The 2017 Porsche Macan GTS is the compact SUV the automaker always set out to build, according to Porsche. Based on the Audi Q5, the Macan GTS is, in our opinion, the best handling crossover on the planet, but how does it get that way? Let's dissect how a sports car maker turns an SUV into a Porsche.

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2017 Porsche Macan GTS

2017 Porsche Macan GTS

Bigger brakes

Part of going fast is stopping faster. The Macan GTS uses beefy, six-piston calipers all the way around and big, 360 mm (14.2-inch) rotors. Those rotors are 10 mm bigger than those of a 911 Carrera S or a Macan S. That's only half the story...

2017 Porsche Macan GTS

2017 Porsche Macan GTS

Fat tire isn't just a beer

...the rubber helps out, too. The Macan GTS comes equipped with 265/45R20's up front and 295/45R20's in back, which are 30 and 40 mm wider than the tires on the Macan S. Fact: The rear tires on a Macan GTS are the same width as the rear tires on a 911.

2017 Porsche Macan GTS

2017 Porsche Macan GTS

That was low

The Macan GTS sits 10 mm lower than the Macan Turbo. With an effective ride height lower than an Audi Allroad (7.0 vs. 7.1 inches), the Macan GTS is built like a tall sedan and hugs the road when it's lowered further with Porsche Active Suspension Management.

2017 Porsche Macan GTS

2017 Porsche Macan GTS

Turbos so nice, let's have them twice

The Macan GTS spins up two turbos to more than 17 psi to churn out 360 horsepower. Fed through all-wheel drive, the Macan GTS races up to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds or 4.8 seconds when equipped with the Sport Chrono package.

2017 Porsche Macan

2017 Porsche Macan

Supporting members

Deep buckets up front provide plenty of support for spirited rides. They feel just as low-slung and comfortable as a 911, even if the center of gravity isn't the same.

2017 Porsche Macan GTS First Drive

2017 Porsche Macan GTS First Drive

All the gauges

A center-mounted Carmine Red tach is a no-cost option in the Macan GTS, and we can get behind that kind of option all day long.

2017 Porsche Macan GTS

2017 Porsche Macan GTS

Let me clear my throat

Black, quad tipped exhausts shout from the rear and only get louder with Porsche's active exhaust system. Deep runoff has never sounded better in a SUV. No, really.

2017 Porsche Macan GTS

2017 Porsche Macan GTS

It's a Porsche, after all

There's an existential debate to be made as to whether it's an Audi wearing Porsche badges, or a Porsche wearing Porsche badges. Fact is: Porsche sells a lot of SUVs these days, and at the end of the day it's still wearing a Porsche badge. Is the 2017 Macan GTS worthy of the crest? We say yes. It's easily the best handling crossover in its class.

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