[Macanuck]

Just remember that all phones, tablets and iPads use touchscreens. Not joysticks, gestures or other human-machine interfaces. If you don't like the Macan because of a touchscreen, you must have a tough time in the modern world.

That's a bit sarcastic, and I'm willing to admit that the optimum HMI in a car might be different than every other device made currently. I'm still waiting for something to wow me. Even voice control has a way to go.

 

[Andy B]

I am totally fine using touchscreens , just not while I am driving, I think the other interfaces are easier. Not a showstopper , just a factor for the pros and cons.

 

[Inamik75]

cant wait for m40i vs Macans test, it will be interesting 0-60 of 4.6 sec not bad for a non ///M Bimmer that's Macan turbo territory. Lets see how the handling was resolved in this new model.

 

[K-A]

As much as I couldn't care less about infotainment, the knobs are far superior to touch screens IMO. Whether my old Bimmer, bland Benzes or current Mazda which has a touchscreen plopped on the dash (hate that trend) as well as a knob, I prefer the knob.

I don't touch the PCM screen on either Porsche's I've had, practically ever. I just use the steering wheel controls. Also, Porsche has the MFD LCD display which is far superior to any information BMW gives you as it's immediate, right in front of your face, and can pull up performance or in car data that you can't even get on a BMW.

 

[jpdp]

Thanks for the good inputs, I drove the S and do like the looks and handling. Being a longtime BMW driver it is going to be tough to make the switch. One concern is the infotainment seems to be a bit behind in the Macan and the new X3 M40i will have the latest from BMW which is even better than what I have now. Also is the Macan reliable as a daily driver , pretty much all I have had to do over the years is the routine maintenance and not had too many unplanned trips to the service dept.

I too am a long time BMW driver (actually, I had a 911 before any BMW, but for the last 18 years, BMW).

I haven't driven the new X3, but I can tell you that the Macan's ergonomics aren't as good as my M4.
The ride, handling, steering, seat and PDK are really good - these are areas where the Macan is likely to win over the BMW.

Where the BMW wins:
1. iDrive is faster to use and find things - Head Up Display is also very useful.
2. Although the surround view is good in the Macan - it's not as accurate as the BMW. The Porsche engineers have built in a tolerance - so you think that you are parking really close to the kerb, but really you are still 50mm away.
3. With the BMW you can get side view cameras in front of the front wheels - this is really handy for me, as I often need to pull out of a lane into traffic.
4. Voice control - It's actually useful to call someone. But apparently CarPlay can do that well. I have Android, so I can't confirm that.
5. Knowing what setting the chassis / ride height / sport mode etc. the buttons on the centre console look good, but in the sun, you can't see if a setting is on or off. Plus you need to look down.
6. Just finding settings is easier in the BMW.
7. Things like being able to switch off the engine, then wind up all the windows, close the sunroof and look at the driver's mirror for a cyclist / car - then open the door and, whilst opening the door press the mirror fold button.

All these little things really annoyed me for ages, when I first got the Macan, but now, I just deal with it.

Would I get a new Macan now, or a new X3 ? - I don't know, it depends on how well the X3 drives.

 

[Andy B]

Well i decided not to wait to try the new M40i and ordered the GTS in Rodium Silver, should be here in Jan according to my dealer. Roll on Jan, can hardly wait.

 

[K-A]

I too am a long time BMW driver (actually, I had a 911 before any BMW, but for the last 18 years, BMW).

I haven't driven the new X3, but I can tell you that the Macan's ergonomics aren't as good as my M4.
The ride, handling, steering, seat and PDK are really good - these are areas where the Macan is likely to win over the BMW.

Where the BMW wins:
1. iDrive is faster to use and find things - Head Up Display is also very useful.
2. Although the surround view is good in the Macan - it's not as accurate as the BMW. The Porsche engineers have built in a tolerance - so you think that you are parking really close to the kerb, but really you are still 50mm away.
3. With the BMW you can get side view cameras in front of the front wheels - this is really handy for me, as I often need to pull out of a lane into traffic.
4. Voice control - It's actually useful to call someone. But apparently CarPlay can do that well. I have Android, so I can't confirm that.
5. Knowing what setting the chassis / ride height / sport mode etc. the buttons on the centre console look good, but in the sun, you can't see if a setting is on or off. Plus you need to look down.
6. Just finding settings is easier in the BMW.
7. Things like being able to switch off the engine, then wind up all the windows, close the sunroof and look at the driver's mirror for a cyclist / car - then open the door and, whilst opening the door press the mirror fold button.

