I recently drove Alfa Romeo Stelvio and I loved it. I couldn’t stop smiling and it brought out the kid in me. Sam if you’re still struggling to make a decision please take it for a spin, i think it will surprise you.
Didn’t he mention the infotainment system in it was a bit of a letdown during the Pod? But non the less it should be a very nice car and one that owners would walk up to it and get excited.
I was going to suggest this car too! Quads are 45-60k very rare 280 ti again very rare perfect amount of power 280 bhp Something totally different only 39k So basically a straight swap near enough Save all the extra money Rather see a stelvio than a rr Or other route would be f type svr
I went through a similar process. Porsche gave me a Macan as a loaner car when my 911 was in for service . . . and I was devastated to discover just how bloody good it is. I now own a Macan.
This is what I have always thought, if it’s just a daily that you do loads of miles in why not save the money on purchase price & on the upcoming fuel bills….especially with fuel prices where they are in the UK right now
Saw Sam in a Shell commercial the other day…I don’t think we’re worried about savings nor fuel prices. For the amount of time you spend in it, you don’t cheap out on your daily the same way you don’t cheap out on your mattress. Going cheap on the car you only spend a couple hours in on Sundays would actually make more sense, but we don’t have to do that in this particular situation either. Get what makes you happy.
I love the Macans for how they feel so much like a sport sedan rather than an SUV. As far as the defender goes, worrying about "extra family members" that don't exist yet is pointless when you turn over cars rather quickly. With just you, Vicky, and the small pup, you could definitely make it work. It's clear that's the car you want, so just do it haha
IMO: Use your head. Keep the X3 until something comes along that really does it for you AND is a good deal. 450 quid a month for a car that you admit is doing everything you need vs at least 700 quid for something not significantly better. And the car that you liked most is circa 1000 quid. Apart from that, the Macan sounded the best and seemed the best dynamically, at least from my perspective as a viewer. Sure, you see lots of Macans in London, so not special, but none of the cars you drove would look special in London, except maybe the RR Sport in that spec. For a Macan, I think you'd need a more daring spec, and then you'd stand out, because most people spec extremely safe, which = extremely boring. My personal problem with the Macan is it's too small in the back for adults, at least men; otherwise, you wouldn't really want a bigger car in central London.
From my point of view, the Macan was definitely the best car out of the five. Kinda fell in love with it because of this short clip, to be honest! The x3 is just a really good car for the ‘smaller’ SUV-class, arguably the best out of all of these. Our 30i is magnificent, been loving it for over three quarters of year. And seeing how happy you are with it, which I totally get, I’d keep it, at least for a while. Especially when none of these cars seem to scratch that itch for a new powerful and different SUV. New models arrive all the time, finding a new and better daily SUV probably won’t take you long! Love these videos by the way, comparisons between multiple cars always excite me!
Horses for courses mate. I’m not the biggest SUV guy either, they are a bit too big for what people need, but i too have my favourites, one of which Sam currently drives! 😂
I own a Macan and genuinely believe it's one of the best daily drivers out there. The 18-way seats are sooo comfy. My wife loves how smooth it is. We both love the size. It's damn near perfect for us. Plus, it corners like a sports car when you're on it.
I’m completely with you regarding the X3 M40i. It’s too perfect. But the others don’t seem to excite you either. And if the sound is something, that bothers you, why not get a tune, downpipes and an exhaust for the X3?
Very similar to the test drives my wife and I just decided between. Additionally we tested a Stelvio, and I'm glad we did because it was our favorite by far. Aside from infotainment, I think it was our favorite in every category.
Having driven every one of those except the defender, I can say that the GLC is the fastest and most exciting, the Range Rover is the most comfortable and relaxing to drive and the Porsche is the best built. I’d pick the GLC any day, it has insane performance
We have a big RR Autobiography which comes with the supercharged V8, my best friend has the Sport Autobiography, my wife just traded her Q5 up to the Macan GTS. I had the very first Sasquatch 4 door Bronco in the U.S. which is fundamentally the same car as the Defender but a convertible. Heres my advice: Don’t buy a face lifted RR, the 2nd screen setup is HORRIBLE. The old Mercedes interiors are poo, but the new is the best in the business (opposite the RR’s.) Don’t buy the Defender it’s not at all worth the money and provides no real value whatsoever compared to its own competitors. Because the Merc’s price for old tech, it comes down to the Macan or the RRS. That spec on that RRS is beautiful but we can get it with the 5.0 Supercharged Autobio without getting an SVR, that’s the sweet spot. Everyone knows the GTS is the Macan’s sweet spot. A properly spec’d Turbo can be made to be as good but usually costs more to get there. The PDK and the ability to drive at all speeds in the lowest suspension setting is what makes the Macan the winner in this class.
