2026 Macan GTS Electric – Speed, Handling & First Test Verdict

2026 Macan GTS Electric – Speed, Handling & First Test Verdict

It is a powerful electric vehicle; however, it requires a bit more of the “emotional” tie-in of their best vehicles

The Macan Electric SUV debuted last year and has continued to follow the Porsche formula, meaning there will always be new models coming down the line. For those who have not owned a Porsche before, the more expensive models, excluding the GT version, mean more horsepower and performance features. The GTS models are positioned in the mid-upper range of the line, offering comfort and style, while also offering greater speed and excitement over the basic models. Some may refer to these as the enthusiast’s sweet spot, because a GTS model is capable of being driven for a daily commute, but also provides fun driving dynamics on the curvy roads, where it feels more engaged.

This brings us to our review of the 2026 Porsche Macan GTS Electric. This model offers the perfect combination of comfortable riding for a daily commute, while also providing strong performance and handling dynamics. Over the weekend we tested this vehicle, and while we enjoyed its quickness, smooth ride, and sharp handling (typical Porsche characteristics), we missed something special—Porsche’s language that the brand’s gasoline models provide.

Image Source: Official Brand Media

Among the strengths of the Macan GTS Electric are those of its electric siblings: speed. It’s not difficult to floor the accelerator and instantly experience the car’s high torque output and smooth power transmission to all four wheels. As the GTS can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, this makes the performance of the electric Macan model quite astonishing. For an SUV weighing 5,412 pounds, it’s quite a feat, especially with the help of the Macan GTS’ dual-motor all-wheel drive system and 563 horsepower with 509 lb-ft of torque.

While driving over the road, the Macan GTS Electric has a stiffer suspension than the Macan 4 or 4S variants, but the ride is smooth and well-mannered. In other words, passengers will sense the roughness of the road surface inside the cabin but don’t expect to see a chiropractor afterward, even if you have a delicate spine. In any case, the ride is rather smooth on broken surfaces and even the massive optional 22-inch wheels on our tester. The reason for such performance is the adaptive air suspension featured in the GTS and Turbo models.

The steering system has a similar approach, but though it might not be considered a strenuous exercise, it is relatively heavy. However, it does offer the same precision that Porsche vehicles have always been renowned for.

Another aspect worth praising is the braking capacity of the Macan Electric GTS. It managed to brake from a speed of 60 mph in 99 feet, something that can be attributed to its Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. Additionally, the striking red calipers that it uses are fitted with six pistons at the front and four at the rear.

The automaker keeps working on its electric models’ charging and range features. For instance, the Macan GTS Electric traveled 254 highway miles on a single charge traveling at 70 mph without having to recharge itself. At one point, however, when recharging was necessary, the vehicle added 153 miles after 15 minutes on a 350 kW charger. Overall, 220 miles were added to the range after 30 minutes. The rapid-charging capability of this car makes it faster than most of its competitors in terms of recharging.

Image Source: Official Brand Media

Unfortunately, our criticisms of the rest of the Macan Electric model line apply equally to the GTS model. We still aren’t too pleased with the capacitive controls for the HVAC system. While there is certainly tactile response when you “press” a button on the control panel, we would like to see Porsche join in the growing trend of reversing this trend and opting for more tactile controls.

Apple CarPlay was available immediately upon starting the car, but it dropped off almost immediately after about a minute or two of usage. This isn’t something that occurred once – it happens every single time we leave from home. For some reason, though, Apple CarPlay functions perfectly fine when we leave from somewhere other than home.

One additional change that would be nice to see is the addition of one-pedal driving. This is something Porsche continues to exclude from its electric cars, so it might be too much to ask.

What we feel is missing from the Macan GTS Electric is a touch of character. All Porsche gas-powered vehicles have a certain animalistic charm which its electric counterparts are yet to acquire. The feeling one expects to experience driving a car bearing such a name is present, but it remains at arm’s length rather than close enough to be experienced in its entirety. That alone is why we would suggest trying out a gas Macan GTS before making a decision.

The GTS offers more power, more performance, and the same vibe as its Macan Electric brothers. Hence, it fits into the traditional GTS mold. Naturally, you will have to pay for it. Although making a GTS using the available components will cost even more than purchasing the car itself, the initial price tag of $107,650 is very high.

However, with the GTS, Porsche has stretched the boundaries of the Macan Electric range, and the car is the perfect representation of the GTS ethos, balancing performance and practicality. It’s not an easy feat to pull off, but Porsche is a pro when it comes to such endeavors. We just wish this one was more assertive.

2026 Porsche Macan GTS Electric Specifications
BASE PRICE$107,650
PRICE AS TESTED$124,920
VEHICLE LAYOUTFront- and rear-motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door electric SUV
POWERTRAINF: permanent-magnet motor, NA hp, NA lb-ft
R: permanent-magnet motor, NA hp, NA lb-ft
TOTAL POWER563 hp
TOTAL TORQUE704 lb-ft
TRANSMISSIONS2 x 1-speed fixed ratio
BATTERY95.0-kWh NMC lithium-ion
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)5,412 lb (48/52%)
WHEELBASE113.9 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT189.2 x 76.9 x 63.3-65.4 in
TIRESPirelli P Zero Corsa PZC4 Elect NEO
F: 255/40R22 103Y XL
R: 295/35R22 108Y XL
EPA FUEL ECONOMY,
CITY/HWY/COMBINED
99/84/92 mpg-e
EPA RANGE294 mi
70-MPH ROAD-TRIP RANGE254 mi
MT FAST-CHARGING TEST153 mi @ 15 min, 220 mi @ 30 min
ON SALENow
0-60 MPH3.3 sec
QUARTER MILE11.6 sec @ 121.1 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH99 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION1.01 g
FIGURE-EIGHT LAP23.6 sec @ 0.90 g (avg)

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