Luxury Compact SUVs advice?

[Mardio]

I'm looking for advice for my next vehicle purchase in the luxury compact SUV category. Long story short my X5 is just too big for our purposes anymore (last kid just left for college). This primarily will be my car but it will be used by the wife and our main weekend vehicle (road trips etc...). As much as I love performance cars I feel done with the harsh rides and my wife definitely agrees. But unfortunately the little kid in me can't stop looking at these faster models, plus they look so much better. So our criteria is a complacent ride, great tech and safety, sporty when needed, in that order. I should also mention a good stereo system is appreciated. We would like to keep the SUV for 7+ years. Due to covid none of these models are in stock in my area so test drives might not be possible (at least right now). I've narrowed it down to three, here is what I'm looking at right now:


2022 Porsche Macan S: Probably my top pick in the beginning of my research. It actually has the least amount of tech, and safety features are expensive options. It gets a minor refresh with the S getting the 2021 GTS engine for 2022. It's the most expensive with the least amount of standard equipment (no andriod auto ). Air suspension is an option so I wonder how smooth it is? I can't stop looking at it even though it makes the least sense. Optioned at $77k.


2022 X3 M40i: I know... coming on a BMW forum and saying this is my least favorite is a no no. But I've owned four of them since 2006 and feel ready for something new. That being said I know this brand is fun and sporty and the 2022 lci looks great imo. It's actually a good value for the price. My question is does the M sport suspension help the ride quality? Optioned at $63K.


2022 Audi SQ5: Also considering the SQ5 sportsback. I realize this car and the Porsche are cousins. When you compare tech and safety, standard equipment, this vehicle seems like a way better value. Of course it probably does not drive like a Porsche. I've heard when you add the sports air suspension it rides very smooth in comfort mode. My top choice right now. However I do question the reliability? Optioned at $67k (sportsback $69k).


*Side note: the BMW and Audi are fully optioned how I want. The Porsche is not, fully optioned it would be $85k+ and that's more than I want to spend.


So I've never owned any of these vehicles, I'm hoping for some feedback and opinions based on my criteria. Thanks in advance.

[Fritzer]

Originally Posted by Mardio

Luxury Compact SUVs advice?

Wagon. My work here is done.

[Burrcold]

I was doing a lot of research and test drives in the Macan GTS (so basically what you are looking at in the S) and in my opinion it blows the competition away. I was comparing against the likes of the G80 M3, C63s, and RS5 and it still very much impressed me. Now I was looking at '21 models so most were pretty heavily optioned out, but I would definitely go with the Macan even with a few options missing vs any of the other options you listed.

[Vivek.]

Why does not kids mean you go from an X5 to an X3 (or similar)? IMO, get an 8 series to fit your needs.

[Germanauto]

Macan S blows away the competition from a driving dynamics standpoint. It is a hot hatch that happens to be slightly raised up. My folks have a 2019 so I drive it frequently. Everything about the driving experience from the very natural-feeling EPS to the chassis, powertrain, exhaust note is sublime. Downsides? As you stated, high price, tech that is not very user-friendly and a little finnicky (eg Apple CarPlay sometimes doesn't connect), interior feels maybe a bit last-gen relative to competitors.

I think Doug and Savagegeese have referenced in their Macan reviews that one should only opt for the Porsche over competing CUVs if (1) you need the most fun to drive vehicle in the segment or (2) you need the Porsche badge. Otherwise the competing German vehicles are excellent all rounders for a much lower price.

By the way what options do you want on the Macan S that would make it $85k? Very loaded models generally MSRP into the upper $70ks. Maybe the 2022s they raised the base price significantly? If that's the case then maybe opt for 21 if you can tolerate the buttons.

[dgoldenz]

Macan GTS owner, highly recommend. Why not a used GTS or turbo? The turbo with performance package is awesome but very hard to find used

[Mardio]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Macan S blows away the competition from a driving dynamics standpoint. It is a hot hatch that happens to be slightly raised up. My folks have a 2019 so I drive it frequently. Everything about the driving experience from the very natural-feeling EPS to the chassis, powertrain, exhaust note is sublime. Downsides? As you stated, high price, tech that is not very user-friendly and a little finnicky (eg Apple CarPlay sometimes doesn't connect), interior feels maybe a bit last-gen relative to competitors.