Defender 3 door = Quirky, but not practical Range Rover Sport = Most practical, but too common Macan = Performance oriented GLC 63 = HELLO, MY NAME IS DRUG DEALER
XC60 T8 has style and pace, electric in central london, albeit a heavy car for being X3-sized, Vicky will love it. (I'm not a Volvo fan but ugh, get a feeling it's a jack of all trades for you)
I just don't see why you'd go backwards in cars, older style macan, older style RR sport, pre facelift GLC63, they all won't have anywhere near the same tech as the X3, and isn't that what a daily is about? Creature comforts?
Every time Sam reminds us that he loves SUVs I get the same feeling I imagine super conservative parents get when their kids come out... I still love your channel though
@@ianw5464 Okay I'll take the bait ;) Obviously I was just comparing situations lol. But I agree, it would be unfair to anyone to be compared to an SUV... thats just harsh no matter who you are
Defender 110 V8 with the Miltec exhaust without Urban trinkets is the car I can see you loving. Air suspension makes the ride superb; drop the air for more of a sporty feel.
A bit left field…. But how does a Velar SVA not come into the equation. In my eyes encompasses the practicality of the big autobiography, sportyness of the macan & GLC, plus the modern tech as well. In with contention I think
Thought a RR VELAR P550 SVA might of been in your line up, the 4 you chose to drive all excel in different ways but non are particularly head turning as there fairly common sights on the road
As lovely as that 3.6L in the first gen turbo is, I’d stay away from used first gen Macan due to the transfer case and timing chain issues. I daily a 2nd gen GTS and it’s the perfect all rounder.
Just went through the same thing, for the exact same reasons. Try the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk (not Trackhawk). You can get it with a 5.7 Hemi (highly recommend), it comes with air suspension. Upgrade the tires for looks and exhaust and you get a vehicle that will do everything for you. I've taken mine on road trips, back roads and of course ripped it off road.
It really sounds like the best all round is the X3 as it's such a great price for what you get. Maybe step up to the X3 comp or a high end X5 if it needs to be bigger
@@socalguy829 me too, particularly as they can be found in that £45k to £60k price bracket and both are much more interesting than a Porsche, Range Rover or Mercedes when it comes to SUVs. The Levante Gransport is great looking and exclusive and the Stelvio is much quicker and also very good looking 👍
I absolutely adore my GLC 63. I’ve had it 2 years since new done 35 k in it. It still feels brand new. Sounds glorious, super seats drive very naughty down a B road ( not so much on track though) and still makes me glance back when I walk away from it after all this time. I actually got offered more this year to sell it than I paid ( I did get a great deal) turned it down. Nothing else can match it’s combination of pace , sound , looks and all round awesomeness
As a GLC63s owner I can confirm you won’t regret it. Miles more character than a macan. The defender is just too big. The sport would be the best choice otherwise.
"I'm only going to drive this in central London....a bit of a Dick ha ha!" Come on Sam, pick an everyman fast estate, you don't need to run and jump into the Defender or a glitzy AMG! It'll be a disappointment if you choose any of these, can't see the video content being worthwhile to 85% of ppl in the world.
Sam here's my two cents owning a 2020 Macan S for around a year . like you said does things well but was little too hard for me.... I wish there was a setting that gave that soft steering feel n ride and then click the button again and get that sporty feel back ! I hope that makes sense lol. But still great if your looking for that sports car feel in a suv...
We went from a Macan Turbo > BMW X3 M40i > Ordered 2022 Macan GTS. The BMW was great value, however took the opportunity to sell with high secondhand car prices in Australia 🇦🇺 at present. The GLC63S better suits my liking, but the wife did not appreciate the ultra firm ride as it’s her daily.
