The BMW won the drag race and he says, "Does speed matter in a car like this, not really." And yet in his video with the Evoque v Macan all he did was scream about how much faster the Macan was!
Am I like the only one that dont really follow this SAV/crossover trend? I mean I personally respect those bigger brothers like X5, X6, Cayenne etc. But I always ask myself why people choose these crossovers instead of a E350, 535i, A6. GS350 I mean these crossovers dont offer good rear seating space, trunk is like 5/10, and those mid size sedans I just mentioned could be even bigger if you choose the wagon form. Ok I get that these have AWD and better traction... But do you ever take your car offroad in the mud or sand? Most people buying these cars prob have a job in the cities and the most extreme condition is prob heavy snow. Well then you can equip 4WD system with those sedans I just mentioned. Im no hater but it seems like everyone now is chooseing crossovers over sedans....
I think most people see driving on the public road as a dangerous thing, so they pretty much revert back to the basics of 'bigger = better'. It's an arms race, an ugly one.
***** Thats where the dilemma starts. Look, the Macan is a crossover, its already not that very high, but the reviewer just said that it sits lower than the X4 which again, doesnt sit very high either. So what is the pt?:P I find it quite strange. I mean I do get the pt of the bigger one like Cayenne, Range, X5 etc. But these ones... not really...
All good points David but these make perfect sense in Australia. We have pretty horrible quality roads, especially out of metro areas and a vehicle that is a little higher off the ground can cover our horrendous pot holes with more ease. And travelling further out again you're never sure if a road may just become a dirt track. Sounds crazy I know but it does happen! Also a Cayenne or X5 can be just too big in our metro areas. Some back streets in Sydney and Melbourne are incredibly narrow. And the running costs of a bigger SUV can be a deterrent. For me, these "performance" Crossovers, for Australia, are the near perfect car. They tick every box.
Nothing handles better than a BMW. The X4 looks so much better than the Porsche Macan. You can tell that it is difficult for this guy to say anything negative about this Ultimate Driving Machine.
I have an x4 and I get compliments from complete strangers all the time! Plus all the different mods thats available its such a fun and practical car i do all my shopping big and small and its faster than my Camaro which is crazy given the size!
I'm with you bru.. I don't like the looks of Prosche SUVs, love the looks of their cars. their front bumpers look weird. I hate the looks of X6, not a big fan of X4 looks either but I prefer it's front M Sport bumper to Porsche's front bumper. X4's back looks weird but overall I prefer x4 looks. Here as well I like the x4 looks better.
Hey look, another weirdo. Lol. I'm just kidding :p. To each their own. Me personally prefer the Macan's look much more than the X4. The X4's back is similar to the 3 & 5 series GT which is hideous in my eyes.
I've already seen a few Macans on the road and they look soo good, and a lot smaller than you think in real life. The packaging of that car to make it so small yet spacious is amazing.
So the Porsche looks a lot better, has better brakes, better suspension, better steering feel, a better chassis, a faster gearbox, is more capable off road and it costs less. Hmm, tough decision.
I will never understand what so many UK car reviews have against BMW. I love the look of the X4. I've always loved the x3, but it's always been slightly to soccer mom-ish. The X4 is the perfect sportier version. It lacks the versatility, but I'd mainly be getting it for the ride height anyway. Though you say most people won't find the looks appealing, I'm sure they will have no problem selling them!
I don't get why anyone would buy the BMW when they could buy the Porsche for nearly the same money (ok, options will be far more expensive in the Porsche, but it has the lower starting price). Even if the BMW would be the better car, isn't prestige the most important thing when you buy such a car? Also the Porsche looks miles better in my opinion.
If you wont go off road why would you buy either of these? BMW 535i is luxurious, comfortable, goes over bumps well and yet its faster and more fun to drive.
I think the X6/X4 look great, it really does look like a coupe style body with the sloping roofline blended with what is usually a very masculine square-ish SUV body. The Porsche looks rather boring and plain in comparison to me.
Somethings funny about this video, you said the X4 has 255 hp, and it's quicker than the Macan. However the Macan in this video says S on the back, which should have 340 hp, and be quicker than that X4. In order to be quicker than the Macan S it would have to be the X4 M40i. Which is it?
Both are great polyvalent vehicles but if you can afford just one car, the Macan becomes balanced perfection. It's like an all-in-one Swiss knife: a sportscar, an all weather/road capable car, a roomy practical estate with four comfy seats, not too big in the city, not too small on the highway, good mileage, great presence yet understated. Nobody else can match this.
