X3 M40i, Macan S, GLC43, or SQ5?

[jamesinaz]

OK, not trying to wear out the forum. I am in analysis mode (over-analysis?) and keep veering to another direction. I have another thread somewhere discussing X5s but more I think about it I don't need a vehicle that size. I just want a sporty SUV with some vroom and comfort - something with plenty of passing power, easy in and out, and enough room in the back for a few sets of clubs or groceries. So, I've moved onto alternatives to the X5 and am comparing the following:

X3 M40i - I didn't think I'd go this route. My wife owns a 2014 28i. It's a good car but suspension wise and power it's just fine for her. I need more. But as I research it becomes clear they have grown the X3 a bit and also offer a X3 M40i version that is a hot rod. 0-60 in 4.4 secs is awesome. I bet the suspension is beefed up too and I'd like it. A really nice one can be had for about $66k MSRP. $10K less than the X5.



Macan S - I mean if one is looking for a grocery getter that doubles as a sports car this is it. The base unit is pretty quick at 6.3 sec 0-60 but meh, not enough. The S version is 5.1 sec which is just fine. Problem is, getting an S as they are usually equipped they are around $77k MSRP. Hmmmm. Is it really that much sportier than the X3?



GLC AMG 43 - looks like a decent package. Looks are a bit more subdued but the numbers say it is quick. 4.7 sec 0-60. Plenty of power. Priced a tad higher than BMW but nothing deal breaking. The interiors look a lot nicer in the pictures. Reviews also give it an edge there. Probably need to look.



Audi SQ5 - man. Based on numbers alone this is a champion. But, the interior is still the "old" Audi setup and in person they don't look very impressive to me. maybe my dealer isn't putting one in the showroom with a great polish etc as all the ones I saw were outside on a lot and dusty.



If I missed one that you think would compete in this arena let me know. And opinions on which you'd choose also welcome. Hey, I know I'm bored and using the board for my own nefarious purposes but I'm stuck at home and got 2 months to research my next car.

[chassis]

Which one do you want?

These are all head-to-head vehicles and there is fundamentally no differences except what can be written in terms of a spec (0-60, hp, etc) and your visceral desire.

[jamesinaz]

Originally Posted by chassis

Which one do you want?

These are all head-to-head vehicles and there is fundementally no differences except what can be written in terms of a spec (0-60, hp, etc) and your visceral desire.

I think I'd want the Porsche more. Having a hard time justifying the price delta. The MB looks nicer to me but I do like the BMW a lot. I need to test drive them all on the same day.

Probably won't test drive the Audi. Just does nothing for me.

[GenXer]

Originally Posted by jamesinaz

I think I'd want the Porsche more. Having a hard time justifying the price delta. The MB looks nicer to me but I do like the BMW a lot. I need to test drive them all on the same day.

Probably won't test drive the Audi. Just does nothing for me.

The GLC is the roomiest, the Macan is the sportiest, the Q5 is the most practical, X3 is the most balanced.

[jamesinaz]

Originally Posted by GenXer

The GLC is the roomiest, the Macan is the sportiest, the Q5 is the most practical, X3 is the most balanced.

Thanks. Reality is - I will never push any of them through a corner. I just like power to pass. So the Macan is likely overkill for me. Audi leaves me cold. I will probably test the MB and BMW. Well since I'm there I'll test the Audi too. But it really needs to impress me.

[GenXer]

Personally I would take the Macan. It just feels a little more special. I have the GLC. Not the AMG version just a plain Jane one. It does have a lot of presence and feels very substantial and it is very roomy. The old Q5 was great but the new one just leaves me cold. It's not good looking either to be honest. The X3 just have an underwhelming interior. FYI: Mercedes no longer offer free maintenance for 3 years while all the brands do.

[GTF]

Had a Macan S (delivered on launch day, 5/14). Great ride. Expensive, but resale has blown away all others, so that's an offset to price. Fantastic sound from those quad exhausts. Ridiculous normal maintenance costs. Mine had no problems (57K miles). If rear seating was a bit more spacious, I would have purchased another. The new Cayenne gave me the increased space, and is fantastic, but the X5 is much better value.

[jamesinaz]

Thanks. I did own a Cayenne once. Early model with a V8. Great vehicle. Still, the Macan is expensive compared. Any other cars I should look at? I really don't like the Lexus or Acura. Both are slowwwwwww.

[GenXer]

Originally Posted by jamesinaz

Thanks. I did own a Cayenne once. Early model with a V8. Great vehicle. Still, the Macan is expensive compared. Any other cars I should look at? I really don't like the Lexus or Acura. Both are slowwwwwww.

I would get a base Macan S or anything with a 6 cylinder. If not, go for the X3 with a straight 6. If you don't need crazy performance, a base X5 is a terrific buy.

[jamesinaz]

Originally Posted by GenXer

I would get a base Macan S or anything with a 6 cylinder. If not, go for the X3 with a straight 6. If you don't need crazy performance, a base X5 is a terrific buy.

