[MichiganMike]

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/opi...-car/87065292/

This review of the Porsche Macan provides a reminder that even a small SUV falls short of handling like a sports car. The author is looking forward to the next generation Audi Q5 which is expected to include design features and technology from the Q7.

I look forward to seeing how the next generation X3 measures up to the competition.

[plymjack]

Indeed - and if its a hybrid as well I could really go for that..

[Tjalle]

The article is a bit of bull. Very few owners drive on a track.

However, I was disappointed with my X4 35i, since sidewindsensitivity (no surprise), steering precision, steer-into- a-curve and straight forward stability was not as good as my MY-97 9000 Turbo. I have all the performance goodies incl. 20" staggered wheels.

I also did not like the body being hoist into the air, so I installed H&R, lowering the vehicle 35 mm.

For some reason everything "came right" but - of course - somewhat harsh ride.

I have done a short test ride with a X4 M40i- same ride height as STD X3/X4 -and I could find no difference in handling from my vehicle.

This leads me into believing that BMW can utilise experience from M40i in the upcoming G01 to enhance handling.

Still, it's a moving target....

[RhoXS]

"I look forward to seeing how the next generation X3 measures up to the competition."

The fact that the new X3 might be a Hybrid might indeed prevent me from buying it. I am done with the poor performance the vehicles with an economy theme default to. This might seem to contradict most peoples opinion so let me explain.

I buy BMWs because, among other attributes, I want a higher level of performance although I certainly recognize my X3 SUV wont perform like my Z3. I do not want a $60K car that performs like an economy car. My experience with my new 2016 28i X3 has been significantly diminished because of the pathetic 4 cylinder enginge and the default to "Comfort Mode". It actually lugs in comfort mode. Every time I start the car I put it in Sport mode and, although a big improvement, it still does not have the performance of my old 2011 28i X3. In addition, I see abosolutely no improvement in economy with exactly the same driving profile as I achieved with my 2011. A friend just purchased a Lexus Hybrid and also has her $60K car default into a piss poor economy mode when it is started although it does get great economy. So, I am very weary of any new vehicle with an ecomomy theme, as would be the case with a hybrid. I also find it difficult getting used to not feeling and hearing an engine start.

In other words, my new X3 has significantly sacrificed performance for the goal of gaining a few MPG's which I have not seen anyway. I cannot imagine why anyone buying a car in this price range would be concerned about such a small advertised increase in economy.

If the new X3 does not default to economy mode and performance is at least equivalent to my 2011 28i X3, it will probably be the eventual replacement for my 2016 X3. If it performs like my current X3 there is not a snowball's chance in hell I will pay $60K+ for it. Every time I forget to push the sport button and feel it lug it just reinfiorces how dissappointed I am.

[Tjalle]

The best "performance hybrid" vehicle on the market is, to my mind, the Volvo XC90 with a 4cyl 300bhp engine and a 100bhp electric motor driving rear wheels.

Obviously Volvo will have a similar set up when the new XC60 arrives - I may buy one.

[Portimao318]

Originally Posted by Tjalle

The best "performance hybrid" vehicle on the market is, to my mind, the Volvo XC90 with a 4cyl 300bhp engine and a 100bhp electric motor driving rear wheels.

Obviously Volvo will have a similar set up when the new XC60 arrives - I may buy one.

Really? I would never buy a Chinese car

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geely

[Tjalle]

Design, engineering and manufacturing in Sweden. Volvo has taken a leap forward after they got out of Ford stranglehold. Look at the XC90.

Watch out - a lot of "western" products are manufactured in China

[Lotus99]

The Macan looks cool and is for those who like cute SUV's, but its utility sucks. People buy it for the same reason most people ended up moving away from wagons to SUVs - for the cool factor. It is like getting an X4 vs an X3. The Macan's got 17 cu feet of cargo room, vs. the X3's 27. That's almost 40% less.

[Portimao318]

Originally Posted by Tjalle

Design, engineering and manufacturing in Sweden. Volvo has taken a leap forward after they got out of Ford stranglehold. Look at the XC90.

