Why I picked the X3 over the F-Pace/GLC/Macan

[Barnesy]

I have just bought a new X3 35D M Sport.

As part of my decision process I tested an F-Pace 3.0 Diesel. It was a beautiful car from the outside and felt really quick, but I didn't find the interior particularly luxurious, certainly no better than the X3 I ended up purchasing.

I went with the X3 because it was slightly smaller, much less expensive and just felt a much more nimble car all round. It is very quick and effortless to drive. (Oh, and my wife preferred the X3 which was a big factor)

Another factor was customer service. I have previously had a Jag saloon and was coming out of a Land Rover Discovery and the local BMW dealer just felt more helpful and appreciative of the business (immediate followup after the first visit including a video of the actual car I was interested in - it was in stock and unregistered)

I also tested the Macan Diesel S. I expected to love it but actually it felt a bit under powered, it did not put a smile on my face like the X3 (and again more expensive and a long wait).

Lastly I tested a GLC AMG 43 (yes, petrol so not a true comparison). The speed and noise were amazing but I can't stand that stick-on iPad looking thing, there seemed to be less knee room in the driver's footwell, and I couldn't see me living with it.

So mine is X3 35D M Sport Black Sapphire, Media Professional Plus, M Sport Plus, Speed limit display, Mocha Leather, Reversing Camera, Adaptive Xenons, Fineline Trim, Speed Limit Display ...

[X5Sport]

Hello and

[jagr]

Good choice

Now we just need pics

[AW8]

Glad you are happy with your eventual choice.....hope you enjoy it. F-Pace rejection no doubt a tough decision. Thanks for explaining how you reached your purchase decision, albeit it seems to some extent you did as you were told

[graemeX5]

Hi and welcome

Congrats on the new car.

That is an interesting report on your car comparison as I would have said the Macan was the one to beat, but clearly not.

I guess it shows how good the X3 is 

Graeme

[Barnesy]

Thanks for the comments and the welcome.

I'm very happy with my decision, the Porsche was tempting because of the badge, but no way could I justify the cost and the wait-time for a car that felt underpowered (I can't believe that I am saying a Porches was underpowered :-[)

I've tried to post a couple of pictures but I am failing, can't seem to get it to work.

[graemeX5]

Hi

if having probs with a pick make sure you click on the little image icon below the post reply box that you type in.

Then it will that will open a window see pic below and you then just select Choose file and it gives you options as to where from and then select the pic and then click add to post

Hope that makes sense

Graeme

[Barnesy]

A few pictures, thanks to graemeX5 for the help.

[AW8]

You wont win any prizes for photographic skills  but I must admit to liking the car. The dash screen image looks pretty cool.

Thanks for going to the trouble of taking & sharing  pics.......even if Graeme helped a bit

[Pinewood]

Looks lovely, and welcome

[sharpharp]

I like the M-Sport Plus Package... very nice

– 2VX 20" light alloy M Double-spoke style 310 M
– 420 Sun protection glass
– 502 Headlight wash
– 522 Xenon Headlights
– 688 Loudspeaker system – harman/kardon

What tyres are the 20's on? Are the tyres a square setup or staggered?

I'm holding out for the next gen x3, can't wait to see what it looks like in M sport plus

[Barnesy]

Thanks.

In addition to the M Sport Plus package I also had the visibility pack which adds adaptive headlights.

When driving in the dark I can just leave the lights on auto and the car takes care of dipping the beam (s) and moving back to high beam on either side, or both, as needed.

The HK System sounds great, I had a Meridian system in my previous car and this sounds better.

I don't know what a "staggered setup" is, they are the standard tyres that came with the 20" light alloys (Pirelli P Zero I think)

I thought about waiting for the next gen, but I'm not very good at waiting    Also I can't help feeling that the state of the £ to both the $ and the € will mean prices will go up when it comes out. I was very happy with the deal i got.

[Horizon]

Looks great, I wasn't a fan of the early X3 or X1 for that matter, but both the latter models are in my eyes a lot easier on the eye.

[MattX]

[quote="Barnesy"]
Thanks.



I don't know what a "staggered setup" is, they are the standard tyres that came with the 20" light alloys (Pirelli P Zero I think)

[/quote]

You will have staggered wheels and tyres - IE the rear tyres are wider than the fronts.
My 19's are 275 rear 245 front.  I would guess the 20's are quite a bit bigger.

Start a tyre fund. You'll be replacing 2 or 4 at once and if they're to remain run flats, they'll cost as much as a run about  )