Fast SUV - Macan Turbo vs GLC 43 AMG

[SiberianHills]

I currently drive a 2014 400bhp M135i. Fast car, but I can't really chuck it around country roads, the handling is pretty pants and it is getting fairly annoying to daily now. With the introduction of our Bernese Mountain Dog to the family I need something a little bigger and more family friendly. I want something that I will be able to daily easily but can also chuck it around the country roads and have a bit of fun.

I've narrowed it down to the following;

Macan Turbo
GLC 43 AMG

I will be remapping whichever one I get. They are both slightly down on power compared to my M135i, but once remapped they will both comfortably sit higher.

How do these two compare to each other, and to my M135i? Will it be a downgrade? Will they be more fun?

If my budget could stretch then it would probably be between a Stelvio Quad, GLC 63 or an X3M, maybe even a RS6 Avant, but unfortunately it doesn't.

[ZX10R NIN]

A Macan Turbo is over 400bhp out of the box & will feel more composed everywhere compared to your (I'm assuming you never got the suspension sorted or added a LSD) M135i.

The GLC 63 is more along the lines of the Turbo so they maybe worth a look.

Depending on your budget I'd really recommend test driving an F Pace SVR they really are a great performance SUV.

Obviously this is all dependent on your budget?

[SiberianHills]

Dam, i forgot to add my budget. Budget is between 25k-30k. Macan Turbos in my budget are the 3.6 with 400BHP, can't quite stretch to the newer ones.

[Glenn63]

An SUV will be much bigger and heavier than any hot hatch not sure they’ll be better at chucking it down a country road.
But if I need an SUV I’d be going F pace SVR, plenty power and the right noise.

[ZX10R NIN]

Macan Turbo:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402116...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409274...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407151...

GLC43 wise look for a premium plus model:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410024...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409083...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409274...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409264...


X4M

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405229...

[cerb4.5lee]

Glenn63 said:

An SUV will be much bigger and heavier than any hot hatch not sure they’ll be better at chucking it down a country road.
But if I need an SUV I’d be going F pace SVR, plenty power and the right noise.

I've never been one for throwing SUV's around either. What I find with SUV's...it isn't the going that is the problem, it is the stopping. They always feel heavy in the corners and under braking to me, so I generally adopt the more laid back driving approach to them. I haven't driven a really fast one yet to be fair though, so that could change my mind really.

We spent 5 years/over a 100k miles in a GLC350d and we really liked it as an overall car, but obviously that isn't a quick one like the GLC43 is though. We've currently done 70k miles in a GLE400d as well, so I am a fan of an SUV overall for sure.

[Highway Star]

Check out the load space in the Macan if you have a big dog. Good friends of ours have a Macan of the age you are looking at and with their two kids and lab, there’s barely any space for luggage or anything else.

[braddo]

Macans are about the size of a focus estate inside but they weigh 2 tons. Not sure that’s the recipe for a fun dog car!

The dog won’t like the car either - sloping rear window, no side window, so restricted comfort when sitting; no visibility if it lies down; probably too high for the dog to want to jump and out (especially as they get older).

That has been my experience with a dog of similar height (but lighter and more agile).

[NicDale]

My parents have a GLC43, it’s ok for an old couple but I wouldn’t class it as great to enjoy down a country road, the SQ5 that we also tried at the same time felt a better drive but dad’s a Mercedes man and was coming from a w211 E500 and wanted a petrol Mercedes. I’ve also had a tuned M135 in the past and I think you’ll be disappointed with a GLC.

[GreatGranny]

Wouldn't you be better with a fast estate

5 series

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403278...

A6 TFSi

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408273...

[jamesbilluk]

There's a Stelvio quad for sale here under 30k

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17209688

[crisp packet]

I've got a Macan Turbo but the newer version (2020). Good commuting car. Not one to throw around A and B roads for fun. Drives bigger than it is. Doesn't feel that quick in 'normal' mode but more engaging in 'sport'. I'd say too small in the back for a large dog and quite a way to jump (or lift). PCCBs on mine so braking is good. Nice to drive and lots of toys. Recommended.

I've got an older Cayenne Turbo too (2012 - also PCCBs). No less 'fun' weirdly. More dog friendly but we tend to use our Discovery or Passat estate for dog carrying duties. Don't feel the need to keep those as clean, keep leads in them, dog bowls, water bottles and poo bags so they're jump in and go for dogs.

It sounds like a decent estate car would suit you best. Like any advice though - if it's affirmation it's taken but otherwise generally not!

No SUV will be 'fun' as such but then whatever floats your boat. I don't chuck the Macan around bends but it makes for nice and safe overtakes and has decent pace overall.