Are you kidding me, "the 0-60 time does not matter" Nobody goes off-road with these vehicles and they aren't exactly track cars either. The 0-60 time is one of the more important aspects.
ewt415 I have a C63 and have never, not once, done that, so I really doubt most people do it. Aside from people who think 'my car is faster than yours' is an argument unto itself.
ewt415 I have, but I've never had anything to compare it with, so i guess torque would be the more important factor in the feel rather than how quickly it actually happens.
I totally agree, some people think that the 0-62 number is just about getting from stand still to 62 mph, but it says a lot about general acceleration and is the most important performance number.
James Filosa I think the X4 has a much smaller interior space compared to the 5 series. I really dont get why people are buying these cars. I mean if you want better traction just equip X-drive with the 5 series, Want more trunk space just go with the 5 series wagon. Want more power and performance just go for the 535i or 550i.
***** Honestly, the only thing I dont like with the X4 is actually the front bumper and intakes. Hideous, the intakes are too large and the fog lights too high, it makes the front look terrible. The back and the coupe line is not my issue (eventough the body kits from M division look really bad on the X4), its really the front.
I'm one of those people who absolutely love how the X6 looks. He says the X4 gets away with it because it's physically smaller. Well I love the X6 precisely because of its big powerful, imposing stance. I haven't seen the X4 up-close yet though.
At first I didn’t like the X4 because of it’s looks, but after one test drive I bought one. It’s more practical than the 5 series I was looking at and it’s sportier than the X3. Here in S. California the Macan S was much more expensive, so I didn’t even look at one. In the end, it was the handling, and the 28 mpg (28i engine) highway fuel mileage that won me over. The rear biased AWD with Performance Control really kept the understeer away. But it does help that I have the m-sport with staggered 20” and the sticky Pirelli P-zero tires! Remember it’s very important to have “dubs” in Cali! Lol! J/k... Make sure you drive one of these strange machines hard before you judge one. I was lucky the salesperson didn’t complain when I was going 11/10s on the on-ramp ;)
Macan 0-100 6.7sec(lots of country no base model), S 5.4sec, GTS 5.2sec, Turbo 4.8sec. X4 0-100 xDrive28i 6.4sec, xDrive35i 5.5sec, M40i 4.9sec. Macan start from 59,200 to 85,800(canada price). X4 start from 47,350 to 59,700. Cayenne 0-100 7.6sec, S 5.5sec, S E-hybird 5.9sec, GTS 5.1sec, Turbo 4.5sec, Turbo S 4.1sec. X6 0-100 xDrive28i 7.4sec, xDrive35i 6.4sec, hybird 5.6sec，xDrive50i 4.8sec，X6M 4.2sec. Cayenne start from $67,400 to $178,100(canada price). X6 start from $69,400 to 108,200. Porsche stands for individuality, Cayenne continuation the Porsche DNA. Any car of Porsche is irreplaceable, Also Bentley Bentayga inferior to Cayenne (Porsche responded to Bentley, at 2017 update will "kill" Bentayga). The reason why is because personalized matching in Cayenne, The dashboard colors optional (red, white, beige, including the optional sport chorno), the optional interior grip materials (leather, wood, carbon fiber), steering wheel(leather, wood, carbon fiber, Alcantara), seat belt (gray, red, beige, brown), Audio system(Bose, Burmester), seat color options (such as red seat while the middle is green, and other colors), Air vents colors options，17 kinds of personality hub optional, and other personality matching and performance matching. Also the car key is special, it also have color options too. Porsche website is 2D or 3D for build your car. There is no car do personalization better than Porsche.
Nice review and comparison between the two, thank you. One comment I keep making with your videos, why does he keep saying no owners will take their SUVs off road ? This may be the case in some countries where there are no off road tracks, but some of us live outside of the UK (or wherever) and want to know the true feel of how it really does off road, cross loaded, two wheels in air, articulation etc.. Please consider your reviews to hit a wider audience, and yes, I want to know it it handles hill climbs, minor rock courses, and dirt/mud, the traction control system, those things do matter. Thanks for your consideration Autocar.
My thoughts. Use it, don't use it. The point of these cars are versatility. Otherwise buy a Boxter or Caman or 435i (or take your pick). In light of the review I would question the "off road ability" of these vehicles. What the footage showed was a dirt track you grandma's Punto would have coped with. What about boulder strewn rocky trails full of ditches (and heaven forbid you get a puncture far off the beaten track in cars with no full sized spare). I know this is a minority concern, but I recently ended up in that kind of situation driving a seemingly government maintained dirt road that turned out to be a rutted track, and I don't think low profile road tires would have managed at all. So my point is (at long last) that real versatility involves ground clearance of 200mm plus, distance between tread and rim, and a full sized spare in the boot. Both of these in my view fail as anything other than status symbols. YMMV.