Watch out - a lot of "western" products are manufactured in China

Still it is Chinese, and if BMW will be taken over by some Chinese, I will refuse to buy it.

You got to draw the line somewhere

[brissim]

Certainly very interesting times ahead over the next 12-18 months in this market segment. Joining the just arrived F-Pace, will be the new Q5 later this year, followed by the next generation X3 and XC60 about this time next year.

Tony

[Crassus]

Originally Posted by Lotus99

The Macan looks cool and is for those who like cute SUV's, but its utility sucks. People buy it for the same reason most people ended up moving away from wagons to SUVs - for the cool factor. It is like getting an X4 vs an X3. The Macan's got 17 cu feet of cargo room, vs. the X3's 27. That's almost 40% less.

I agree. I looked at the Macan too and found it to be similar to the Evoque. It's an SUV for those who don't need the utility of one but willing to spend spend SUV money on a four seater. There is no doubt that the Macan drives well and is an exceptional product however it's more of an X4 than X3 rival.

[Bob in IL]

Originally Posted by brissim

Certainly very interesting times ahead over the next 12-18 months in this market segment. Joining the just arrived F-Pace, will be the new Q5 later this year, followed by the next generation X3 and XC60 about this time next year.

Tony

Yes, it's a good time to be a consumer in this segment. There are a lot of good vehicles and the competition is good for us.

[plymjack]

Originally Posted by Bob in IL

Yes, it's a good time to be a consumer in this segment. There are a lot of good vehicles and the competition is good for us.

Indeed the X3 was a huge step up for us so to change it we will expect another step forward - no backwards - so the competition looks good, the i3 is just great fun to drive so if the new X3 comes as many say than it could be great. - especially if it hybrid.

[evilken]

Originally Posted by Endre2

Really? I would never buy a Chinese car

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geely

With that kind of logic, let me introduce you to this beautiful Italian Chrysler 300....

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by brissim

Certainly very interesting times ahead over the next 12-18 months in this market segment. Joining the just arrived F-Pace, will be the new Q5 later this year, followed by the next generation X3 and XC60 about this time next year.

Tony

One of the reasons we went with an X3 was that the Q5 and XC60 felt tired as they are 8 years old now.

[B3M4]

I recently had a weekend test drive of a Macan GTS and was so bold over by the handling, performance and styling in comparison to my 2014 LCI M sport 3.0d that I have one on order.

I agree in terms of space the boot it is a little smaller and the back feels more cramped, however it still fits 4 adults and a couple of large cases without to much of a struggle. I've been predominantly loyal to BMW for over 10years and have had around 7 new or demonstrators in that time, and will certainly miss some aspects of the marquee. The horrendous depreciation is something I won't! I'm shocked at how much a loaded £50,000 model loses in 18 months!

A bit late but I'll post some pics of my outgoing X3 when I get chance.

[Crassus]

Originally Posted by B3M4

The horrendous depreciation is something I won't! I'm shocked at how much a loaded £50,000 model loses in 18 months!

A bit late but I'll post some pics of my outgoing X3 when I get chance.

This is true for most premium German cars. My previous car was a well specced 2013 3-series in Luxury trim with 19 inch rims. It was an approved car I bought from BMW for £18,500 which was effectively half price but it looked brand new both inside and outside.

I traded it in for an X3 a year later. If it wasn't for the fact that you get better finance deals on new cars, I would totally have bought a low milage 2015 X3 instead of a brand new 2016 model.

[Bimar]

Originally Posted by B3M4

I recently had a weekend test drive of a Macan GTS and was so bold over by the handling, performance and styling in comparison to my 2014 LCI M sport 3.0d that I have one on order.

I agree in terms of space the boot it is a little smaller and the back feels more cramped, however it still fits 4 adults and a couple of large cases without to much of a struggle. I've been predominantly loyal to BMW for over 10years and have had around 7 new or demonstrators in that time, and will certainly miss some aspects of the marquee. The horrendous depreciation is something I won't! I'm shocked at how much a loaded £50,000 model loses in 18 months!

