BMW X4 vs Porsche Macan: sports SUV showdown

BMW's new coupé-syled crossover contender, the X4, is a new entry to the sports SUV market. Can the new upstart really rival the Porsche Macan, which has been received as one of the best compact SUVs ever? Steve Sutcliffe finds out.

Autocar, the world's leading motoring magazine and website, delivers industry-leading news, the most in-depth car reviews and opinion from our team of experts. Our presenters include some of the world's top motoring journalists who have unrivalled access to the world's fastest, rarest, most exotic and most exciting cars on some of the world's best roads and race tracks.

[MrMklasse]

The button you pressed in the X4 is downhill speed regulator button, it is not off road button, no off road button on the bmw.

[BiodegradeableMan]

The BMW won the drag race and he says, "Does speed matter in a car like this, not really." And yet in his video with the Evoque v Macan all he did was scream about how much faster the Macan was!

[Javonn_]

I actually like the X4, and I also like the X6. People really do over exaggerate when they say the X6 is ugly and useless.

[surfing]

If I had the money, it would be Porsche Macan all the way. A fraction slower on the straights vs better cornering speeds & control.

[archangelz]

The x4 does look better than x6. And I like the looks of the x4 I'm getting one next week. Hopefully the 6 cylinder turbo

[cagriffin]

I've already seen a few Macans on the road and they look soo good, and a lot smaller than you think in real life. The packaging of that car to make it so small yet spacious is amazing.

[DavidBoy]

Am I like the only one that dont really follow this SAV/crossover trend? I mean I personally respect those bigger brothers like X5, X6, Cayenne etc. But I always ask myself why people choose these crossovers instead of a E350, 535i, A6. GS350 I mean these crossovers dont offer good rear seating space, trunk is like 5/10, and those mid size sedans I just mentioned could be even bigger if you choose the wagon form. Ok I get that these have AWD and better traction... But do you ever take your car offroad in the mud or sand? Most people buying these cars prob have a job in the cities and the most extreme condition is prob heavy snow. Well then you can equip 4WD system with those sedans I just mentioned. Im no hater but it seems like everyone now is chooseing crossovers over sedans....

[alpinaBcoupe]

I'm a big fan of BMWs, but X4 is hideous

[MountiZuma]

Very nice review and so informative with amazing video shots thank you very much

[OneOfOne]

dude is wearing a tablecloth as a shirt

[joaosoares]

So the Porsche looks a lot better, has better brakes, better suspension, better steering feel, a better chassis, a faster gearbox, is more capable off road and it costs less. Hmm, tough decision.

[eddycaravannevangie]

Great review, anyone knows what background music is used?

[ashdeepcool]

i think that button on the x4 that you said was "offroad" is actually "hill descent control"

[ItchyFeetOz]

Nice review and comparison between the two, thank you. One comment I keep  making with your videos, why does he keep saying no owners will take their SUVs off road ? This may be the case in some countries where there are no off road tracks, but some of us live outside of the UK (or wherever) and want to know the true feel of how it really does off road, cross loaded, two wheels in air, articulation etc.. Please consider your reviews to hit a wider audience, and yes, I want to know it it handles hill climbs, minor rock courses, and dirt/mud, the traction control system, those things do matter. Thanks for your consideration Autocar.

[roblent]

"Just press this off-road button" -> presses hill descent button 🙄

[prl]

I will never understand what so many UK car reviews have against BMW. I love the look of the X4. I've always loved the x3, but it's always been slightly to soccer mom-ish. The X4 is the perfect sportier version. It lacks the versatility, but I'd mainly be getting it for the ride height anyway. Though you say most people won't find the looks appealing, I'm sure they will have no problem selling them!

[KevBoyD]

I think the X6/X4 look great, it really does look like a coupe style body with the sloping roofline blended with what is usually a very masculine square-ish SUV body. The Porsche looks rather boring and plain in comparison to me.

[keketsorathobei]

Fair comparison, please revisit this head to head only with the latest models from the pair of companies...

[TheStig.]

I Really didn't expect such short shorts from Steve

[DDGB]

i don't have an interest in small suvs but your review made this video very interesting and made me consider this segment of vehicle as a good choice for getting a car for my kids.