Don't know about the X4 because it's still new but the Macan can certainly do some heavy off roading. There are few vids around showing that, have a look yourself.
Brilliant review. Fantastic photography. It really showcases both cars. I'm happy to read that the BMW X4 is that good a car. Like others, I think BMW's plethora of new models is confusing and unnecessary. The Macan looks the goods.
The Q5 was already an excellent Suv. Porsche had a very good platform to start with. For the $50,000 starting price in the states. I would rather go with a nicely equipped X3.
Looking at a Porsche Macan S, how are the maintenance fees on this one? I ended my up selling my BMW X5 Diesel. Looking for a cheaper SUV with decent maintenance costs
I don´t be a fan of SUV,but if have to choose between these two cars,i prefer the BMW.have more design and better TT skills and also a bbest engines,the Porsche i see a lowest level :)
i waited 8 months and just got my macan s i was actually deciding between the x4 and macan s but just now they came out with a GTS OMFG happened to me when the 2006 330i first came out the next year they made a 335i FML
Lovely comparo !! Tho I have taken issue in the past with comparing apples with apples......gee,...............it's time to compare these two with some sport cars/sedans,........... say wrx; polo r, audi something.......plz? Thanks !!
I like the design of the Porsche. Its so neatly proportioned! Also, the interior is refined in my humble opinion. I don't like what BMW's doing with its interiors lately, to many different colors, and all those curves and edges in the dashboard. I don't like it.
I am sure something is wrong with your eyes to find the Macan froggy looks better than X4. I dont argue on ride quality but how can you call X4 ugly? Somethings wrong with you dude
Totally subjective but that's fair enough. I happen to really like the look of the BMW X6 and apparently judging by the look of Mercedes's new concept SUV ( which is near enough a carbon copy of the x6) so do they. But overall I agree with Sutcliffe. The Porsche just has the edge in terms of desirability so seeing as on all other points both these cars a virtually identical then it wins for me too.
Macan is nicer and better looking than the X4 and I prefer buttons to silly iDrives etc, but all those blank buttons would pee me off, how much and what options would you need to spec to not have any blanks ?? !! X4 just lost it on looks for me because of no quad exhaust, or a single pipe on each side like the Macan for better symmetry. It makes it look odd and a bit low rent, shame on you BMW !!!
i don't have an interest in small suvs but your review made this video very interesting and made me consider this segment of vehicle as a good choice for getting a car for my kids.
My dad got his Macan S (petrol 340hp) about 2 months back...and it's just insanely good. Stunning to look at and it drives like a sports car (even accelerates better than some of them) The Turbo version must just be mental...
The GTS wasn't available at the time this video was made. Also, they selected the Macan Diesel because the BMW X4 they had is also a diesel. The X4 M40i is the one that would be the direct competitor against the Macan Turbo.
I hate the Cayenne. But the Macan... That's the car i would like to see in my garage. It's high quality, fast enough, jacked up a bit for safer drive and better view out, looks good, and can do enough off road driving for 95% of people. It's a really well rounded car
I have to say, i usually hate porsches but this is the final push to make me like them. First there was the 918, then the new 911 and now the Macan. I have seen several macans and i want one! ps. BMW, why the fuck did you do that, thats almost as much as a brand ruiner then the aston martin cygnet
off road? neither of these cars will go off-road, i mean, the off-road that i know is climbing rocks and crossing rivers. Unpaved roads are still considered off-road but true off-road are the two i mentioned earlier, OOOOFFFF-RRRROOOAAADD, do you get that?
I actually saw a Macan this week .. here in Krakow and I just thought "looks decent... but is it any good?" - windows were black (many VIP's here in Polands 2. largest city) but here in this great review - I can see that the cabin is just spot on :) and hear that the car is great ..... "a real Porsche", amazing :)
The Macan wins by miles. The exterior is beautiful compared to the X4 which hurts the eye when you look. Interior is way better than in the BMW, the fact that it's a Porsche means you get good quality and good driving experience because they are good at what they do. Not to mention that the Porsche is cheaper and more economical. I can't see any reasons why the BMW could ever win a fight against any Porsche, unless they were only compared by 0-100 km/h times. You might find videos here in youtube where a BMW X5M or X6M barely beats a Porsche Cayenne turbo in a streetrace, but keep in mind that even if you are able to beat a Cayenne turbo in your BMW X 5/6M there is also a chance you run into a Turbo S model of the Cayenne which will leave you in shame. Not being a hater but you just can't compare these two auto makers, but when you do, make sure you match the most powerful ones of each model to see the real difference. In example, X5 or X6 5.0i should be compared to the Cayenne turbo and X5M or X6M to the Turbo S model.
