Macan Turbo versus BMW iX M70

[hanashra]

I think Porsche approved is a good investment

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[Coj]

Hello all, I am currently in a thought process on either ordering an all new Macan Turbo or the iX M70. Although it might look a bit like an uneven comparison, for me these cars are currently in many areas what I am looking for one way or the other. I like the luxury finish of the iX and the space on the one hand, but I would not neccessarily need it as the Macan has a big enough trunk to carry my dailies and give quite a sporty blast.
What I am a bit unsure is the whole software stuff. Whilst I am used to BMW in the i5 M60 and quite like it, I dislike the software of my Tacan (2021) a lot. And from test driving the 2025 Macan I am also not very optimistic on that side. Now whilst I am happy to hear any thought of yours on whatever you can bring to the table for my comparison, I am particularly interested in anything around the software, charging planner, etc. of the newest Macan to help me making my final decision. Thx all

If space is not an issue for you I would wait to compare the iX3 to the Macan. All new and the latest of what BMW is offering.

 

[hanashra]

Yeah, I agree in theory. But so far the iX3 is only available in the base version, which I don't really look forward to. The M50 (or Mxx) is supposed to be released in 2027 or even later, which would be too long into the future from my perspective.

 

[Fluff]

I had an iX loaner, when my I-pace was in the dealer. Now in a Macan 4. I found the iX awful, it ate energy, heating controls were made by aliens, the doors sound like they are full of lego. The only plusses were the heated armrests, and the ability to compete with the local bus company. if you have 3 teen age kids and 2 large dogs, go for the iX. if you have a pulse go for the macan.

 

[FirstEV]

The Porsche is a drivers car, the iX isn’t. You really don’t have to go deeper than that. If you are comparing these cars to begin with you might need to reconsider, because I agree what my forum friends said above. The cars are great, but for two completely different things.

It sounds rough, but I am doing you a favor by saying this: If software is something important to you, I would stay away from Porsche. Btw, I don’t mean that Porsche are worthless at software. I just mean that Porsche customers don’t care that much if there are issues or any gimmicks missing in comparison to other cars.

A great example are the new functions for the MY26, I’ve basically not heard one person in the forum batting an eye for the digital key or any other new function except saying it’s a ”nice to have”.

 

[ron_b]

The new Macan seems to have Apple Car key and other new stuff. I found this on google:

Starting in autumn, the Macan will optionally feature the expanded Surround View driver assistance system with active parking support. New additions include a “transparent hood” function for improved forward visibility, up to five storable parking spaces, and programmable segments for automated reversing over distances of up to 50 meters. Also new is the digital vehicle key, which can be paired with iPhone, Apple Watch, and Android devices.
With the changeover to the new model year, games from Gameloft and Obscure Interactive will also be available via the Porsche App Center and can be controlled via the touchscreen or a Bluetooth controller. AirConsole brings a wide selection of family games and classic titles into the vehicle, which can be operated using a smartphone. The optional front passenger display allows applications to be used in parallel even while driving, without distracting the driver. Porsche is also integrating AI into its voice control system to further enhance human–machine interaction.
Personalization options are being expanded as well, including new choices for door sill guards and LED door projectors. The Charging Planner has also been optimized: customers can now prioritize or deliberately exclude specific charging stations and charging providers when planning routes.
Maximum towing capacity for all all-wheel-drive Macan models increases by 500 kilograms to 2,500 kilograms. Depending on the market, this increase can also be retroactively certified for vehicles that have already been delivered.

I will start with saying that I have a 2026 Macan 4 on order, hopefully arriving in a couple months. I did option:

1. Phone as a Key
2. 3D Surround View
3. AR HUD
4. Drive Assist (was InnoDrive) for freeways
5. Passenger Display to allow copilot navigation and entertainment
6. Trailer Hitch to hopefully enjoy the added capacity

But with all that appreciation of available tech, I am under no dilution that I am not buying a car known for solid tech. I had a Taycan for 5 years and 100,000 miles. I know how many times I had taken it to service for SW issues.

I bought the Taycan and now the Macan because Porsche knows how to build a drivers car and I appreciate that when I am on a fun road.

 

[hanashra]

Hey all, thank you for all the input. In terms of software I would like to add that I am not after features and stuff but more in terms of reliability of the car as such. I consider myself a frequent driver and I need a car that I can totally rely on that it does not need to sit at the dealer on a regular basis to be fixed as something just wont work. Now I don't say that a BMW is a star in heaven on that. I did have my experience. But so have I with my Taycan and I am just a bit concerned in which issues I might run based on what I read. On the other hand I could not see any flaws during a test drive.....
For me, the Macan is in comparison the sportier and prettier car. It also is more modern than the iX on the eDrive side as it has 800V, which will give you a couple of minutes at every stop.
The iX is comfortable and relaxed with a lot of space in the trunk and the rear. Solely from sitting thousands of miles per month on the motorway I would go with the iX. But the Macan puts some spice on top. This puts me in the middle thinking about which way to go.

 

[DTaxman]

Hey all, thank you for all the input. In terms of software I would like to add that I am not after features and stuff but more in terms of reliability of the car as such. I consider myself a frequent driver and I need a car that I can totally rely on that it does not need to sit at the dealer on a regular basis to be fixed as something just wont work. Now I don't say that a BMW is a star in heaven on that. I did have my experience. But so have I with my Taycan and I am just a bit concerned in which issues I might run based on what I read. On the other hand I could not see any flaws during a test drive.....
For me, the Macan is in comparison the sportier and prettier car. It also is more modern than the iX on the eDrive side as it has 800V, which will give you a couple of minutes at every stop.
The iX is comfortable and relaxed with a lot of space in the trunk and the rear. Solely from sitting thousands of miles per month on the motorway I would go with the iX. But the Macan puts some spice on top. This puts me in the middle thinking about which way to go.

For what it's worth, I feel like the apple car play integration in my 4S is superior to any other car I've driven. Apple maps works well, moving to and from your driver gauge cluster screen seemlessly. I feel like if you are a heavy user of carplay (or probably android auto), you will be very comfortable with the Macan tech experience. Are there a few things that it could do better from a software perspective, sure? But 95% of my experience in the car has been a well executed process of (i) vehicle unlocks automatically as a approach, (ii) I sit in the driver seat as everything automatically starts up, (iii) within a few seconds my wireless carplay starts up, and (iv) off I go on an awesome drive. My only current gripe is how quickly I'm burning through my wheels (probably will need a tire change at around 12K miles), but that's my own fault for pushing it way too haard..

There were a couple little software issues I had the dealer help with early on, but since then it's been smooth sailing. I have gotten to the point in my life where I'm trying to ditch the "fear of missing out" with the next cool looking feature, and just enjoying things that work well. Growing up, I always drove cars 10+ years until they died. That's my goal with my 4S at this point regardless of new EVs that come on the market with better specs.

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