Try the refreshed GLC 43. It looks 9/10’s the 63. You can spec the interior the same as the 63. It has more back seat legroom and more cargo volume than the Macan. Mine’s a loaded spec 2020, including factory sport exhaust which makes this the best V6 sounding engine I’ve driven. It’s not the V8, but it is very fast, and with a more compliant air suspended ride than the 63. There’s also that bonus fuel economy from the smaller more efficient motor. The brakes are great, very compliant; the steering feel is better than you’d expect from an SUV. It’s been a great enthusiast’s daily driver!
A 2019 BMW X4M might be a good option. Looks fantastic, it's a big brother to the X3 M40i so might fill in the performance and charisma gap of the X3 while being practical and comfy at the same time 👍🏻
The Macan truly does feel like a sports car when you drive one. Also more exciting and special looking to me than BMW and Mercedes SUVs or cars for that matter. That would be my choice.
Got a preowned sapphire blue highly specified Euro 6 Diesel S Macan as a daily and haven't looked back. Air suspension, 18-way seats etc. highly fuel efficient, serene around town, and driven enthusiastically, can keep a sports honest on a twisty road...massively stable and LOADS of low-down grunt exiting corners. It was almost an impulse buy, zero research to speak of, and is just getting better. Also, did I mention the 500-liter boot that shades most crossovers with sporting intentions. Porsche got it so right out of the box! Get yourself a nicely-specified GTS and you will not regret it.
What about a full on deep red spec Alfa Stelvio QV? Sort of a nod to your old 4C but now more in tune with your current context? Also will definitely have you turning around when you walk away from it
Why would it be the Defender? Yes, the name is Iconic "only" because of the "original" ones... these new ones do not even have manual gearboxes let alone High/Low range and a diff lock. The new one looks cool, but that's about it, completely ruined the name tbh.
I have been driving Macans for the last four years and have had Range Rovers, BMW's etc. All I can say is there are lots of cars and then there is PORSCHE, No Brainer!!!
100% agree. I opted for a fully loaded used Mecan turbo 3 years ago having test driven the BM, and the AMG. It’s super comfy (18 way seats, heated and ventilated as required), very quick, and sounds superb. It’s just a lovely piece of kit, and the perfect complement to my 991.1 GTS. On the downside the tech is a bit dated (it’s a 2015), and I’m expecting some cost maintaining the air suspension (it’s now out of warranty) and I’ve already had to have the air compressor replaced. The main issue with the Mecan from my POV is thinking about what to replace it with next, because it really is that good!! A Urus really is appealing, but not at the current price levels, they are way out of my budget (my 911 is a keeper). Might have to keep it forever.😎
xc60 polestar engineered. Quirky car that there isn't a lot of content of on social media. Its also is incredibly comfortable, quick, 405hp, good looking and so on
Did you notice the “skip” in the GLC when turning at full lock and low speed. All RHD GLCs have an issue with the steering that causes them to skip at manoeuvring speeds when they are turned full lock in either direction.
The crabbing is not that bad and it happens very rarely; well how often do you turn full lock in your day? Throw on a set of Michelin PS4’s all seasons to minimize it. My GLC 43 is a great all rounder that’ll put a smile on your face.
Have thought about the VW Touareg or the Audi SQ5, Sam? Both of these are superb, you will have the practicality, speed, noise, presence on the road, value, the Tech and are bulletproof.
The macan is the best mid size SUV; period. It has the lower center gravity of all SUV's and you can feel it when you drive it. It's an amazing car that does everything and it feels like you're driving a saloon. You just need the right options (sunroof, sport exhaust, nice color combo, bose sound, etc...). I love mine, bought it new 4y ago and still love it! Also, the one you tested (1st gen) sounds MUCH BETTER than more recents models with particle filters.
Each to their own, I took the Macan out (highest spec) but was underwhelmed, ended up with Defender X P400 (3ltr Petrol mild hybrid) - my take in the showroom was “it’s right, for all the wrong reasons” and just couldn’t shake it off. Ive had the Range Rover in the past, comfort but little character IMHO, still happy with the Defender 😎👍
I'm definitely a Merc or Porsche guy, but the RRS make the most sense as a daily driver. Expasily counting in the fact it's a diesel and the price being 'only' £
I´d go with the Defender. It's just so much cooler than all the others there. The backseats are extra storage. Cause I rarely use them. I´d actually want the Van version of the 90. That would be perfect. Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake would be cool if you go with an estate. Keep up the good work.