A bit late but I'll post some pics of my outgoing X3 when I get chance.

What color of Macan and interior? You didn't give a look at the F pace?

[Crassus]

Originally Posted by B3M4

The horrendous depreciation is something I won't! I'm shocked at how much a loaded £50,000 model loses in 18 months!

A bit late but I'll post some pics of my outgoing X3 when I get chance.

This is true for most premium German cars. My previous car was a well specced 2013 3-series in Luxury trim with 19 inch rims. It was an approved car I bought from BMW for £18,500 which was effectively half price but it looked brand new both inside and outside.

I traded it in for an X3 a year later. If it wasn't for the fact that you get better finance deals on new cars, I would totally have bought a low milage 2015 X3 instead of a brand new 2016 model.

[TS135i]

Originally Posted by RhoXS

"I look forward to seeing how the next generation X3 measures up to the competition."

The fact that the new X3 might be a Hybrid might indeed prevent me from buying it. I am done with the poor performance the vehicles with an economy theme default to. This might seem to contradict most peoples opinion so let me explain.

I buy BMWs because, among other attributes, I want a higher level of performance although I certainly recognize my X3 SUV wont perform like my Z3. I do not want a $60K car that performs like an economy car. My experience with my new 2016 28i X3 has been significantly diminished because of the pathetic 4 cylinder enginge and the default to "Comfort Mode". It actually lugs in comfort mode. Every time I start the car I put it in Sport mode and, although a big improvement, it still does not have the performance of my old 2011 28i X3. In addition, I see abosolutely no improvement in economy with exactly the same driving profile as I achieved with my 2011. A friend just purchased a Lexus Hybrid and also has her $60K car default into a piss poor economy mode when it is started although it does get great economy. So, I am very weary of any new vehicle with an ecomomy theme, as would be the case with a hybrid. I also find it difficult getting used to not feeling and hearing an engine start.

In other words, my new X3 has significantly sacrificed performance for the goal of gaining a few MPG's which I have not seen anyway. I cannot imagine why anyone buying a car in this price range would be concerned about such a small advertised increase in economy.

If the new X3 does not default to economy mode and performance is at least equivalent to my 2011 28i X3, it will probably be the eventual replacement for my 2016 X3. If it performs like my current X3 there is not a snowball's chance in hell I will pay $60K+ for it. Every time I forget to push the sport button and feel it lug it just reinfiorces how dissappointed I am.

I concur, here in OZ BMW offer the X3 in the i6 30d which IMO is the only model to buy. Its a glorious engine and couldn't imagine driving the X3 in anything less.

[B3M4]

Originally Posted by X4guy

What color of Macan and interior? You didn't give a look at the F pace?

The Macan was Volcano Grey, Black GTS Alcantara Interior with 21inch Black Classics. I have ordered the same but changed the interior to Red. I did look at the F Pace but felt it was a little too big and would appeal to anyone looking for a size compromise between the X3 and X5. I hope the rumoured G01 M model is true as I expect it will temped back some customers from Jag & Porsche.

[B3M4]

Originally Posted by Crassus

This is true for most premium German cars. My previous car was a well specced 2013 3-series in Luxury trim with 19 inch rims. It was an approved car I bought from BMW for £18,500 which was effectively half price but it looked brand new both inside and outside.

I traded it in for an X3 a year later. If it wasn't for the fact that you get better finance deals on new cars, I would totally have bought a low milage 2015 X3 instead of a brand new 2016 model.

Its the catch 22, the initial discounts we all love, but if like me you start lusting after a new car every 12 to 18 months the negitive equity is a real b^%h!. Only serious man maths can justify satisfy the next hit

I learned to shop around for PCP finance deals as rates for used cars are ludicrous, There are a number of brokers in the UK that will secure a deal in the region of 5% in comparison to the 8% to 12% BMW quote. Off topic slightly I understand that PCP finance are going to become the new PPI in 2017. I'm pretty sure I have never been given a full explanation of what the various rates equate to, so look forward to submitting a number of claims to BMW and VW finance!