The word “hybrid” is getting tossed around a lot these days, in an electric motor-gas engine context, mostly. What I loved about the 2022 Porsche Macan GTS is that it gives “hybrid” new spin – a confluence of luxury SUV and ballsy sportscar.
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First, the “Python Green” colour, not only on the exterior, but right down to the stitching across the front dash. Even the seat belts were green. Not my taste, at least not initially. There was a forest green Macan that caught my fancy when I initially pulled up to Porsche corporate in Toronto in my Hyundai Uber car. Beggars can’t be choosers.
I’ll tell you though, the Python Green for a Porsche SUV had charisma factor to it. Over the week there were several compliments from strangers about that colour. But you don’t get caught up on colour when driving an engineering beast that is a Porsche car.
Every week when you test drive a luxury vehicle there’s an “aha moment”. Mine was on the drive back from Muskoka, just north of Toronto, after a full day playing golf at Rocky Crest Golf Resort, on a hot August day to boot. I had just played four hours of golf, hadn’t slept the night before, no time for a shower either. As I pulled out from the golf club entranceway the sign hit me – 280 kilometres (173 miles) to Toronto.
Porsche Macan: Razor sharp handling
So fatigued, I thought I was looking at multiple highway-side coffee stops for the trip home. Imagine you’re looking at a similar scenario – a long drive from San Francisco to Monterey for the car show, for example. The razor sharp handling of the Porsche Macan Hybrid will wake you up, though, darting in and out of traffic, smooth lane changes with a strong, tight grip on the highway, the speed and power. What an adrenalin blast.
The Porsche Hybrid is equipped with a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers 434 hp. It has a top track speed of 272 km/h (169 MPH), and does 0 to 100 km/h (62 MPH) in 4.5 secs. The Sport air suspension with height adjustment and PASM (electronic damping control system) has been optimized for maximum grip, and was developed for the Macan GTS. It will lower you by 10 mm, connecting you even more with the road.
Working the SIRIUS Radio dial, from sports talk radio down to Alternative and Classic Rock, keeping the variety going, pulsing through the BOSE Surround Sound System, was another statement-maker for me. One by one I drove past the Starbucks stops.
Then there are the seats. The optional adaptive Sport seats have raised side bolsters for more support, ideal for highway driving. The leather package with Race-Tex in the interior checked the comfort box.
So there’s that feeling you are driving a Porsche SUV sports car (that cool front fascia with newly designed spoiler) but you’re in a compact SUV with enough storage space in the back for the TaylorMade clubs and several pieces of luggage. The Porsche Macan green GTS sits five comfortably.
Porsche Macan GTS Sport Package
There’s performance and then there’s the look. The GTS Sport Packages on the test vehicle featured the aforementioned front fascia in satin black, as well as a rear fascia in satin black, side blades in high gloss black, SportDesign side skirts in black, and interior trim in carbon fiber. Further boosting the look were the 21-inch GT design wheels in satin black.
MSRP with all the options for green machine was $113,600 CAD (around $86,200 USD). In the end? A break for a tea just before pulling into Toronto. That was it. A trip in the 2022 Porsche Macan Hybrid GTS will fast re-engage your senses. Why not travel in luxury by purchasing this beast?
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I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
But I love writing about cars – check that, luxury cars, a level of superior, engineering sophistication, high performance and style, that transports you not just from one destination to another but also out of whatever you are going through on a particular day, whatever mood you are in, all to another head space. It’s complete and total exhilaration, head to toe.
Check out my stories, and email me direct at mkeast@regardingluxury.com