I'd say that this is the leader list + the GLC 43.

[GenXer]

A nice base X5 is just over $61K not including any discounts. The interior is oh so nice. For added bling, you could even get a Swarovski crystal shift knob!

[AlexFL]

If you can afford Macan S, BMW X3M could be another option. Don’t forget that you will get greater discounts at the BMW dealership than with Porsche guys.

[overcoil]

Had an X3 M40 as a loaner and it is very good, drive train and iDrive are top

[GenXer]

BLING!

[TheAcAvenger]

I test drove all of these (X3 M40i, GLC43, SQ5, Macan Turbo) back to back to back along with the F-pace S one day last year and concluded that there really is no such thing as a sporty SUV. It was a big disappointment for me. I tried an X3M when it was released and still felt that way. Just get an X5 or a Q8 and get your thrills elsewhere

[jamesinaz]

Originally Posted by TheAcAvenger

I test drove all of these (X3 M40i, GLC43, SQ5, Macan Turbo) back to back to back along with the F-pace S one day last year and concluded that there really is no such thing as a sporty SUV. It was a big disappointment for me. I tried an X3M when it was released and still felt that way. Just get an X5 or a Q8 and get your thrills elsewhere

Maybe our definition of sporty is different. I know no SUV is a Ferrari or Corvette. In fact I'm pretty sure no SUV out there will handle like my current 540i. I just don't want a station wagon ride. I want to have passing power and stable handling.

I had an early Cayenne S and something along that range of power and handling works for me.

Since you tried all of them which did you like better than the others?

[Germanauto]

A few months ago I helped my dad get a new Macan S, exactly that exterior combination pictured but with the wheels gloss black. It's a total head turner, people take photos and stop to compliment it.

I haven't driven the new X3 or GLC but I have driven the Q5 which is mostly boring. The Macan S has pretty decent acceleration, sounds nice with the sport exhaust, and handles well. The steering is quick and does weigh up even parking lot speeds, but it's still too light for my tastes. Overall it drives like a car which is a plus. Interior feels very 2015, infotainment system isn't as user friendly as the other German makes. Money factors are high so it will lease poor relative to the others, but this depends a lot on location and the promotions their banks are running. You can get a solid deal sometimes.

Overall you'll have to see if the driving dynamics and styling/exclusivity of Porsche ownership trump the drawbacks of its poor leasing and sub-par interior/tech.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by TheAcAvenger

I test drove all of these (X3 M40i, GLC43, SQ5, Macan Turbo) back to back to back along with the F-pace S one day last year and concluded that there really is no such thing as a sporty SUV. It was a big disappointment for me. I tried an X3M when it was released and still felt that way. Just get an X5 or a Q8 and get your thrills elsewhere

To this day the most thrilling SUV I've driven is the E70 X5 with M sport pkg and some factory engine/exhaust upgrades. That thing was a tank, the steering was so stiff and felt bolted to the pavement.

The runner ups are the Macan and Levante. Levante is a total piece of junk otherwise.

[dreamingat30fps]

Originally Posted by jamesinaz

Maybe our definition of sporty is different. I know no SUV is a Ferrari or Corvette. In fact I'm pretty sure no SUV out there will handle like my current 540i. I just don't want a station wagon ride. I want to have passing power and stable handling.

I had an early Cayenne S and something along that range of power and handling works for me.

Since you tried all of them which did you like better than the others?

Having not driven any of them I still feel confident saying they all have plenty of passing power. Shit I've never had any issues passing in my corolla so... unless by passing you mean passing a ferrari... who does not wish to be passed... in which case I doubt any of them will work

Based strictly on looks I would just go with the macan because it's the sexiest looking one.

[Rmtt]

I had the chance to drive the BMW X3 M last December. I was actually very impressed.

It was on the BMW track, so we were encouraged to "beat" on it.

[dgoldenz]

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quad. Drive one and you will quickly be sold, there's really nothing like it and the 2.9L V6 with 505HP is pretty awesome. It's the only SUV I've driven that really handles like a sports car. Biggest concern is obviously long-term reliability, but apparently you can get up to an 8-year 125k mile warranty from FCA which I didn't find out until yesterday. Max warranty is around $7k, less mileage/years $3-5k. I see a lot of 2018 models in the $55-65k price range.

A 2017+ Macan GTS is also a great car, not quite as exciting to drive as the Stelvio Quad though having 130 less HP. I much prefer the looks of the GTS over most Turbo models, people don't usually spec the turbos with all of the black trim/wheels/lowered suspension/etc. You can always put a Cobb tune on it to get more power out of it if needed. 2017+ also has the updated head unit with Apple Carplay.

[dgoldenz]

Originally Posted by Rmtt

I had the chance to drive the BMW X3 M last December. I was actually very impressed.

It was on the BMW track, so we were encouraged to "beat" on it.

I test drove the X3M and was honestly pretty disappointed. It was fast but nothing about it gave me that "wow" feeling. Maybe it's just me but I also felt like the seats were way too hard and not very comfortable, even on a short test drive.