I don't like the X4 at all, it's sporty for sure but little trunk, small backseat and the price is? Why not go for a top of the range X3? maby not as sporty but a more versitile car + if you want to compare to a Macan you can always buy the Alpina X3 with 350hp 6-cylinder diesel ;)
The button you pressed in the X4 is downhill speed regulator button, it is not off road button, no off road button on the bmw.
Epic
I actually like the X4, and I also like the X6. People really do over exaggerate when they say the X6 is ugly and useless.
Everyone i know thinks the X4 and X6 is pretty Dope! Love love love it!
If I had the money, it would be Porsche Macan all the way. A fraction slower on the straights vs better cornering speeds & control.
Why not get a Panamera instead?
And that's actually because the one tested isn't the Turbo. Otherwise it would smoke the X4.
Ferike2000 Ofcourse then you would be silly to compare a Porsche Turbo to an x30d wouldn't you?
They could compare it to the GTS now
Yeah, especially in service you would have to leave a lot of money xD
The BMW won the drag race and he says, "Does speed matter in a car like this, not really." And yet in his video with the Evoque v Macan all he did was scream about how much faster the Macan was!
he meant in all conditions
Am I like the only one that dont really follow this SAV/crossover trend? I mean I personally respect those bigger brothers like X5, X6, Cayenne etc. But I always ask myself why people choose these crossovers instead of a E350, 535i, A6. GS350 I mean these crossovers dont offer good rear seating space, trunk is like 5/10, and those mid size sedans I just mentioned could be even bigger if you choose the wagon form. Ok I get that these have AWD and better traction... But do you ever take your car offroad in the mud or sand? Most people buying these cars prob have a job in the cities and the most extreme condition is prob heavy snow. Well then you can equip 4WD system with those sedans I just mentioned. Im no hater but it seems like everyone now is chooseing crossovers over sedans....
I think most people see driving on the public road as a dangerous thing, so they pretty much revert back to the basics of 'bigger = better'. It's an arms race, an ugly one.
You sit higher making it more special to drive.
***** Thats where the dilemma starts. Look, the Macan is a crossover, its already not that very high, but the reviewer just said that it sits lower than the X4 which again, doesnt sit very high either. So what is the pt?:P I find it quite strange. I mean I do get the pt of the bigger one like Cayenne, Range, X5 etc. But these ones... not really...
***** Indeed, it's all in your mind.
All good points David but these make perfect sense in Australia. We have pretty horrible quality roads, especially out of metro areas and a vehicle that is a little higher off the ground can cover our horrendous pot holes with more ease. And travelling further out again you're never sure if a road may just become a dirt track. Sounds crazy I know but it does happen! Also a Cayenne or X5 can be just too big in our metro areas. Some back streets in Sydney and Melbourne are incredibly narrow. And the running costs of a bigger SUV can be a deterrent. For me, these "performance" Crossovers, for Australia, are the near perfect car. They tick every box.
Nothing handles better than a BMW. The X4 looks so much better than the Porsche Macan. You can tell that it is difficult for this guy to say anything negative about this Ultimate Driving Machine.
👍
Agree.
The x4 does look better than x6. And I like the looks of the x4 I'm getting one next week. Hopefully the 6 cylinder turbo
I have an x4 and I get compliments from complete strangers all the time! Plus all the different mods thats available its such a fun and practical car i do all my shopping big and small and its faster than my Camaro which is crazy given the size!
My dad has a BMW X4 with a white 20-spoke wheel and a carbon spoiler. The car has a twin-turbo engine, with 200 horsepower and 500 binary.
Maybe i'm just weird, but i think that the X4 looks better than the Macan
Yeah, you're weird :p
The Macan has a well integrated design with tidy proportions. The X4 looks like Frankenstein.
I'm with you bru.. I don't like the looks of Prosche SUVs, love the looks of their cars. their front bumpers look weird. I hate the looks of X6, not a big fan of X4 looks either but I prefer it's front M Sport bumper to Porsche's front bumper. X4's back looks weird but overall I prefer x4 looks. Here as well I like the x4 looks better.
