2021 BMW X3 vs 2022 Porsche Macan

The 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, received significant updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. This generation of the X3 refined BMW's approach to small luxury SUVs, offering an exterior and interior presence reminiscent of larger, more expensive BMW models. The X3's exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior featured BMW's characteristic cold, mechanical styling. Though not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dashboard was more functional.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, introduced in 2015, remained nearly indistinguishable from its original design despite regular updates. The 2022 model received a styling refresh, larger standard wheels, and a new center console with haptic touch controls. The Macan's exterior, with its sloping clamshell hood and rakish roofline, conveyed a taut, athletic look. Inside, the Macan featured a flat and wide dashboard, ignition switch to the left of the steering wheel, and a center console housing most secondary controls. The cabin, with red leather, gloss black trim, and silver metallic accents, exuded an upscale, sporty, and purposeful appearance.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered a range of powertrains. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i had rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i came with all-wheel drive. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid delivered 288 hp and had a 17-mile electric-only range, recharging in about 3.5 hours with a 240-volt Level 2 charger. For those seeking performance, the M40i featured a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six, while the X3 M performance model boasted 473 hp.

The 2022 Porsche Macan lineup included the base model with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 261 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Macan GTS inherited the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 from the old Macan Turbo, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Macan S, our test vehicle, featured a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 with 375 hp and 383 lb-ft, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. All Macans had a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable all-wheel-drive system. The Macan S also included larger 20-inch wheels, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), and optional Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB).

The 2021 BMW X3 provided up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.7 cubic feet with the seats in use. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available. The X3 offered ample headroom and legroom for front passengers and adult-friendly rear seats. The driver and front passenger had real buttons and dials to complement the main touchscreen, reducing the learning curve for new users.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, despite its sporty nature, offered comfort for the driver and front passenger. Our Macan S test vehicle had 14-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. The rear seats were cramped, especially for taller passengers, but entry and exit were easy. The redesigned center console with haptic touch controls provided more storage space, though it required looking away from the road to use. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the back seat, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, known for its ease of use. It included Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto as an option. Other options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. Gesture control was also available, allowing basic controls through hand movements.

The 2022 Porsche Macan featured a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Porsche Communication Management (PCM). It included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and connected services. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with optional Bose and Burmester audio systems. The user experience was intuitive, though the voice recognition system was less reliable than those in BMW, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, or Volvo. The Macan provided easy access to frequently adjusted features, reducing the need to interact with the touchscreen while driving.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a reversing camera. Blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist were optional, with blind-spot monitoring included in our test vehicle's Premium Package. The Macan also offered a surround-view camera and Park Assist system, which could steer the vehicle into parking spaces. For more advanced driving assistance, the larger Porsche Cayenne was a better choice.