I drive a ram 1500 limited which is basically the s class of pick-up trucks and now I’m looking to buy anew suv as I have an Volkswagen atlas very reliable I recommend it but I barely drive it I don’t use it as much bc my truck has more better diesel average as it is a diesel but I’m looking to buy an suv as a compact daily driver but a suv which one do you think is the best
Look at everything, then buy a Macan. Have a 2020 Macan GTS and it’s brilliant, does everything, comfortable, quick, handles well, luxurious and doesn’t lose any value.
I recently drove Alfa Romeo Stelvio and I loved it. I couldn’t stop smiling and it brought out the kid in me. Sam if you’re still struggling to make a decision please take it for a spin, i think it will surprise you.
That‘s true! The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a fantastic car. I have one.
Didn’t he mention the infotainment system in it was a bit of a letdown during the Pod? But non the less it should be a very nice car and one that owners would walk up to it and get excited.
I was going to suggest this car too!
Quads are 45-60k very rare
280 ti again very rare perfect amount of power 280 bhp
Something totally different only 39k
So basically a straight swap near enough
Save all the extra money
Rather see a stelvio than a rr
Or other route would be f type svr
Rrrrrrrrrrright!
Right on brother.
I went through a similar process. Porsche gave me a Macan as a loaner car when my 911 was in for service . . . and I was devastated to discover just how bloody good it is. I now own a Macan.
Do you really need a fast SUV? You could always get a new base Jag F pace, then put your savings towards a 911 touring
Or a sweet estate!
This is what I have always thought, if it’s just a daily that you do loads of miles in why not save the money on purchase price & on the upcoming fuel bills….especially with fuel prices where they are in the UK right now
Thissss, suvs are not supposed to be fast
Saw Sam in a Shell commercial the other day…I don’t think we’re worried about savings nor fuel prices. For the amount of time you spend in it, you don’t cheap out on your daily the same way you don’t cheap out on your mattress. Going cheap on the car you only spend a couple hours in on Sundays would actually make more sense, but we don’t have to do that in this particular situation either. Get what makes you happy.
No he does not but in the same sense he could get around in a 2 litre diesel estate 3 series with twiggy perfectly fine
I love the Macans for how they feel so much like a sport sedan rather than an SUV. As far as the defender goes, worrying about "extra family members" that don't exist yet is pointless when you turn over cars rather quickly. With just you, Vicky, and the small pup, you could definitely make it work. It's clear that's the car you want, so just do it haha
That RR's colour is stunning , might use that for my Caterham
In Australia it's an $11k option
IMO: Use your head. Keep the X3 until something comes along that really does it for you AND is a good deal. 450 quid a month for a car that you admit is doing everything you need vs at least 700 quid for something not significantly better. And the car that you liked most is circa 1000 quid.
Apart from that, the Macan sounded the best and seemed the best dynamically, at least from my perspective as a viewer. Sure, you see lots of Macans in London, so not special, but none of the cars you drove would look special in London, except maybe the RR Sport in that spec. For a Macan, I think you'd need a more daring spec, and then you'd stand out, because most people spec extremely safe, which = extremely boring. My personal problem with the Macan is it's too small in the back for adults, at least men; otherwise, you wouldn't really want a bigger car in central London.
Sam you also need to try the Stelvio QV and the F Pace SVR (Maybe that's the F type replacement?)
From my point of view, the Macan was definitely the best car out of the five. Kinda fell in love with it because of this short clip, to be honest!
The x3 is just a really good car for the ‘smaller’ SUV-class, arguably the best out of all of these. Our 30i is magnificent, been loving it for over three quarters of year. And seeing how happy you are with it, which I totally get, I’d keep it, at least for a while. Especially when none of these cars seem to scratch that itch for a new powerful and different SUV.
New models arrive all the time, finding a new and better daily SUV probably won’t take you long!
Love these videos by the way, comparisons between multiple cars always excite me!