Hey look, another weirdo. Lol. I'm just kidding :p. To each their own. Me personally prefer the Macan's look much more than the X4. The X4's back is similar to the 3 & 5 series GT which is hideous in my eyes.
Jay Pangmi they tried to make it look like a cayman
I've already seen a few Macans on the road and they look soo good, and a lot smaller than you think in real life. The packaging of that car to make it so small yet spacious is amazing.
So the Porsche looks a lot better, has better brakes, better suspension, better steering feel, a better chassis, a faster gearbox, is more capable off road and it costs less. Hmm, tough decision.
I will never understand what so many UK car reviews have against BMW. I love the look of the X4. I've always loved the x3, but it's always been slightly to soccer mom-ish. The X4 is the perfect sportier version. It lacks the versatility, but I'd mainly be getting it for the ride height anyway. Though you say most people won't find the looks appealing, I'm sure they will have no problem selling them!
"Just press this off-road button" -> presses hill descent button 🙄
Rob Lent I thought it was just me who noticed...
I don't get why anyone would buy the BMW when they could buy the Porsche for nearly the same money (ok, options will be far more expensive in the Porsche, but it has the lower starting price). Even if the BMW would be the better car, isn't prestige the most important thing when you buy such a car?
Also the Porsche looks miles better in my opinion.
dude is wearing a tablecloth as a shirt
If you wont go off road why would you buy either of these? BMW 535i is luxurious, comfortable, goes over bumps well and yet its faster and more fun to drive.
I think the X6/X4 look great, it really does look like a coupe style body with the sloping roofline blended with what is usually a very masculine square-ish SUV body. The Porsche looks rather boring and plain in comparison to me.
Kevin De Smet mate you need your eyes testing!!
Somethings funny about this video, you said the X4 has 255 hp, and it's quicker than the Macan. However the Macan in this video says S on the back, which should have 340 hp, and be quicker than that X4. In order to be quicker than the Macan S it would have to be the X4 M40i. Which is it?
A Lambo could have done that off road course that they just did...
i think that button on the x4 that you said was "offroad" is actually "hill descent control"
Both are great polyvalent vehicles but if you can afford just one car, the Macan becomes balanced perfection. It's like an all-in-one Swiss knife: a sportscar, an all weather/road capable car, a roomy practical estate with four comfy seats, not too big in the city, not too small on the highway, good mileage, great presence yet understated. Nobody else can match this.
Are you kidding me, "the 0-60 time does not matter" Nobody goes off-road with these vehicles and they aren't exactly track cars either. The 0-60 time is one of the more important aspects.
When is the last time you went from a standstill to 60 mph at full throttle in the real world
ewt415 I have a C63 and have never, not once, done that, so I really doubt most people do it. Aside from people who think 'my car is faster than yours' is an argument unto itself.
***** You see, the difference between you and me is that I don't act like BMW or Porsche make cars that are better than everything else in the world.
ewt415 I have, but I've never had anything to compare it with, so i guess torque would be the more important factor in the feel rather than how quickly it actually happens.
I totally agree, some people think that the 0-62 number is just about getting from stand still to 62 mph, but it says a lot about general acceleration and is the most important performance number.
I'm a big fan of BMWs, but X4 is hideous
Yes! If you want an SUV: buy the X3. Otherwise you might as well buy the 5 series.
I agree!!!
James Filosa I think the X4 has a much smaller interior space compared to the 5 series. I really dont get why people are buying these cars. I mean if you want better traction just equip X-drive with the 5 series, Want more trunk space just go with the 5 series wagon. Want more power and performance just go for the 535i or 550i.
I don't find it ugly... Of course it's not my favourite design, but still, i would choose this over an x5 in terms of design !
***** Honestly, the only thing I dont like with the X4 is actually the front bumper and intakes. Hideous, the intakes are too large and the fog lights too high, it makes the front look terrible. The back and the coupe line is not my issue (eventough the body kits from M division look really bad on the X4), its really the front.
I really like the Macan S.
I'm one of those people who absolutely love how the X6 looks. He says the X4 gets away with it because it's physically smaller. Well I love the X6 precisely because of its big powerful, imposing stance. I haven't seen the X4 up-close yet though.
The golden age of the SUV has begun.
