Seeking Build Feedback - Turbo or GTS

[SergeyIndy]

I would like to ask for critique of the builds that I am considering. Dealer has a GTS allocation in hand but can trade for a Turbo. Delivery in July, which is about ideal, but wonder if anyone currently waiting on a Turbo or GTS has experienced major delays of a month or more from originally promised delivery date. Dealer checked my builds against production database and no issues with any options that I selected below.

Turbo: PTHUE9Q2
GTS: PTSDE4C0

Rationale

Turbo: Like everything about it but the rear fake vents. Net difference is $7k and does not play in the decision.
GTS: Like no fake vents on rear, lower setup, dynamically superior, and unique body kit look front and rear. Do not mind detuned power in exchange for more round about and cornering dynamics. Also, both appear to have the same hardware, so there is always a tuning potential in the future to unlock more power - but most likely not needed. I drove Base, 4, and 4S for at least a day each with none having PTV+ or RWS but all felt no lack of power in normal pace driving. This is coming from someone who drives Taycan Turbo as a daily.

Leaning toward the GTS. No competition for the build slot as no one is spending this kind of money on an EV that is a Porsche that hit with recent tariffs, no incentives, and price increases. I guess I will be helping corporate to keep their break-even operation. I remember the line was 80 people deep at my dealership when Macan EV was announced and they had a terrible photoshopped image of it clipped to the front door that did not even look like itself. I was #1 but gave up on it after the 2-year delay and terrible quality of initial examples. Dealer said that most owners have zero issues and only some have random errors that they are able to fix with software updates. I am not sure how true that is coming from a saleperson who I trust, but I will have to grill the service department on it for the truth.

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[jwatte]

The reason to get the GTS: Your porsche logo will be the traditional red/yellow color, not the (IMO disappointing) "turbonite."
The reason to get the Turbo: It's more fun off the red light.

 

[Yves]

I like the look of the GTS a tad more, but can’t you spec the sport package on the Turbo, thought that was new …
The lower default ground clearance would be an issue for me … I guess they would be the same when you set the suspension in sport/sport+
So I would go with the Turbo + the package that give the new diffuser …

 

[johankUK]

I would get the GTS. I like the sport design package more than the normal turbo look. I believe it’s rare you’ll need the additional power…

I would have gone for the GTS if it was available when I ordered my turbo

 

[TS23]

I would get the GTS. I like the sport design package more than the normal turbo look. I believe it’s rare you’ll need the additional power…

I would have gone for the GTS if it was available when I ordered my turbo

Likewise (if was available to order when I did).

The sports design kit particularly the rear is a lot nicer and the racetex interior is bespoke.

Power isn’t going to be felt in 99% of scenarios and is essentially just bragging rights down the pub.

 

[MMR]

I’d choose the GTS for the new spoiler. While I prefer the non-Sport Design front end, specced in Jet Black it’s a compromise I could live with.

For your build, the only tweak I’d make on the Turbo is the mirrors — I’d go body colour if you’re keeping the silver window trim. If not, I’d switch the window trim to HGB.

 

[Yves]

Turbo, sport design package, no doubt …

 

[W1NGE]

I would like to ask for critique of the builds that I am considering. Dealer has a GTS allocation in hand but can trade for a Turbo. Delivery in July, which is about ideal, but wonder if anyone currently waiting on a Turbo or GTS has experienced major delays of a month or more from originally promised delivery date. Dealer checked my builds against production database and no issues with any options that I selected below.

Turbo: PTHUE9Q2
GTS: PTSDE4C0

Rationale

Turbo: Like everything about it but the rear fake vents. Net difference is $7k and does not play in the decision.
GTS: Like no fake vents on rear, lower setup, dynamically superior, and unique body kit look front and rear. Do not mind detuned power in exchange for more round about and cornering dynamics. Also, both appear to have the same hardware, so there is always a tuning potential in the future to unlock more power - but most likely not needed. I drove Base, 4, and 4S for at least a day each with none having PTV+ or RWS but all felt no lack of power in normal pace driving. This is coming from someone who drives Taycan Turbo as a daily.

