[sor]

Originally Posted by kozzi

I agree with pretty much everything you said here except that the 2018 SQ5 does not out-perform the 2017 Macan GTS.

I meant the X3/X4 M40i, at least on the streets and on paper outperform the SQ5 and Macan GTS. I'm sure on a track the GTS would probably get to stretch its legs a bit more in the handling dept. I know the wording was weird, what I meant was that I see the Macan as the next VAG offering above the SQ5, but there's a big leap in price rather than incremental. I wasn't about to pay $20k+ more than the X3 M40i for a similarly equipped Macan GTS that's sportier looking but offers less utility and is not quite as performant (granted I've only driven the X4 variant and reviewed the X3 specs so there's some faith involved here).

[mspringer]

Have you driven the X3/X4 M40i to compare to the 2018 SQ5 or GLC 45AMG, and if so can you provide a comparison?

I've briefly driven both the SQ5 and AMG and the latter feels a bit faster and more nimble but definitely has a harder ride (both had air suspension). Both are certainly quicker than my 2015 X3 35i DHP. Waiting to compare to the new X3 M40i when dealers get their launch cars. I'm loath to make any paper comparisons since manufacturer often underrate HP and acceleration times for a variety of reasons so would love to hear from anyone who has driven all three.

[raysspl]

Neat

[sor]

Originally Posted by mspringer

Have you driven the X3/X4 M40i to compare to the 2018 SQ5 or GLC 45AMG, and if so can you provide a comparison?

I've briefly driven both the SQ5 and AMG and the latter feels a bit faster and more nimble but definitely has a harder ride (both had air suspension). Both are certainly quicker than my 2015 X3 35i DHP. Waiting to compare to the new X3 M40i when dealers get their launch cars. I'm loath to make any paper comparisons since manufacturer often underrate HP and acceleration times for a variety of reasons so would love to hear from anyone who has driven all three.

I don't think anyone has driven the X3 M40i yet, aside from BMW employees. A few educated guesses can be made about how it will compare, though as you say caveat emptor on the paper comparisons.

It does seem to have a similar transmission and engine to the current X4 M40i. The X3 has more torque (26lb-ft) and higher/broader RPM powerband, and interestingly the gear ratios are correspondingly a bit higher than the X4 as well so it will probably feel a bit more powerful. They both weigh within 5 lbs of each other. I think it will compare favorably to the current X4, given the same options are spec'ed.

I also have not driven the AMG. I did drive the X4 M40i, the 2018 SQ5, and a Macan GTS. The BMW felt just a bit faster than both the SQ5 and Macan, which felt similar (in a straight line), though you can really feel the difference of the Macan's PDK. It's tough for me to compare suspensions with quick test drives that weren't back to back. They all three had variable suspension settings which makes it even tougher to really make a fair comparison. I'd suggest taking the X4 for a spin, but at this point we're close enough that you might as well wait for the real deal. I needed to either buy now or get something ordered ASAP.

Interior wise I thought both the SQ5 and Macan both had an edge over the X4 in various ways, though I'm hoping the new X3 interior will bring things up to speed.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

X3 M40i
Sq5
Macan
AMG

What a great time to be buying a vehicle...Hell, all of these are fast enough to do whatever anyone could possible want to do in an SAV/SUV.

By the time we're cross-shopping these its a matter of flavor you like and just personal taste.

[Scout10]

Might be a while . . . still paying on last years model

[GeorgeA]

Car looks great but why is a backup cam not standard?? I thought the law required all cars to have it by 2018. Not to mention 50k cars.

[Zirenz2006]

Originally Posted by GeorgeA

Car looks great but why is a backup cam not standard?? I thought the law required all cars to have it by 2018. Not to mention 50k cars.

It is standard...if you look at the order guide it is in the standard equipment. Ignore the fact that it shows in other packages on the configurator. I think that is because it is necessary with the 360 surround view included in other packages.

[E90M3JETS]

Originally Posted by Midwest 535i

X3 M40i
Sq5
Macan
AMG

What a great time to be buying a vehicle...Hell, all of these are fast enough to do whatever anyone could possible want to do in an SAV/SUV.

By the time we're cross-shopping these its a matter of flavor you like and just personal taste.

Will wait on driving the new X3, but have driven the Macan, new SQ5 and Mercedes I can tell you the Porsche still the king. Great interior and superior handling. Even the Macan S is pretty special car IMO.

[Tallest]

Wow, color choices... white-silver, and blue-blacks. Nothing else. Probably they researched purchases by color and are offering what people buy. But they probably did this the last time, and time before, and people buy things that are offered.

[GeorgeA]

Originally Posted by Zirenz2006

It is standard...if you look at the order guide it is in the standard equipment. Ignore the fact that it shows in other packages on the configurator. I think that is because it is necessary with the 360 surround view included in other packages.

Ah okay, they should make that clear. A lot of people will be turned off by the fact that they need to load their X3 to over 50k in order to get a backup cam.