At first I didn’t like the X4 because of it’s looks, but after one test drive I bought one. It’s more practical than the 5 series I was looking at and it’s sportier than the X3. Here in S. California the Macan S was much more expensive, so I didn’t even look at one. In the end, it was the handling, and the 28 mpg (28i engine) highway fuel mileage that won me over. The rear biased AWD with Performance Control really kept the understeer away. But it does help that I have the m-sport with staggered 20” and the sticky Pirelli P-zero tires! Remember it’s very important to have “dubs” in Cali! Lol! J/k... Make sure you drive one of these strange machines hard before you judge one. I was lucky the salesperson didn’t complain when I was going 11/10s on the on-ramp ;)
Macan 0-100 6.7sec(lots of country no base model), S 5.4sec, GTS 5.2sec, Turbo 4.8sec.
X4 0-100 xDrive28i 6.4sec, xDrive35i 5.5sec, M40i 4.9sec.
Macan start from 59,200 to 85,800(canada price).
X4 start from 47,350 to 59,700.
Cayenne 0-100 7.6sec, S 5.5sec, S E-hybird 5.9sec, GTS 5.1sec, Turbo 4.5sec, Turbo S 4.1sec.
X6 0-100 xDrive28i 7.4sec, xDrive35i 6.4sec, hybird 5.6sec，xDrive50i 4.8sec，X6M 4.2sec.
Cayenne start from $67,400 to $178,100(canada price).
X6 start from $69,400 to 108,200.
Porsche stands for individuality, Cayenne continuation the Porsche DNA. Any car of Porsche is irreplaceable, Also Bentley Bentayga inferior to Cayenne (Porsche responded to Bentley, at 2017 update will "kill" Bentayga). The reason why is because personalized matching in Cayenne, The dashboard colors optional (red, white, beige, including the optional sport chorno), the optional interior grip materials (leather, wood, carbon fiber), steering wheel(leather, wood, carbon fiber, Alcantara), seat belt (gray, red, beige, brown), Audio system(Bose, Burmester), seat color options (such as red seat while the middle is green, and other colors), Air vents colors options，17 kinds of personality hub optional, and other personality matching and performance matching.
Also the car key is special, it also have color options too. Porsche website is 2D or 3D for build your car.
There is no car do personalization better than Porsche.
1:36 why slam the shifter like that? if you hate the car don't test it
Nothing wrong there...
Holy hell. In the nineties a Defender TD5 was considered a sporty diesel 4x4.
0-60 took 19 sec or so
That X4 "off road button" at 5:24 - isn't that just the Hill Descent Control?
I'm loving the X4 so far, it's pretttttttty good car eyy If I want to become a Pilot then I'll take a fly lesson in the Macan
I love the look of the x4 it handles better and its faster! X4 for me!
I saw both of them on streets and BMW is better looking no doubt about it ;)
You call that off road? One little puddle and a dirt road? Haha! Come visit America some time my friend!
I like BMWs but all this X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 & the X6 don't even get me started, crap they're all ugly
Very well said
Next year or so an X7...hope a BMW designer doesnt read this
Narrowc ross Bad news. It's already within BMW's consideration.
X3 and X5 are not bad at all, and the X1 and X2 are getting a total redesign for next cycle (converting to FWD)
Antonius Tyaswidyono My bad
5 years later... the Macan has aged better than the X4
Nice review and comparison between the two, thank you. One comment I keep making with your videos, why does he keep saying no owners will take their SUVs off road ? This may be the case in some countries where there are no off road tracks, but some of us live outside of the UK (or wherever) and want to know the true feel of how it really does off road, cross loaded, two wheels in air, articulation etc.. Please consider your reviews to hit a wider audience, and yes, I want to know it it handles hill climbs, minor rock courses, and dirt/mud, the traction control system, those things do matter. Thanks for your consideration Autocar.
My thoughts. Use it, don't use it. The point of these cars are versatility. Otherwise buy a Boxter or Caman or 435i (or take your pick). In light of the review I would question the "off road ability" of these vehicles. What the footage showed was a dirt track you grandma's Punto would have coped with. What about boulder strewn rocky trails full of ditches (and heaven forbid you get a puncture far off the beaten track in cars with no full sized spare). I know this is a minority concern, but I recently ended up in that kind of situation driving a seemingly government maintained dirt road that turned out to be a rutted track, and I don't think low profile road tires would have managed at all. So my point is (at long last) that real versatility involves ground clearance of 200mm plus, distance between tread and rim, and a full sized spare in the boot. Both of these in my view fail as anything other than status symbols. YMMV.
Don't know about the X4 because it's still new but the Macan can certainly do some heavy off roading. There are few vids around showing that, have a look yourself.
a 2016 macan costs about $20,000 more than the x4 in australia right now. that makes the decision very easy for those in the used car market.
