And that's because the Macan GTS has its roots as much in motor racing as it has in negotiating a ploughed field.
The company doesn't apply those three letters - G-T-S - to a model lightly. Therefore as well as active, permanent four-wheel drive, the new compact SUV has at is heart a 3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 retuned to output 355bhp and an impressive 500Nm of torque.
This powerplant is fed to the wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch paddle-shift gearbox and the result is a 0-100kph time of 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 256kph. And if you plump for the optional Sport Chrono package, a further 0.2 seconds are shaved off that 0-100kph.
To keep the car under control with such performance on tap, ride height is dropped by 15mm and the lower stance, plus the addition of 20-inch RS Spyder design black alloy wheels gives the GTS a truly menacing stance.
To retain this stance no matter how hard it's pushed, the Macan has a firmer active suspension management setup and a traction management system for reducing or increasing power to individual wheels for more grip or tighter road-holding. And, of course, bigger brakes.
Other exterior differences include a mix of gloss and matte black body accents and GTS aerodynamic details that will be familiar to any Porsche aficionado. And although not standard - even on a car that will cost euro;73,400 in Europe and US$67,200 (plus destination charge) in the US - the GTS can be specified with LED headlamps for a stronger optical signature and greater, safer, brighter illumination.
Inside, Alcantara is the material of choice, adorning the dashboard, door cards and GTS-badged seats. Meanwhile infotainment comes courtesy of Porsche's new communication management touchscreen system that made its debut in the latest 911.
As well as online navigation and live traffic updates, it offers full support for Apple's CarPlay iPhone integration system. Other standard technological features include parking sensors and park assist, front and rear and electronic tailgate release.