Why not a 5 series or e class? Personally I stay away from cars on stilts
Horses for courses mate. I’m not the biggest SUV guy either, they are a bit too big for what people need, but i too have my favourites, one of which Sam currently drives! 😂
The Macan is the best to drive by far, but the Defender will likely get more clicks.
I believe the AMG is 4 L, not 4.4. That's the BMW V8, or my Volvo :D GREAT VIDEO!
And the SDV8 RR Sport he drove.
It’s a 4l twin turbo v8. Well mine is anyway 😝
Hope you will try the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, X3M Competition and F-Pace SVR :)
x3 kind of stiff suspension tho.. X5 is dope
Totally agree
X3M doesn't belong in there, more like X5M or X6M. 3 is way too small.
@@onecoolstorybro its the same size as the GLC63 and Macan
@@Ssh52 idk idc
Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV all the way!
Has not got the balls to buy one.
I own a Macan and genuinely believe it's one of the best daily drivers out there. The 18-way seats are sooo comfy. My wife loves how smooth it is. We both love the size. It's damn near perfect for us. Plus, it corners like a sports car when you're on it.
i absolutely love the glc63, was surprised it wasn’t mentioned much in the podcast
I’m completely with you regarding the X3 M40i. It’s too perfect. But the others don’t seem to excite you either. And if the sound is something, that bothers you, why not get a tune, downpipes and an exhaust for the X3?
Very similar to the test drives my wife and I just decided between. Additionally we tested a Stelvio, and I'm glad we did because it was our favorite by far. Aside from infotainment, I think it was our favorite in every category.
Having driven every one of those except the defender, I can say that the GLC is the fastest and most exciting, the Range Rover is the most comfortable and relaxing to drive and the Porsche is the best built. I’d pick the GLC any day, it has insane performance
Have you thought of the Maserati Levante, pretty good performance and nice interior and exterior?
Just to throw some odd ones out, what about F-Pace or Stelvio?
He hasn't got the balls to buy a Stelvio. Thats the problem.
The Macan seems like the most sensible/usable/dynamic option, and in a less boring all-white spec probably the best looking as well
Keep the X3 if you are leaning towards the glc or macan, simple as that, or go bigger with those Rovers, x5, gle
Stelvio QV, looks awesome, drives awesome, sounds awesome, italian. Can't get any better
It's so obvious.
We have a big RR Autobiography which comes with the supercharged V8, my best friend has the Sport Autobiography, my wife just traded her Q5 up to the Macan GTS. I had the very first Sasquatch 4 door Bronco in the U.S. which is fundamentally the same car as the Defender but a convertible. Heres my advice: Don’t buy a face lifted RR, the 2nd screen setup is HORRIBLE. The old Mercedes interiors are poo, but the new is the best in the business (opposite the RR’s.) Don’t buy the Defender it’s not at all worth the money and provides no real value whatsoever compared to its own competitors. Because the Merc’s price for old tech, it comes down to the Macan or the RRS. That spec on that RRS is beautiful but we can get it with the 5.0 Supercharged Autobio without getting an SVR, that’s the sweet spot. Everyone knows the GTS is the Macan’s sweet spot. A properly spec’d Turbo can be made to be as good but usually costs more to get there. The PDK and the ability to drive at all speeds in the lowest suspension setting is what makes the Macan the winner in this class.
Absolutely right.
What u think Macan Gts or Cayenne Gts?
What about F Pace, they look so good.
Go with the Range Rover! It's the only one in STG spec! And the GLC is old now so don't get that.
Defender 3 door = Quirky, but not practical
Range Rover Sport = Most practical, but too common
Macan = Performance oriented
GLC 63 = HELLO, MY NAME IS DRUG DEALER
X5 45e with stage 1 tune. Plenty of power and tech with all electric option
Sam, what about with a Cupra Formentor 5 cylinder? Great car and engine. Thanks again for all your work. 😀👍🏼🙏🏼
Unfortunately we don't get that car in Britain. The top spec here is the VZ3 with the EA888 310hp engine.
For me, the RR does it. its just a statement of elegance yet aggressiveness. So much presence.