Fair comparison, please revisit this head to head only with the latest models from the pair of companies...
Brilliant review. Fantastic photography. It really showcases both cars. I'm happy to read that the BMW X4 is that good a car. Like others, I think BMW's plethora of new models is confusing and unnecessary. The Macan looks the goods.
that bmw is REALLY ugly. It is on the same level as Fiat Multipla.
Nothing is on the Multipla level :D
deadmansfire Ssangyong Rodius...
That's close :D
spud888 hahaha i saw a Ssanyong Rodius the other day and it ruined my day. What an eyesore
bassicuk1986 haha me too it's such an awful machine
The Q5 was already an excellent Suv. Porsche had a very good platform to start with. For the $50,000 starting price in the states. I would rather go with a nicely equipped X3.
Why use the diesel version of the Macan though? They're a bit more sluggish than the gasoline motor
Looking at a Porsche Macan S, how are the maintenance fees on this one? I ended my up selling my BMW X5 Diesel. Looking for a cheaper SUV with decent maintenance costs
Back in my day we didn't have cars..we had horses
So i had 2 m 3 f 80, but i fell in love with the macan, now i have the turbo preformance macan... should i got back to bmw?
love them both they are both awesome .
+joshua ramdial own both?
What's the name of the song in the background
I don´t be a fan of SUV,but if have to choose between these two cars,i prefer the BMW.have more design and better TT skills and also a bbest engines,the Porsche i see a lowest level :)
i waited 8 months and just got my macan s i was actually deciding between the x4 and macan s but just now they came out with a GTS OMFG happened to me when the 2006 330i first came out the next year they made a 335i FML
+hamz solo Feel sorry for you bro. Just put my deposit down for my gts.
Lovely comparo !! Tho I have taken issue in the past with comparing apples with apples......gee,...............it's time to compare these two with some sport cars/sedans,........... say wrx; polo r, audi something.......plz? Thanks !!
I'll take the Boxter over the Macan anyday...
I like the design of the Porsche. Its so neatly proportioned! Also, the interior is refined in my humble opinion. I don't like what BMW's doing with its interiors lately, to many different colors, and all those curves and edges in the dashboard. I don't like it.
I am sure something is wrong with your eyes to find the Macan froggy looks better than X4. I dont argue on ride quality but how can you call X4 ugly?
Somethings wrong with you dude
I agree. The X4 looks nice to me. I actually don't like that wide gap between the headlights and the fog lights of the Macan.
I agree as well I love x4 not performance first impression for majority is the looking ~
Great review, anyone knows what background music is used?
Dear David Chiu. They choose them for the image of the larger car the X5, the Range River
whats the name of the background song?
I Really didn't expect such short shorts from Steve
Totally subjective but that's fair enough. I happen to really like the look of the BMW X6 and apparently judging by the look of Mercedes's new concept SUV ( which is near enough a carbon copy of the x6) so do they. But overall I agree with Sutcliffe. The Porsche just has the edge in terms of desirability so seeing as on all other points both these cars a virtually identical then it wins for me too.
Macan is nicer and better looking than the X4 and I prefer buttons to silly iDrives etc, but all those blank buttons would pee me off, how much and what options would you need to spec to not have any blanks ?? !!
X4 just lost it on looks for me because of no quad exhaust, or a single pipe on each side like the Macan for better symmetry. It makes it look odd and a bit low rent, shame on you BMW !!!
i don't have an interest in small suvs but your review made this video very interesting and made me consider this segment of vehicle as a good choice for getting a car for my kids.
BMW... time to hire Korean designers.
I could look for some :)
Wish BMW would put proper tires on the normal cars! The standard continentals are just not good enough at all!
My dad got his Macan S (petrol 340hp) about 2 months back...and it's just insanely good.
Stunning to look at and it drives like a sports car (even accelerates better than some of them)
The Turbo version must just be mental...
Swiss knifes!
I love those cars for everyday! Specially the Macan!
I HATE prosche cayenne, but the macan looks really good.
On the other hand, X3 and X5 are quite ok, but this X4 looks just bad.
Macan by a mile in my opinion.
In the spirit of winter coming up, I'd like to see how these two do in ice and snow.
"Winter coming up"? Where the fuck do you live?
João Soares He lives on the Game of Thrones set. Winter is coming.
eeterp32 hahahaha
João Soares haha man he is on crack
Very nice review and so informative with amazing video shots thank you very much
You should've used the Macan Turbo or at least the GTS
The GTS wasn't available at the time this video was made.