I think Doug and Savagegeese have referenced in their Macan reviews that one should only opt for the Porsche over competing CUVs if (1) you need the most fun to drive vehicle in the segment or (2) you need the Porsche badge. Otherwise the competing German vehicles are excellent all rounders for a much lower price.

By the way what options do you want on the Macan S that would make it $85k? Very loaded models generally MSRP into the upper $70ks. Maybe the 2022s they raised the base price significantly? If that's the case then maybe opt for 21 if you can tolerate the buttons.

Yeah they raised the price 5k on the 22. The options I would have liked were the adaptive cruise control, lane changing assist, and the Burmester sound system. It's not a deal breaker but with Porsche options where do you stop?
How is the ride comfort wise? Do your parents have the PASM (air suspension)?

[Mardio]

Originally Posted by dgoldenz

Macan GTS owner, highly recommend. Why not a used GTS or turbo? The turbo with performance package is awesome but very hard to find used

I really like the 2022 upgrades, new engine (2021 GTS engine) and updated console so I'm thinking new if I go with Porsche. The new GTS is probably more than I want to spend.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by Mardio

Yeah they raised the price 5k on the 22. The options I would have liked were the adaptive cruise control, lane changing assist, and the Burmester sound system. It's not a deal breaker but with Porsche options where do you stop?
How is the ride comfort wise? Do your parents have the PASM (air suspension)?

I suppose with the increased performance comes a much higher price. We don't have any of the autonomous features or Burmester, just the standard Bose. They don't drive it enough to get any use from autonomous features and the base audio sounds fine. Ride is perfect balance of sporty and comfort in my opinion. It's taut enough that you know where the car is and what's going on, but comfortable enough. But I am biased toward sportier-riding cars. It is not unnecessarily stiff like Merc "AMG 43" models.

My folks' other car is a G05 X5 which I personally hate the ride of. That car feels wallowy and any steering input results in body motions which passengers definitely feel.

[Foggins]

Tesla Model Y performance?

[stein_325i]

Why SUV's?

Audi S5 Sportback could be a good alternative. Good looks, practical hatch, decent driving dynamics, and a nice interior.

Kia Stinger also is nice, has all the same perks as the Audi, but much cheaper while more dynamic than the Audi.

Of the three choices I'd go Macan as for the reasons others stated. While the price is higher the resale also is as well. I'd get a good maintenance package or find a good indy shop to try and avoid high maintenance prices from the Porsche dealer.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

Why SUV's?

Audi S5 Sportback could be a good alternative. Good looks, practical hatch, decent driving dynamics, and a nice interior.

Kia Stinger also is nice, has all the same perks as the Audi, but much cheaper while more dynamic than the Audi.

Of the three choices I'd go Macan as for the reasons others stated. While the price is higher the resale also is as well. I'd get a good maintenance package or find a good indy shop to try and avoid high maintenance prices from the Porsche dealer.

Both great alternatives, but the Stinger is definitely not more dynamic than the S5. The S5 bests it in almost every performance metric (if not all). Maaaaybe steering feel goes to the Stinger, but that's also a personal preference (both are numb but the Stinger's steering is slightly heavier).

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

Both great alternatives, but the Stinger is definitely not more dynamic than the S5. The S5 bests it in almost every performance metric (if not all). Maaaaybe steering feel goes to the Stinger, but that's also a personal preference (both are numb but the Stinger's steering is slightly heavier).

I haven't driven an AWD Stinger but I prefer the more playful RWD driving dynamics of the Stinger's chassis compared to the MLB chassis of the S5. I will say the S5 is more agile than the Stinger due to the smaller size and weight, but I wish it was a little less front heavy.

[TexasJester]

Originally Posted by Mardio

I'm looking for advice for my next vehicle purchase in the luxury compact SUV category. Long story short my X5 is just too big for our purposes anymore (last kid just left for college). This primarily will be my car but it will be used by the wife and our main weekend vehicle (road trips etc...). As much as I love performance cars I feel done with the harsh rides and my wife definitely agrees. But unfortunately the little kid in me can't stop looking at these faster models, plus they look so much better. So our criteria is a complacent ride, great tech and safety, sporty when needed, in that order. I should also mention a good stereo system is appreciated. We would like to keep the SUV for 7+ years. Due to covid none of these models are in stock in my area so test drives might not be possible (at least right now). I've narrowed it down to three, here is what I'm looking at right now:


2022 Porsche Macan S: Probably my top pick in the beginning of my research. It actually has the least amount of tech, and safety features are expensive options. It gets a minor refresh with the S getting the 2021 GTS engine for 2022. It's the most expensive with the least amount of standard equipment (no andriod auto ). Air suspension is an option so I wonder how smooth it is? I can't stop looking at it even though it makes the least sense. Optioned at $77k.