Leaning toward the GTS. No competition for the build slot as no one is spending this kind of money on an EV that is a Porsche that hit with recent tariffs, no incentives, and price increases. I guess I will be helping corporate to keep their break-even operation. I remember the line was 80 people deep at my dealership when Macan EV was announced and they had a terrible photoshopped image of it clipped to the front door that did not even look like itself. I was #1 but gave up on it after the 2-year delay and terrible quality of initial examples. Dealer said that most owners have zero issues and only some have random errors that they are able to fix with software updates. I am not sure how true that is coming from a saleperson who I trust, but I will have to grill the service department on it for the truth.

Nice builds!

Personal choices but:

1. Glacier Blue matrix - not a fan of the blue
2. Ice grey - not a fan
3. Racetex rooflining - worth it if there wasn't a sunroof and therefore makes little sense given the cost
4. Can't decide if you really need a rear wiper which would alter the insulated glass option. In UK it's almost a must given the crap weather!
5. Burmester - is it really that much better over Bose (I've never owned but listened to and was happy enough with Bose for my use cases)
6. Tow hitch (I'd add for cycles)

Personally, I would skip the Macan EV (sorry) and vere towards the Cayenne EV - newer tech, more space, better equipped etc but perhaps wait for the S / GTS to surface if that's an option.

I can't ignore the price tag on these cars and can see that when the Cayenne EV deliveries hit and people pondering a spec'd Macan EV (any) may quickly realise that the Cayenne EV represents better value for money. I get that pricing isn't a concern for everyone that said. I just think the Macan EV is unnecessarily expensive (worse now than at launch) and could benefit from a 5 figure price cut.

The dynamics of the GTS vs Turbo in my view won't be that discernable - 0 - 60 yes but otherwise not and 10 mm lower to the ground will not make the difference either.

Residuals are probably not a concern for you either but there's a chance that it will fair better than the anomaly that is the Taycan. Macan is a familiar model - EV or not - and so most buyers probably won't prejudge as much.

If push came to shove I'd probably opt for the GTS (have owned other GTS models in the passed and considered it the "poor man's" turbo and skip several of the options.

Not tempted by Xiaomi YU7??

 

[bruce1969]

Having only read along here until now, I've finally ordered a GTS (Porsche Code PTIFTMU9) after much deliberation. I test drove the Macan IV and the Macan Turbo, and after these test drives, I knew it would have to be a Turbo or a GTS. The Macan IV is very powerful up to 100 km/h, but its performance drops off noticeably above that. In contrast, the Turbo always had enough power. I actually prefer the look of the 14-way adjustable seats, but after trying both, I opted for the 18-ways, as they were significantly more comfortable for me. Unfortunately, this meant I lost the massage option. Same is with bose and Burmester- listend to both and Burmester sounded clearly better, especially with vocal music and moderat loudness. I like the GTS's exterior design best. Even though the Sport Design package is available for all other versions, I think it looks best on the GTS, especially since only the GTS has the side skirts that make the car appear wider. I don't like the Turbo's rear end because of the air vents. Overall, I find the Macan GTS to be the sweet spot of all the trim levels, as it's closer to the Turbo than the 4S and shares many parts with the Turbo, including the engine, brakes, and various reinforcements. The GTS is certainly the sportiest of the bunch, which could potentially be a disadvantage, as it's also tuned for a sportier feel in Comfort mode than the Turbo. Therefore, the Turbo seems to be the slightly more comfortable option. In any case, I'm really looking forward to my GTS, which is due to arrive at the end of March 2026.

 

[Yves]

Nice builds!

Personal choices but:

1. Glacier Blue matrix - not a fan of the blue
2. Ice grey - not a fan
3. Racetex rooflining - worth it if there wasn't a sunroof and therefore makes little sense given the cost
4. Can't decide if you really need a rear wiper which would alter the insulated glass option. In UK it's almost a must given the crap weather!
5. Burmester - is it really that much better over Bose (I've never owned but listened to and was happy enough with Bose for my use cases)
6. Tow hitch (I'd add for cycles)

Personally, I would skip the Macan EV (sorry) and vere towards the Cayenne EV - newer tech, more space, better equipped etc but perhaps wait for the S / GTS to surface if that's an option.

I can't ignore the price tag on these cars and can see that when the Cayenne EV deliveries hit and people pondering a spec'd Macan EV (any) may quickly realise that the Cayenne EV represents better value for money. I get that pricing isn't a concern for everyone that said. I just think the Macan EV is unnecessarily expensive (worse now than at launch) and could benefit from a 5 figure price cut.

