costs $76,900.

FAQs

How much does the 2020 Porsche Macan GTS cost?

The 2020 Porsche Macan GTS starts at $71,300, significantly more than rivals like the $59,500 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and $55,900 BMW X3 M40i. However, the Macan GTS offers a more engaging driving experience and premium interior that may justify the higher price.

How powerful is the 2020 Porsche Macan GTS?

The Macan GTS features a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 making 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 15 horsepower and 14 pound-feet over the previous model. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds with the Sport Chrono package. While slightly less powerful than the GLC 43 and X3 M40i, the Macan GTS delivers sharper handling and higher top speed.

How does the 2020 Porsche Macan GTS compare against its rivals?

The Macan GTS faces tough competition from the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and BMW X3 M40i. Both rivals offer more power (385 hp in the GLC 43, 382 hp in the X3 M40i) at lower starting prices. However, the Porsche excels in driving dynamics and interior quality, making it the enthusiast’s choice.

How does the 2020 Porsche Macan GTS compare against the 2018 Porsche Macan GTS?

The 2020 Macan GTS receives a significant power boost, with the new 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 putting out 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, up from 360 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque in the 2018 model. Other updates include a redesigned front fascia, larger brakes, and a new 10.9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay. These enhancements make the 2020 model an important step up from its predecessor.

What are the disadvantages of the 2020 Porsche Macan GTS?

The main drawbacks of the Macan GTS are its high starting price and less spacious interior compared to some rivals. It also lacks Android Auto integration, which may disappoint some buyers. Additionally, the firm ride and road noise from the large wheels and performance tires may not suit all tastes.