New Macan S vs GTS?

[Wolands Advocate]

Having decided that a Macan is the only suitable replacement for my current car for a variety of reasons, I am now trying to decide between an S or a GTS as I gather from the dealer that once you put a deposit down you cannot change the spec until it goes to build but not the version.

I suspect you will all tell me that the answer is obvious - get the GTS...but being new to the world of Porsche bear with me!

I've had the PCP numbers run for me on an S and a GTS specced to my liking (which comes to about £67k on an S and £74k on a GTS) and they are practically identical thanks to the anticipated higher residuals on the GTS version.

I'm pretty sure the S (subject to adding sports exhaust, sports chrono and air) is all the car I need, having tried the old 385bhp GTS (basically same engine as new S) and the old 400bhp Turbo, plus I maybe the only one but I don't much like the black plastic front of the GTS or the fully clear rear lights on the GTS.

But equally it seems financially more sensible for once to get the more expensive car - ie a relatively lightly optioned GTS rather a kitchen-sink S. Plus on the basis of this possibly being the last combustion-engined new car I get to buy, the devil on my shoulder is saying go for the full monty version...

Thoughts?

Edited by Wolands Advocate on Saturday 20th November 11:26

[Cheib]

The most important thing is whether you like how the GTS drives vs the S as it’s chassis is slightly sportier. The Macan with the GTS package has the air suspension so whilst you get that slightly better handling you will also get a better ride on the motorways. If Air PASM isn’t on your list for the S it should be.

[Wolands Advocate]

Air on the S is a given - my father has a 2020 Macan S and his one bit of key advice was that the air suspension is a must (his has it). On the GTS, I’d go for the option that allows you to go for the “normal” air without the GTS- specific ride height drop.

[tyrrell]

If buying on PCP it’s a no brainier to go for the GTS as the GFV is so much higher, usually the S is around £60 a month cheaper than a GTS, then look at all the spec you get as standard with GTS and for me the £60 a month more is worth it, both great cars.

[as7920]

I was considering this before the facelift came along and was going for a GTS.

Since the new one came out I too was thinking the S would be all I need. Especially the £10k price difference to get where I was.

Interesting to see the opinions.

[Wolands Advocate]

tyrrell said:

If buying on PCP it’s a no brainier to go for the GTS as the GFV is so much higher, usually the S is around £60 a month cheaper than a GTS, then look at all the spec you get as standard with GTS and for me the £60 a month more is worth it, both great cars.

This is my thought. Also if I am to be tempted out of my current car (and spend knocking on for double what my current one cost) then perhaps it needs 440bhp and the sharper drive to get past my general SUV reservations…

[David W.]

Wolands Advocate said:

This is my thought. Also if I am to be tempted out of my current car (and spend knocking on for double what my current one cost) then perhaps it needs 440bhp and the sharper drive to get past my general SUV reservations…

If you need extra detail search Nick Murray on YouTube, he covers spec differences very well.

[Far Cough]

When we were looking last year we did alot of research. The "S" seemed to be the sweet spot in the range with residuals and specc`ing one new to almost GTS levels. Yes the Turbo and GTS are marginally faster but it makes no difference with a dog on board who does not appreciate sporty driving !!!

There is a big difference with the front of the car with the GTS being more rounded. We preferred the normal look with the lower chin spoiler so plumped for a brand new S with air suspension and all the toys

[Wolands Advocate]

Far Cough said:

When we were looking last year we did alot of research. The "S" seemed to be the sweet spot in the range with residuals and specc`ing one new to almost GTS levels. Yes the Turbo and GTS are marginally faster but it makes no difference with a dog on board who does not appreciate sporty driving !!!

There is a big difference with the front of the car with the GTS being more rounded. We preferred the normal look with the lower chin spoiler so plumped for a brand new S with air suspension and all the toys

How is the experience so far?

[Audis5b9]

If you can make the man maths work to have the GTS then why not!!

We've just placed an order for an S, looking forward to it.

The only thing you may not have considered is lead time, S will be mid 2022 earliest, GTS they are selling cars for 2023 already.

[Wolands Advocate]

I was told last week by two different dealers that lead times are the same for both models.

[Audis5b9]

Wolands Advocate said:

I was told last week by two different dealers that lead times are the same for both models.

Thats interesting... which ones?

I spoke with Mid-Sussex, Tonbridge, Portsmouth & Guildford and all said mid 22 for an S and mid 23 for a GTS

[Far Cough]

Wolands Advocate said:

How is the experience so far?

Yes , very good. Had a few electronic niggles like the tracker suddenly stopped working and the TPMS needing a full reset but very happy. It's a nice place to sit. We went keyless and it works very well.

[Wolands Advocate]

Audis5b9 said:

Thats interesting... which ones?

I spoke with Mid-Sussex, Tonbridge, Portsmouth & Guildford and all said mid 22 for an S and mid 23 for a GTS

Mayfair and Hatfield

[neilf]

My friend and father both had deposits on GTS’s but both changed to S due mainly to the price hike of the GTS.

Their (same) OPC quoted 6-7mths for an S and 12mths for a GTS, admittedly this was back in July.

[BarrySt]

Just quoted end-2023 for a GTS. But offered a drive of demonstrator although can't see the point when a new car is 2-yeares away.
What cars do Porsche actually have availability of in 2022?

[Grantstown]

Buy an approved used for now. It’ll have a 2 year warranty to cover you until your GTS arrives. If you fancy a different model in the meantime you can transfer your deposit before the spec is locked down.

[Porsche guy]

Very nice

[Wolands Advocate]

I really like those alloys but Porsche seems to have removed them from the Configurator for the S, meaning you have to go for the GTS to get them.

[jzma]

I have a GTS on order, one of the main reasons I went for this in addition to the fantastic drive is the strong residuals (even pre Covid). I placed my order before the price hike around Aug/Sep for anticipated delivery next summer.
Do you think strong residuals will continue with the petrol Macan whilst it is still available with the EV model looming?