Also, they selected the Macan Diesel because the BMW X4 they had is also a diesel.
The X4 M40i is the one that would be the direct competitor against the Macan Turbo.
the diesel is the slowest of the bunch, its main advantage being its fuel economy
Why no M Sport wheel?
Which circuit Is this?
My Peugeot 206 can easily manage that off road course and another thing the room in the back of a Macan is pretty tiny if you are over 1.85m or so.
I hate the Cayenne. But the Macan... That's the car i would like to see in my garage. It's high quality, fast enough, jacked up a bit for safer drive and better view out, looks good, and can do enough off road driving for 95% of people.
It's a really well rounded car
I'd have wished for a little more and harder offroad driving. I come from a small village, and if I had one of these cars, I'd use them offroad a lot.
Am i the only one who thinks the wheels look way too small on the beemer? Not the alloys but the the whole wheel(s)?
How they handle off road may be irrelevant. However, offroad traction could tell us which one would handle better in snow.
I have to say, i usually hate porsches but this is the final push to make me like them. First there was the 918, then the new 911 and now the Macan. I have seen several macans and i want one! ps. BMW, why the fuck did you do that, thats almost as much as a brand ruiner then the aston martin cygnet
porsche has really been on an upswing these past 2-3 yrs....
I want to know abt the background music
those quads on the Porsche are just for showing off then?
Agree. Looks silly considering it's a diesel. Actually looks silly period
Compared to the BMW, it looks a bit silly yeah... Especially when the BMW has only two pipes... And its got a tiny bit more power
Great comparison review. Give the BMW a couple of months and there will be some good dealer discounts about.
off road? neither of these cars will go off-road, i mean, the off-road that i know is climbing rocks and crossing rivers. Unpaved roads are still considered off-road but true off-road are the two i mentioned earlier, OOOOFFFF-RRRROOOAAADD, do you get that?
I actually saw a Macan this week .. here in Krakow and I just thought "looks decent... but is it any good?" - windows were black (many VIP's here in Polands 2. largest city) but here in this great review - I can see that the cabin is just spot on :) and hear that the car is great ..... "a real Porsche", amazing :)
who is the winner? I'm Belgian
Nither are SUV's, the Porche a crossover and the BMW I would say is a rebadged 5-series GT
Does anyone else think the rear end of the Macan strongly resembles an older Subaru wagon?
I think the X4 looks better especially after adding a front splitter and tail spoiler.
1:40 with that shirt he is also ready for a picnic
That beamer looks way better and I bet you it handles better.. we all know it's faster. The x4 is underrated.
Really? You reviewed the diesel versions? Wouldn't the top tier gas versions make more sense? ... That's what I was hoping to see.
I like BMW’s and Porsches, but Macan for me 100%. The most beautiful SUV ever in my subjective opinion
I have no idea why would the x4 looks ugly in the video but in real life looks so sexy especially the one with M kit
Must be the color and rims
On 4:20 we can clearly judge how good the BMW's navi. Macan looks more completed and independent while X4 looks like x6 after heavy and painful diet.
The title should indicate that these are the diesel versions. As is, it's misleading.
The Macan wins by miles. The exterior is beautiful compared to the X4 which hurts the eye when you look. Interior is way better than in the BMW, the fact that it's a Porsche means you get good quality and good driving experience because they are good at what they do. Not to mention that the Porsche is cheaper and more economical. I can't see any reasons why the BMW could ever win a fight against any Porsche, unless they were only compared by 0-100 km/h times. You might find videos here in youtube where a BMW X5M or X6M barely beats a Porsche Cayenne turbo in a streetrace, but keep in mind that even if you are able to beat a Cayenne turbo in your BMW X 5/6M there is also a chance you run into a Turbo S model of the Cayenne which will leave you in shame. Not being a hater but you just can't compare these two auto makers, but when you do, make sure you match the most powerful ones of each model to see the real difference. In example, X5 or X6 5.0i should be compared to the Cayenne turbo and X5M or X6M to the Turbo S model.
That's a matter of personal taste and opinion.
I don't like the X4 at all, it's sporty for sure but little trunk, small backseat and the price is? Why not go for a top of the range X3? maby not as sporty but a more versitile car + if you want to compare to a Macan you can always buy the Alpina X3 with 350hp 6-cylinder diesel ;)
Great review
Anybody else see the face in the tree at 8:35? Creepy. Great review BTW.