BMW X3 vs Porsche Macan

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the Porsche Macan. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The BMW X3 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Porsche Macan gets a 10.9-inch display and 12.6-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW X3 stands out with Bowers & Wilkins audio — features our data doesn't list for the Porsche Macan. The Porsche Macan counters with head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Bose audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW X3 gets merino leather upholstery while the Porsche Macan offers leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW X3 and 2-zone in the Porsche Macan.

Drivetrain

The BMW X3 uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.

The Porsche Macan responds with a Electric making 420kW and 955Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds.

The Porsche Macan has the clear power advantage at 420kW vs 140kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Porsche Macan is 4.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW X3 measures 4,755mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 50mm shorter than the Porsche Macan at 4,805mm (2,893mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Porsche Macan generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 570L in the BMW X3 and 476L in the Porsche Macan, giving the BMW X3 a 94L advantage.

For towing, the Porsche Macan leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,400kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); both turn in a 12.1 m circle, kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW X3 costs about $2,138 a year (7.5 L/100km) and electricity for the Porsche Macan about $1,018 a year (21.2 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X3) and 3 years / Unlimited (Porsche Macan).

Where each one leads

The BMW X3: the lower starting price ($86,100 against $171,100), the bigger boot with the seats up (570L against 476L) and the longer warranty (5 years against 3).

The Porsche Macan: more power (420kW against 140kW) and the higher braked towing limit (2,500kg against 2,400kg).

The Verdict

BMW X3 scores higher, 73 vs 61

The BMW X3 scores 73 to the Porsche Macan's 61 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Porsche Macan ahead by 48 points), value (BMW X3 ahead by 24 points), safety (BMW X3 ahead by 23 points). Boot space with the seats up: 570L in the BMW X3, 476L in the Porsche Macan. Warranty: 5 years on the BMW X3, 3 on the Porsche Macan.

Common questions