The Porsche Macan S has long been a vehicle I admired. Weeks were spent online, poring over reviews, watching countless videos, and meticulously configuring my dream model on Porsche’s website. Living in Mexico, where the Macan S and BMW X3 M40i are priced similarly, my anticipation for experiencing the Macan S firsthand was immense. BMW, however, was offering attractive year-end incentives on their remaining ’21 X3 M40i inventory, adding a compelling alternative into the mix. Given the scarcity of new ’22 Macan S models, I requested a test drive of a used Macan S or GTS from a Porsche dealer. The salesman assured me that either would provide a solid representation of the ’22 Macan S driving experience and arranged a test drive with a ’20 Porsche Macan S.
Test drive day arrived, filled with excitement. The carmine red Macan S was visually stunning, its lines captivating in person. Frankly, I had never been so eager for a test drive. However, after spending over an hour behind the wheel, my enthusiasm waned significantly. The driving dynamics proved to be surprisingly underwhelming. Throttle lag was noticeable in all driving modes except Sport Plus – Sport Chrono package feels almost essential to mitigate this. The suspension felt floaty, even causing a bit of dizziness initially. The salesman couldn’t confirm if the test vehicle had air suspension or standard steel springs, and frankly, I couldn’t discern any substantial difference between driving modes in terms of suspension firmness. The steering, equipped with Power Steering Plus, was lighter than my preference. Even the exhaust note was disappointingly flat.
Power from the 348 HP engine was certainly not lacking, and the Macan S handled tight corners with composure. Gear shifts were smooth and quick, comparable to the X3 M40i. However, for a Porsche, the overall driving experience felt uninspired, especially when juxtaposed with the engaging sport and sport plus modes of the X3 M40i. This experience led me to question if upgrading to a GTS model would be necessary to achieve the Porsche driving feel I anticipated, but that was stretching beyond my budget.
To ensure objectivity, I meticulously documented my driving impressions and compared them with my partner’s, who also test drove both vehicles. We then shifted our focus to technology, safety features, and practicality aspects. The BMW X3 M40i presented a compelling package with standard or available features like a heads-up display, remote start, a more advanced infotainment system, and subjectively, a superior sound system with Harman Kardon compared to the Bose in the Macan S we tested. The fully digital instrument cluster and standard adaptive LED headlights in the X3 M40i were also notable advantages. Furthermore, the X3 M40i’s engine boasted better fuel efficiency, a significant consideration.
Considering the ongoing uncertainties in electronic component availability, we were informed that Harman Kardon sound systems were not guaranteed for the foreseeable future in new orders, with only the HiFi system being a confirmed option. Additionally, mild-hybrid ’22 X3 M40i models were not being offered in Latin America at the time, with the focus remaining on the X3e full hybrid. Consequently, we broadened our search nationwide and located a new ’21 X3 M40i that closely matched our desired specifications. In the initial two weeks and approximately 1,000 kilometers driven, we have been thoroughly impressed with the features and overall capabilities of the BMW.
Regarding long-term reliability, both Porsche and BMW have their potential issues. However, extensive research on the BMW B58 engine in the M40i reveals it to be among BMW’s most robust and dependable engines in recent decades. Conversely, online Porsche forums often caution against owning a Macan outside of its warranty period due to potential maintenance concerns. If BMW maintenance costs are perceived as high, Porsche, particularly a pre-owned Macan beyond five years old, could present a significantly greater financial burden. This reliability factor further solidified our decision in favor of the BMW X3 M40i.