Range Rover not reliable 😂
XC60 T8 has style and pace, electric in central london, albeit a heavy car for being X3-sized, Vicky will love it. (I'm not a Volvo fan but ugh, get a feeling it's a jack of all trades for you)
I just don't see why you'd go backwards in cars, older style macan, older style RR sport, pre facelift GLC63, they all won't have anywhere near the same tech as the X3, and isn't that what a daily is about? Creature comforts?
What about the Stelvio Quadrofoglio? Basically a Giulia Quadrofoglio with added practicality
GLC is old now, gonna be a new model next year
So is the range and the macan
green Defender and 991 gt3 touring is my ultimate 2 car garage BUT looking at they value maybe a Macan GTS would suits you better
Macan GTS is the way to go🤘🏼Can hang with pretty much most current gen sports cars, even on the twisty bits.. That Turbo is a good proposition too.
F Pace SVR, Macan GTS or Range Rover Velar SV Autobiography dynamic edition
Every time Sam reminds us that he loves SUVs I get the same feeling I imagine super conservative parents get when their kids come out... I still love your channel though
Are you comparing homosexuals with pointless unnecessary vehicles that are an unessary drain on the world? Controversial! Bants friend 😂
@@ianw5464 Okay I'll take the bait ;) Obviously I was just comparing situations lol. But I agree, it would be unfair to anyone to be compared to an SUV... thats just harsh no matter who you are
Defender 110 V8 with the Miltec exhaust without Urban trinkets is the car I can see you loving.
Air suspension makes the ride superb; drop the air for more of a sporty feel.
Would you not consider a Velar or FPace?
Stelvio?
Yeah I agree, needs something different and exciting
A bit left field…. But how does a Velar SVA not come into the equation. In my eyes encompasses the practicality of the big autobiography, sportyness of the macan & GLC, plus the modern tech as well. In with contention I think
Exactly mate
No idea how it doesn’t come up often
Find a Macan GTS with the right spec! In fact maybe wait for a 2022?
Thought a RR VELAR P550 SVA might of been in your line up, the 4 you chose to drive all excel in different ways but non are particularly head turning as there fairly common sights on the road
Hey Sam....How about a Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio or a Jaguar E-PACE R-Dynamic. Size wise they would fit your needs well.
As lovely as that 3.6L in the first gen turbo is, I’d stay away from used first gen Macan due to the transfer case and timing chain issues. I daily a 2nd gen GTS and it’s the perfect all rounder.
Transfer case issue has been addressed. I have a 15 3.6 and Porsche is replacing without blinking an eye.
Just went through the same thing, for the exact same reasons. Try the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk (not Trackhawk). You can get it with a 5.7 Hemi (highly recommend), it comes with air suspension. Upgrade the tires for looks and exhaust and you get a vehicle that will do everything for you. I've taken mine on road trips, back roads and of course ripped it off road.
It really sounds like the best all round is the X3 as it's such a great price for what you get. Maybe step up to the X3 comp or a high end X5 if it needs to be bigger
X3M Comp has shitty ride quality for an suv.. too stiff for an everyday car. Would be great as a sports car, but loses its purpose as a daily suv.
Just keep the X3🤷🏽♂️
What about a Maserati Levante or Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrafolio, both are much more pleasant to look at than the Germans or the Land Rovers!
yes very surprised neither of those were mentioned
@@socalguy829 me too, particularly as they can be found in that £45k to £60k price bracket and both are much more interesting than a Porsche, Range Rover or Mercedes when it comes to SUVs. The Levante Gransport is great looking and exclusive and the Stelvio is much quicker and also very good looking 👍
I absolutely adore my GLC 63. I’ve had it 2 years since new done 35 k in it. It still feels brand new. Sounds glorious, super seats drive very naughty down a B road ( not so much on track though) and still makes me glance back when I walk away from it after all this time. I actually got offered more this year to sell it than I paid ( I did get a great deal) turned it down. Nothing else can match it’s combination of pace , sound , looks and all round awesomeness
As a GLC63s owner I can confirm you won’t regret it. Miles more character than a macan. The defender is just too big. The sport would be the best choice otherwise.
"I'm only going to drive this in central London....a bit of a Dick ha ha!"
Come on Sam, pick an everyman fast estate, you don't need to run and jump into the Defender or a glitzy AMG!