All these little things really annoyed me for ages, when I first got the Macan, but now, I just deal with it.

Would I get a new Macan now, or a new X3 ? - I don't know, it depends on how well the X3 drives.

So, basically all the boring, appliance grade stuff is better on the BMW. Well expected and I wouldn't have it any other way. Porsche's supremacy is focused on the driving and mechanical product itself.

I'm not a fan of BMW's direction into premium-Toyota-ville (once upon a time they were closer to a utilitarian Porsche than they were Toyota), but I've always had a soft spot for the 5 Series. I loved my F10 on the premium appliance with a slight sporting edge tip. Then again, I loved it when I came from Mercedes. As I drove it more, the lack of sportiness left a bit to be desired (hence the switch to the Macan which lacked in all the tech-fluffery but offered a much superior driving experience).

Today I checked out the new 5. I can't believe how much they messed it up. Firstly, it looks a lot like the old one, but worse. Exactly like a 3 Series at the rear. The trunk is completely squared which looks kind of cheap. The front is more bluff and square than ever, losing the contours and smooth angles of the previous one. It looks like a bloated, angular blimp from the front. The interior is also very close to the previous one (not a terrible thing as the F10 interior is near sedan perfection for a luxury mid size), just with the imo haphazard looking stand up screen (though much bigger, for worse or better) and a lot more gloss black. I also feel the M Sport steering wheel is a step back and looks and feels cheaper and less sporty.

Overall, I think it was afraid to lose the winning formula of the beautiful F10, but in doing so, it became like an alternate dimension F10 with less character and elegance.

Apparently it drives better, which should go without saying. But until I drive it, I can't say if it's gone even more backwards in sportiness, or hopefully added some back in.

 

[Inamik75]

So, basically all the boring, appliance grade stuff is better on the BMW. Well expected and I wouldn't have it any other way. Porsche's supremacy is focused on the driving and mechanical product itself.

I'm not a fan of BMW's direction into premium-Toyota-ville (once upon a time they were closer to a utilitarian Porsche than they were Toyota), but I've always had a soft spot for the 5 Series. I loved my F10 on the premium appliance with a slight sporting edge tip. Then again, I loved it when I came from Mercedes. As I drove it more, the lack of sportiness left a bit to be desired (hence the switch to the Macan which lacked in all the tech-fluffery but offered a much superior driving experience).

Today I checked out the new 5. I can't believe how much they messed it up. Firstly, it looks a lot like the old one, but worse. Exactly like a 3 Series at the rear. The trunk is completely squared which looks kind of cheap. The front is more bluff and square than ever, losing the contours and smooth angles of the previous one. It looks like a bloated, angular blimp from the front. The interior is also very close to the previous one (not a terrible thing as the F10 interior is near sedan perfection for a luxury mid size), just with the imo haphazard looking stand up screen (though much bigger, for worse or better) and a lot more gloss black. I also feel the M Sport steering wheel is a step back and looks and feels cheaper and less sporty.

Overall, I think it was afraid to lose the winning formula of the beautiful F10, but in doing so, it became like an alternate dimension F10 with less character and elegance.

Apparently it drives better, which should go without saying. But until I drive it, I can't say if it's gone even more backwards in sportiness, or hopefully added some back in.

apart from the M5, its rather dull, but wait till you drive it, more Merc than BMW

 

[K-A]

apart from the M5, its rather dull, but wait till you drive it, more Merc than BMW

Arghh, you’ve got to be kidding me. :/

They went even more Merc with the G30? Why am I not surprised.

The M5 will be a beast, as always. But it just doesn’t feel like a sports sedan anymore (hopefully the G30 will, but it’s just so massive). I drove an F10 M5 and it’s quiet for one, as well it just feels like a very powerful luxury cruiser. Like a “560i.”

