Porsche Macan vs BMW X3 vs Lexus NX vs Mercedes-Benz GLC Comparison

Compact luxury SUVs have rapidly expanded in popularity among drivers living active lifestyles or those with growing families. These impressive vehicles offer eye-catching styling, luxurious interiors, and potent performance that invigorates every journey. As a result, the most discerning drivers have continued to choose the Porsche Macan for its optimized balance of comfort, handling, and unmatched power. If you’ve been skeptical, Porsche of Louisville is here to prove that the Macan is the best option. We’ve assembled this informative guide which puts the Macan up against its top rivals which include the BMW X3, Lexus NX, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Once you see the results, you’ll understand why luxury shoppers continue to choose Porsche.

Porsche Macan vs BMW X3

2019 Porsche Macan Base	VS	2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i
248	Horsepower	248
273 ✓	Torque	258
19.8 gallons ✓	Fuel Tank Capacity	17.2 gallons
Standard, Front/Rear ✓	Parking Sensors	Optional
Leather / Alcantara Suede ✓	Seat Material	Leatherette
Standard ✓	Satellite Radio	Optional
Standard ✓	Front Knee Airbags	Not Available
Standard ✓	Voice Activated Controls	Optional
4 ✓	12V DC Power Outlets	2
$49,900	MSRP	$43,000

The first contender to face off against the Porsche Macan is the BMW X3. Looking at performance, the X3 falls short of the Macan in torque categories. Drivers craving the most responsive driving experience from their compact luxury SUV should choose the Macan. It also features a fuel tank that boasts 2.6 additional gallons of capacity, which means less frequent stops at the gas pump on extended road trips.

Inside, the advantages of the Macan really shine. Premium features like voice-activated controls and satellite radio are included as standard equipment. BMW drivers can only able to receive these great features by selecting costly options. While Macan owners can relax into comfortable yet supportive seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara suede, the X3 only offers simulated leatherette seating surfaces. To help all occupants stay connected on the road, the Porsche Macan offers a total of 4 12V DC power outlets compared to just 2 in the X3.

There are also a few safety benefits you’ll receive by driving a Porsche Macan. Front knee airbags provide an added layer of protection in the event of a collision and are included as standard on the Macan. They are not offered on the BMW X3. Perfect for when reversing in or out of a tight space, the Porsche Macan includes standard parking sensors located at the front and rear of the vehicle. To receive a similar feature in the X3, you’ll be required to pay extra for an added-cost option.

Porsche Macan vs Lexus NX

2019 Porsche Macan Base	VS	2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport AWD
248 ✓	Horsepower	233
273 ✓	Torque	258
7 ✓	Transmission Speeds	6
19.8 gallons ✓	Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gallons
Standard, Front/Rear ✓	Parking Sensors	Optional
Standard ✓	Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers	Not Available
Power Liftgate ✓	Rear Cargo Door	Optional Power
Standard ✓	Universal Garage Door Opener	Optional
Leather / Alcantara Suede ✓	Seat Material	Leatherette
40 / 40 / 20 ✓	Rear Seat Split	60 / 40
Standard, Separate Controls ✓	Rear HVAC	Not Available
$49,900	MSRP	$40,125

The next contender to go head-to-head against the Porsche Macan is the Lexus NX. Once again, the challenger is no match for the potent performance found under the hood of the Macan. Greater horsepower and torque figures along with a more sophisticated 7-speed automatic transmission gives the Macan the edge over the Lexus NX. Again, its larger fuel tank will lead to less-frequent stops at the gas station in order to fill up on extended road trips.

You’ll also receive several driver-assistive technologies on the Porsche Macan which help you drive with greater confidence. Standard front and rear parking sensors make maneuvering the Macan easier while rain-sensing windshield wipers provide assistance during inclement weather conditions. The NX cannot match either of these impressive technologies.

Convenience features and refinement are the final two categories in which the Macan tops the NX. Use the standard power liftgate on the Macan to access the cargo area even with your hands full. Also, a standard universal garage door opener allows for quick entry and exit from your garage. Similar equipment costs extra at Lexus.

Lastly, the level of refinement found inside the Porsche Macan proves to be a more pleasant environment for both drivers and passengers. While the Lexus NX offers simulated leather seating surfaces, the Macan delivers superior leather and Alcantara Suede for maximum comfort. The rear seat of the Macan is split 40/40/20, perfect for carrying long skis along with passengers for the trip up the mountain. Speaking of rear seat passengers, they will certainly have a preference for the Macan as well. Porsche offers standard rear HVAC controls to allow rear passengers to fine-tune their comfort preferences. The Lexus NX does not offer this feature.

Porsche Macan vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

2019 Porsche Macan Base	VS	2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Base
248 ✓	Horsepower	241
Standard Front / Rear ✓	Parking Sensors	Optional
Bi-Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) ✓	Headlight Type	Halogen
Standard ✓	LED Brake Lights	Optional
Leather / Alcantara Suede ✓	Seating Surfaces	Leatherette
Standard ✓	Satellite Radio	Optional
Standard ✓	Voice-Activated Audio Controls	Optional
8 ✓	Number of Speakers	6
Standard ✓	Wheel Locks	Optional
$49,900	MSRP	$41,700

In this final comparison, the Porsche Macan goes up against the Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV. As it has against the previous two competitors, the Macan delivers superior horsepower than the GLC 300. Also as we’ve noted previously, the standard front and rear parking sensors found on the Macan offer greater confidence behind the wheel. This equipment is something that costs extra at Mercedes-Benz.

Drivers continue to prefer Porsche vehicles for their sophisticated engineering and advanced equipment. A perfect example of this are the standard Bi-Xenon High Intensity Discharge headlamps found on the Macan. Mercedes-Benz drivers will have to rely on antiquated halogen bulbs, which offer inferior clarity and visibility compared to HID units. At the rear of the Macan, LED brake lights provide a clear message to vehicles following behind you. Once again, this feature is something that’s an added-cost option on the GLC.

Choosing the Macan means that you will receive standard wheel locks for added protection, satellite radio with voice-activated audio controls for a more engaging drive, and a greater number of speakers for a sublime listening experience. All of which are only optional on the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Comparison Winner – Porsche Macan

No matter which category you choose to investigate, the clear winner of this comparison is the Porsche Macan. In terms of performance, premium standard equipment, safety, and superior engineering — the competition at BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz simply cannot compete with Porsche. Our team of Porsche Brand Ambassadors at Porsche of Louisville are eager to introduce you to the Porsche Macan and to help you choose the model which perfectly suits your needs and lifestyle.