Driving
It sounds cliché, but there is nothing quite like driving a Porsche. Be it a base model four-cylinder turbocharged Macan, or a 911 GT3 RS.
Every single Porsche has an inherent dynamic quality to it that tends to not only set the benchmark for the ‘driver’s pick’ in its segment, but take what was there previously and extend it further.
In the case of the Macan GTS, that’s no different, for it remains the best in its class. The only aspects, and we have to emphasise ‘only’ here rather significantly, in which the GLC43 beats the driving experience of the Macan GTS is in ride comfort and exhaust note. ( comfort di marcia e suono di scarico ..)
The Macan is just that little bit harsher (duro) on the bumps and poorly surfaced roads, while the GLC is much louder and more dramatic-sounding in Sports mode.
On the open road, the GLC43 is typical Mercedes-AMG hooliganism at its best. It pops and crackles and guarantees turning heads (and rolled eyes) wherever it goes.
The Porsche, on the other hand, is far more refined – restrained – in its exhaust note. It’s not as loud and doesn’t have the same level of theatre to it. This can be a good thing or a bad thing, of course, depending on the buyer. (This writer would prefer a louder and more cracking exhaust from the Porsche.)
Interior
This writer picked the Porsche for its elegant use of space, extremely high-quality cabin material on every noticeable surface and a beautifully mounted crystal clear 7.0-inch infotainment screen.
On the other hand, the ridiculous number of buttons both on the centre console and on the roof can be a bit overwhelming.
The GLC’s interior looks pretty much just like a C-Class, because it’s based on the same platform. That means a floating 8.0-inch screen with chrome highlights for the aircon vents and some material that over time may no longer look as classy as it once did.
Touching the surfaces of both cars makes it evident the Porsche has a noticeably better built and screwed-together interior, with really sturdy parts ranging from the air-con vents to the buttons and even just panels that complete the centre console and surrounding bits.
Verdict
If all things were equal, the Porsche Macan GTS would be the clear winner here for its intended purpose of being a sporty and dynamically capable SUV.
Sure, it doesn’t have the ride compliance and drama of the AMG GLC43 and it lacks the rear space of its German rival. Yet, it presents a higher quality interior with far more focus on the ‘drive’ than anything else. It’s a Porsche and it doesn’t pretend to be anything else.
In saying all that, it’s hopelessly under-equipped, like most Porsches. It requires a barrage of options to make it comparable to the GLC, which only adds more to its purchase price and likely pushes a lot of potential buyers back in to Mercedes showrooms.
It’s also worth noting here that all orders now placed for a new Macan GTS will be subject to the price rise that comes in for June and future production models, which sees the on-road price rise to $127,143 (QLD), making the case for the GLC43 that little bit stronger.
Frankly, it all comes down to personal choice and willingness to spend. The Macan GTS is the better SUV and is our pick of the two here, but if you can’t justify its price differential, you won’t be disappointed with the well-equipped and rather good looking GLC43 AMG.
PORSCHE MACAN BREAKDOWN
- CarAdvice Rating 8.5
- Performance & Economy 9.5
- Cabin Space & Comfort 9
- Technology & Connectivity 8
- Price & Features 6.5
- Ride & Handling 9.5
- CarAdvice Rating 8.5
- Performance & Economy 8.5
- Cabin Space & Comfort 8.5
- Technology & Connectivity 8
- Price & Features 8.5
- Ride & Handling 8