The dynamics of the GTS vs Turbo in my view won't be that discernable - 0 - 60 yes but otherwise not and 10 mm lower to the ground will not make the difference either.

Residuals are probably not a concern for you either but there's a chance that it will fair better than the anomaly that is the Taycan. Macan is a familiar model - EV or not - and so most buyers probably won't prejudge as much.

If push came to shove I'd probably opt for the GTS (have owned other GTS models in the passed and considered it the "poor man's" turbo and skip several of the options.

Not tempted by Xiaomi YU7??

After seen the Cayenne in the flesh I’m not really impressed not much more practical space and “uglier”, though that is personal … I hold final judgement till after the introduction of the coupe …

 

[MMR]

Having only read along here until now, I've finally ordered a GTS (Porsche Code PTIFTMU9) after much deliberation. I test drove the Macan IV and the Macan Turbo, and after these test drives, I knew it would have to be a Turbo or a GTS. The Macan IV is very powerful up to 100 km/h, but its performance drops off noticeably above that. In contrast, the Turbo always had enough power. I actually prefer the look of the 14-way adjustable seats, but after trying both, I opted for the 18-ways, as they were significantly more comfortable for me. Unfortunately, this meant I lost the massage option. Same is with bose and Burmester- listend to both and Burmester sounded clearly better, especially with vocal music and moderat loudness. I like the GTS's exterior design best. Even though the Sport Design package is available for all other versions, I think it looks best on the GTS, especially since only the GTS has the side skirts that make the car appear wider. I don't like the Turbo's rear end because of the air vents. Overall, I find the Macan GTS to be the sweet spot of all the trim levels, as it's closer to the Turbo than the 4S and shares many parts with the Turbo, including the engine, brakes, and various reinforcements. The GTS is certainly the sportiest of the bunch, which could potentially be a disadvantage, as it's also tuned for a sportier feel in Comfort mode than the Turbo. Therefore, the Turbo seems to be the slightly more comfortable option. In any case, I'm really looking forward to my GTS, which is due to arrive at the end of March 2026.

I didn’t realise the side skirts only came on the GTS, I assumed you got them if you specced the sports design package - in which case a no brainer for me - I’d go GTS

 

[SergeyIndy]

Excellent feedback from everyone on this thread, so would like to continue this discussion to arrive at the right decision.

Cayenne EV vs. Macan EV
Perhaps one important detail that I have missed is that this is not for me, but for my son as a graduation present and for a specific purpose for commuting to college. Therefore, Cayenne EV is not in the consideration, and we would even be open to get another Macan ICE (total dinosaur, but my wife loves it, and I enjoy driving it when I do, just pure analog joy with maxed out build and COBB tune), but Macan EV electric is superior for the purpose. I do agree that Macan EV is outdated if compared to Cayenne EV or the new BMW EV lineup.

Turbo vs. GTS
I did not realize that the Turbo also has the kit but the main issue for me for the looks is the fake rear vents, but otherwise, totally agree that the real-world use of the extra power will be limited to almost all the time use of the superior agility. We live in the area of the world record for the number of round abouts, so we get maximum use of PTV+, RWS, PDCC, etc. depending on the car I am driving.

Options
I am leaning toward the GTS so let me dive a little more into options feedback

Color combo: I have similar combo for the Taycan and I spent time with Macan EV in this color combo and that seems to be personal preference of ideal theme of snow/ice. Glacier is very subtle but gives the car this EV vibe to differentiate it. I am just not sure if I should go for Glacier rear bar or not as this will be a no cost option for the GTS, but it looks a little too bright in person.

Race-Tex roof liner: The fabric is just so cheap so could not make myself not add it for complete premium interior look and feel and would match the steering wheel. I skipped that on the Macan GTS ICE and regret it with sun visors made of cheap vinyl material where I would have preferred matching fabric instead.

BM Audio: Bose in all of the Macan EVs I drove was of the worst quality possible. No issue with Bose in our Cayenne or Macan ICE and I drove many Taycans with Bose that sounded great, but this is like AM quality bad in Macan EV.

Wiper: Prefer clean look and really happy they offer not to have it. Macan ICE must have it.

Tow hitch: No practical use for us and prefer clean look.

 

[W1NGE]

Excellent feedback from everyone on this thread, so would like to continue this discussion to arrive at the right decision.