It'll be a disappointment if you choose any of these, can't see the video content being worthwhile to 85% of ppl in the world.
Thought sam would be able to get some deal with JLR for either a defender or a RR sport, I think the new Defender would be a mega choice.
Sam here's my two cents owning a 2020 Macan S for around a year . like you said does things well but was little too hard for me.... I wish there was a setting that gave that soft steering feel n ride and then click the button again and get that sporty feel back ! I hope that makes sense lol. But still great if your looking for that sports car feel in a suv...
Errr comfort mode and sports mode you've just described of course it makes sense ... but macan doesn't have it ?
@@davecrewe9074 even the soft settings were not that comfortable especially the steering feel. Very heavy to me.
We went from a Macan Turbo > BMW X3 M40i > Ordered 2022 Macan GTS. The BMW was great value, however took the opportunity to sell with high secondhand car prices in Australia 🇦🇺 at present. The GLC63S better suits my liking, but the wife did not appreciate the ultra firm ride as it’s her daily.
Try the refreshed GLC 43. It looks 9/10’s the 63. You can spec the interior the same as the 63. It has more back seat legroom and more cargo volume than the Macan. Mine’s a loaded spec 2020, including factory sport exhaust which makes this the best V6 sounding engine I’ve driven. It’s not the V8, but it is very fast, and with a more compliant air suspended ride than the 63. There’s also that bonus fuel economy from the smaller more efficient motor. The brakes are great, very compliant; the steering feel is better than you’d expect from an SUV. It’s been a great enthusiast’s daily driver!
I thought MB wasnt for me either, until I took a testdrive in a c63 and e63. Got a w212 6.2 on the driveway now. LOVE IT!
A 2019 BMW X4M might be a good option. Looks fantastic, it's a big brother to the X3 M40i so might fill in the performance and charisma gap of the X3 while being practical and comfy at the same time 👍🏻
The Macan truly does feel like a sports car when you drive one. Also more exciting and special looking to me than BMW and Mercedes SUVs or cars for that matter. That would be my choice.
Got a preowned sapphire blue highly specified Euro 6 Diesel S Macan as a daily and haven't looked back. Air suspension, 18-way seats etc. highly fuel efficient, serene around town, and driven enthusiastically, can keep a sports honest on a twisty road...massively stable and LOADS of low-down grunt exiting corners. It was almost an impulse buy, zero research to speak of, and is just getting better. Also, did I mention the 500-liter boot that shades most crossovers with sporting intentions. Porsche got it so right out of the box! Get yourself a nicely-specified GTS and you will not regret it.
What about a full on deep red spec Alfa Stelvio QV? Sort of a nod to your old 4C but now more in tune with your current context? Also will definitely have you turning around when you walk away from it
Stelvio QV!
When buying a car think about the content you could make (like Shmee told in the podcast). Than Defender 90 would 100% be the choice. Love it!
Why would it be the Defender? Yes, the name is Iconic "only" because of the "original" ones... these new ones do not even have manual gearboxes let alone High/Low range and a diff lock. The new one looks cool, but that's about it, completely ruined the name tbh.
Great video Sam. Got to be a Defender 110 which has air suspension so should be nice and comfortable but prices are crazy at the moment.
I’ve got a GLC63, mapped with Litchfield, now at 900nm. Such a beast, you’d be amazed what you keep up with in that car. Get it done !
I can’t see you in anything but the defender 👀
The Macan is the most value stable and reliable car.
I have been driving Macans for the last four years and have had Range Rovers, BMW's etc. All I can say is there are lots of cars and then there is PORSCHE, No Brainer!!!
100% agree. I opted for a fully loaded used Mecan turbo 3 years ago having test driven the BM, and the AMG. It’s super comfy (18 way seats, heated and ventilated as required), very quick, and sounds superb. It’s just a lovely piece of kit, and the perfect complement to my 991.1 GTS. On the downside the tech is a bit dated (it’s a 2015), and I’m expecting some cost maintaining the air suspension (it’s now out of warranty) and I’ve already had to have the air compressor replaced. The main issue with the Mecan from my POV is thinking about what to replace it with next, because it really is that good!! A Urus really is appealing, but not at the current price levels, they are way out of my budget (my 911 is a keeper). Might have to keep it forever.😎
Still waiting for the levante S and stelvio qv test drives!
xc60 polestar engineered. Quirky car that there isn't a lot of content of on social media. Its also is incredibly comfortable, quick, 405hp, good looking and so on
The spec on the RR sport is stunning, there’s no need for a shouty, punchy daily but the SDV8 still has a bit of poke
Did you notice the “skip” in the GLC when turning at full lock and low speed. All RHD GLCs have an issue with the steering that causes them to skip at manoeuvring speeds when they are turned full lock in either direction.
