BMW X4 vs Porsche Macan Comparison by Autocar UK

Autocar UK compares the new BMW X4 against the Porsche Macan. Here is an excerpt from their review:

One thing about which Porsche can do nothing is BMW’s outstanding pedigree when it comes to making six-cylinder diesel engines of the kind that were always going to be central to the appeal of any sporting 4×4.

Don’t let the vital statistics of these cars mislead you to believe that, just because it develops marginally more torque, the Macan’s Audi-sourced 3.0-litre V6 is in any way superior to the BMW straight six in the X4. The X4’s powertrain is superb, the Macan’s merely good.

Very undiesel-like response and flexibility are the hallmarks of the BMW engine’s undoubted class. They come hand in hand with excellent outright performance and equally excellent mechanical refinement, but it’s the even, obliging quality of the delivery of the X4’s six-cylinder engine that really sets it apart.

You simply can’t ask too much of this motor. Pulling from below 1500rpm, it’s smooth and linear. Extended beyond 4000rpm, it’s just as constant and well mannered.

It’s the kind of power delivery that makes life easy for an automatic transmission, and yet the BMW’s eight-speed gearbox is every bit as impressive: slick-shifting, smooth and quick to find the right gear. Find fault with the combination of the two if you can, but I couldn’t.

Especially when, over and above the quality of its performance, there is also the quantity of urge to send this 1900kg 4×4 to 60mph in less than 6.0sec – something that our road test timing gear has already confirmed and that you’ll read more about in the coming weeks.

The Porsche’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox can shift as quickly but not quite as smoothly or intelligently. Your perception of the Macan’s on-road performance is affected by the car’s longer intermediate gear ratios.

Read full review