Cayenne EV vs. Macan EV
Perhaps one important detail that I have missed is that this is not for me, but for my son as a graduation present and for a specific purpose for commuting to college. Therefore, Cayenne EV is not in the consideration, and we would even be open to get another Macan ICE (total dinosaur, but my wife loves it, and I enjoy driving it when I do, just pure analog joy with maxed out build and COBB tune), but Macan EV electric is superior for the purpose. I do agree that Macan EV is outdated if compared to Cayenne EV or the new BMW EV lineup.

Turbo vs. GTS
I did not realize that the Turbo also has the kit but the main issue for me for the looks is the fake rear vents, but otherwise, totally agree that the real-world use of the extra power will be limited to almost all the time use of the superior agility. We live in the area of the world record for the number of round abouts, so we get maximum use of PTV+, RWS, PDCC, etc. depending on the car I am driving.

Options
I am leaning toward the GTS so let me dive a little more into options feedback

Color combo: I have similar combo for the Taycan and I spent time with Macan EV in this color combo and that seems to be personal preference of ideal theme of snow/ice. Glacier is very subtle but gives the car this EV vibe to differentiate it. I am just not sure if I should go for Glacier rear bar or not as this will be a no cost option for the GTS, but it looks a little too bright in person.

Race-Tex roof liner: The fabric is just so cheap so could not make myself not add it for complete premium interior look and feel and would match the steering wheel. I skipped that on the Macan GTS ICE and regret it with sun visors made of cheap vinyl material where I would have preferred matching fabric instead.

BM Audio: Bose in all of the Macan EVs I drove was of the worst quality possible. No issue with Bose in our Cayenne or Macan ICE and I drove many Taycans with Bose that sounded great, but this is like AM quality bad in Macan EV.

Wiper: Prefer clean look and really happy they offer not to have it. Macan ICE must have it.

Tow hitch: No practical use for us and prefer clean look.

Are you sure you're not speccing the car for yourself??

Tow hitch in EU / UK is electric and totally hidden but agree that the US implementation is a bit meh (why?).

I"ve had 2 Macan EVs on loan and the Bose sounded awful in both for reasons I don't quite understand other than a shoddy install. I have Sound Plus in the Macan T and to be frank is more than up to the task for Radio 4 listening than Bose in the EV.

Lucky kid and then some!

 

[SergeyIndy]

Are you sure you're not speccing the car for yourself??

Tow hitch in EU / UK is electric and totally hidden but agree that the US implementation is a bit meh (why?).

I"ve had 2 Macan EVs on loan and the Bose sounded awful in both for reasons I don't quite understand other than a shoddy install. I have Sound Plus in the Macan T and to be frank is more than up to the task for Radio 4 listening than Bose in the EV.

Lucky kid and then some!

All good points. I totally understand that this a total overkill, but it is more of a struggle with myself, but the kid earned it literally. Skipped a grade with 1 year of private school savings that cost 2x of the state college year tuition, then he is top of class, set school records for school tennis, full academic scholarship ride including limited admission to honors college wing of the state college, then raising money for the community, and he drives by the rules, and not asking for this kind of car. However, the commute is a serious commitment about 100 miles round trip and he will use all the features of the car on a daily basis. Tesla probably will do, but there is no way I will be able to handle the panel gaps and falling apart interior. I also looked at Sonata, Camry, Accord, Legacy and for $40k that looks like a good deal until you sit and drive them and there is just no way I can bring myself to having one near me. All roads lead to the comfort zone and my dealer treats me as a VIP so I know I am in good hands as we keep everything we have long term.

 

[TS23]

Great that you're recognising your son, though my kids will have to wait, I promised myself an 911 before I'm 40!

You can debate the spec all day long, ultimately it comes down to personal preference but one thing appears to be missing taking into account the lengthy list of options is keyless entry. You don't have it in the park surround options nor selected individually?

I also assume 2D surround view is standard in US markets?

You have also selected the premium pack, which you have then superseded with Burmester and sports seats (which I'm sure also drops the ventilation). Reducing the additional options by 50%, by number, not perhaps 50% by value.

Are the finance numbers in the configurator accurate? Two and half years and 25k and it's lost almost 50% of its value? My build and spec is about 50% after four years and 80k. I thought UK markets are tough.

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