The crabbing is not that bad and it happens very rarely; well how often do you turn full lock in your day? Throw on a set of Michelin PS4’s all seasons to minimize it. My GLC 43 is a great all rounder that’ll put a smile on your face.
Taking everything into consideration I would keep the x3 for now. Save save save save save and the. Get the urban defender 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎉
Save for a GT3 touring :p
Have thought about the VW Touareg or the Audi SQ5, Sam? Both of these are superb, you will have the practicality, speed, noise, presence on the road, value, the Tech and are bulletproof.
The macan is the best mid size SUV; period. It has the lower center gravity of all SUV's and you can feel it when you drive it. It's an amazing car that does everything and it feels like you're driving a saloon. You just need the right options (sunroof, sport exhaust, nice color combo, bose sound, etc...). I love mine, bought it new 4y ago and still love it! Also, the one you tested (1st gen) sounds MUCH BETTER than more recents models with particle filters.
Petrol SQ5 is a good option
The Spec alone on the RR won me over
this
Simply answer.. X3M. Or the new cupra formentor vz5, looks ace
I replaced my BMW 330e Touring with a 2019 Porsche Cayenne S (2.9T 440ps) in order to tow my 718 GT4 on a trailer. Very happy with it
Defender all the way only because when you see a defender you get all excited Sam. Just go for it!!
There’s just something about the look of a Merc. I’m just in love with that front end.
Ive just ordered the ‘new’ Macan GTS. 74k so £850 pm. Looks better than the old one and GTS is now 440 bhp. Twelve months wait 😞. Worth the wait Sam?
Each to their own, I took the Macan out (highest spec) but was underwhelmed, ended up with Defender X P400 (3ltr Petrol mild hybrid) - my take in the showroom was “it’s right, for all the wrong reasons” and just couldn’t shake it off. Ive had the Range Rover in the past, comfort but little character IMHO, still happy with the Defender 😎👍
Oh and west London 😅
The AMG interiors are next level. What about an AMG estate car 👌
great vid.. you can get the 'lurch' mapped out of the range rovers. easy to do
11:58 you made me spill my drink 🤣
I'm definitely a Merc or Porsche guy, but the RRS make the most sense as a daily driver. Expasily counting in the fact it's a diesel and the price being 'only' £
This should be fun. Btw I would go with the AMG 43 or 53
I´d go with the Defender.
It's just so much cooler than all the others there.
The backseats are extra storage.
Cause I rarely use them.
I´d actually want the Van version of the 90.
That would be perfect.
Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake would be cool if you go with an estate.
Keep up the good work.
I drive a ram 1500 limited which is basically the s class of pick-up trucks and now I’m looking to buy anew suv as I have an Volkswagen atlas very reliable I recommend it but I barely drive it I don’t use it as much bc my truck has more better diesel average as it is a diesel but I’m looking to buy an suv as a compact daily driver but a suv which one do you think is the best
1. Defender 90
2. F-Pace SVR
3. GLE (Non coupe)
RS4 or other equivalent break, best in all categories!
Look at everything, then buy a Macan. Have a 2020 Macan GTS and it’s brilliant, does everything, comfortable, quick, handles well, luxurious and doesn’t lose any value.
That Range Rover looks great, i love that dark green.
Why don’t you test drive some fast estate cars, to compare to the SUV’s ?
Fascinated with your search because I'm in the same boat as you!
Give the glc63 another go, those sound so good compared to other suvs !
F-Pace seems to fit the blend of fun and function for city folk. So maybe (if you can find one) the Lister F Pace, for when an SVR isn't quite enough!
Please get an ABT SQ5
Last video was awesomely done and this one as well! Love the excited energy!