No coincidence that the timeless and purer E39 M5 is soaring in value after tanking to the abyss. It’s happening, guys. The highly regarded, driver oriented ICE cars will start rising in value, one by one, as the industry prepares for the EV takeover. Not a bad thing for driving enthusiasts who wish to snap up previous or current dream cars and hold onto them.

 

[Inamik75]

Arghh, you’ve got to be kidding me. :/

They went even more Merc with the G30? Why am I not surprised.

The M5 will be a beast, as always. But it just doesn’t feel like a sports sedan anymore (hopefully the G30 will, but it’s just so massive). I drove an F10 M5 and it’s quiet for one, as well it just feels like a very powerful luxury cruiser. Like a “560i.”

No coincidence that the timeless and purer E39 M5 is soaring in value after tanking to the abyss. It’s happening, guys. The highly regarded, driver oriented ICE cars will start rising in value, one by one, as the industry prepares for the EV takeover. Not a bad thing for driving enthusiasts who wish to snap up previous or current dream cars and hold onto them.

Ya it's happened and the new E63 drives like an M5...so go figure.

 

[PMSA7]

The ride, handling, steering, seat and PDK are really good - these are areas where the Macan is likely to win over the BMW.

I stopped reading after this...

 

[Andy B]

I stopped reading after this...

I really like the Multi-contour seats in my BMW, hope the Macan 14 ways are just as comfy.

 

[K-A]

Ya it's happened and the new E63 drives like an M5...so go figure.

LMAO. Where's the forehead slap emoji. :laugh:

I stopped reading after this...

LOL. Seriously. What more needs to be said?

It's like:

"These two women or men are interested in you: One is hotter, better in bed, more intelligent, more successful and can cook really well. The other is really good at social media."

Hmm.... Decisions.... :nerd:

 

[Inamik75]

LMAO. Where's the forehead slap emoji. :laugh:



LOL. Seriously. What more needs to be said?

It's like:

"These two women or men are interested in you: One is hotter, better in bed, more intelligent, more successful and can cook really well. The other is really good at social media."

Hmm.... Decisions.... :nerd:

You need the forehead slap yourself for being about of touch
Enjoy...

...https://youtu.be/Gd9Njn1mfPU

 

[K-A]

You need the forehead slap yourself for being about of touch
Enjoy...

...https://youtu.be/Gd9Njn1mfPU

Hah. I stopped closely following 5 Series' and E Classes as they bore me, and the new models look more generic and basic than ever (especially the E) imo.

But I do recognize the massive strides AMG has made into becoming a true sports sedan developer. Too bad the new E has less road presence than any E before it IMO, and looks like a C Class with more geriatric mixed in.

If one can stomach an out of warranty AMG, these will be extremely good performance values once they plummet in price onto the used market.

 

[RABrown]

I upgraded from a fully loaded X3 to "just" a Macan after only one year. Macan wins in every category...take both for a spin at 110 and you'll see.

 

[Shark]

This is all speculation given it no one here has driven one yet.

While it certainly sounds like it will blow the Macan away in a 0 to 60 run, I am not expecting it to even match the
Macan in terms of handling, and particularly body control. But I’m still interested to see how much they have been able to improve it over the last one.

Sounds like the interior quality has been significantly improved, and it also sounds like it has been all over the Macan in terms of carrying cargo.

Of course it’s not as prestigous as the Porsche, but BMW has announced US pricing. You can get one fully loaded in the low 60s. Wish the Macan had the X3’s available HID.

I think the competition benefits us all.

And apparently coming next is an X3M with an engine rumored to have about 70 more horsepower.

 

[Inamik75]

Can’t wait for the First head to head

 

[Shark]

I'm not a fan of BMW's direction into premium-Toyota-ville (once upon a time they were closer to a utilitarian Porsche than they were Toyota)

There's a large group of M235 and M2 owners over at 2addicts.com who would beg to differ with you, myself being one of them

 

[K-A]

There's a large group of M235 and M2 owners over at 2addicts.com who would beg to differ with you, myself being one of them

Those cars are complete outliers now though, which is kind of my point (Toyota even has a small fun car too). BMW as a brand goes further and further into premium appliance-ville. Increasingly relying on electronics to cover up how boring the cars drive now. The 2 Series thankfully is the exception, but even the M3 and M4 have seemed to lose their zest.