2022 X3 M40i: I know... coming on a BMW forum and saying this is my least favorite is a no no. But I've owned four of them since 2006 and feel ready for something new. That being said I know this brand is fun and sporty and the 2022 lci looks great imo. It's actually a good value for the price. My question is does the M sport suspension help the ride quality? Optioned at $63K.


2022 Audi SQ5: Also considering the SQ5 sportsback. I realize this car and the Porsche are cousins. When you compare tech and safety, standard equipment, this vehicle seems like a way better value. Of course it probably does not drive like a Porsche. I've heard when you add the sports air suspension it rides very smooth in comfort mode. My top choice right now. However I do question the reliability? Optioned at $67k (sportsback $69k).


*Side note: the BMW and Audi are fully optioned how I want. The Porsche is not, fully optioned it would be $85k+ and that's more than I want to spend.


So I've never owned any of these vehicles, I'm hoping for some feedback and opinions based on my criteria. Thanks in advance.

I know it don’t fit your criteria but if you like power but crave power….. the Alpina XB7 is something you will have to drive to believe. But be warned, don’t drive it unless your willing to buy it.

[chassis]

My top pick would be the Porsche.

Why isn't the MB GLC in your consideration set?

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

I haven't driven an AWD Stinger but I prefer the more playful RWD driving dynamics of the Stinger's chassis compared to the MLB chassis of the S5. I will say the S5 is more agile than the Stinger due to the smaller size and weight, but I wish it was a little less front heavy.

RWD Stinger yes I'll give that to you (we only get the AWD Stinger GT in Canada unfortunately).

[e61it]

Ex Macan S owner. The air suspension on the Macan is much better than on my X5 45e. Better roll control and reactions to a wide variety of road imperfections. Also, how you set it is how you find it when returning to vehicle which is not the case on my X5 which always wants to return to raised position.

[AlexFL]

Get the new Genesis GV70. Test drove one, it’s amazing value for this price (fully optioned 60+k). By far the best interior in this class and rides well.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Mardio

Yeah they raised the price 5k on the 22...

I tried a 2021 GTS last week and its going to be a tough choice between a Macan and the LCI X3. The Air Suspension is great (lot better than the SQ5 that I tried a couple hours later)'. Actually when I got back in the my M40i, it confirm that I would not trade for an Audi.

Yes, they raised the the cost of new S (2021 GTS engine) but if you do a build of a a 21 to match the 22, the 21 is actually more expensive (mainly due to the standard 18" to 20" wheels adding over $3000). Strangely no free 19" option in Canada.

I Build and Price "loaded" New S: Premium Package, All Electronics Driver Aids, Air Suspension, Chrono Package, Bose and a few other options (no body, exhaust or Leather packages) which added $14K USD to the starting price for a total of $79K USD. Also no free Maintenance (4 years in Canada) which will probably add another 2K and the Porsche Connect is free for 1 year. ($200 in Canada).

So it will be a tough choice. The new S comes out in the Spring and who knows when I'm going to be able to order the LCI without any deletions...

[Housekeeping]

Why no Mercedes GLC on the list? You’ll like it, especially in AMG dress..

[ShocknAwe]

Of the German options? Porsche. Get the air suspension.

BMW is X5 or bust IMO.

Merc GLC is totally numb and floaty unless you spec into AMG. Didn't think the 43 had enough grunt and the 63 is $$$.

Audi? Get the Porsche.

Or dare I say it... A wagon?

[Mardio]

Originally Posted by Sy1616

Why no Mercedes GLC on the list? You’ll like it, especially in AMG dress..

Mercedes doesn't seem to offer the upper middle class of what I'm looking for. They offer the 4 cylinder GLC and then it's a jump to AMG. However maybe I should test drive the 4 cylinder to see how it compares to my other three choices.