[DenverSteve]

Originally Posted by OkieSnuffBox

Is there any need for a compact SUV? .....

Obviously not speaking for the OP but I wish more brands offered a top-tier Macan-sized vehicle. Whether I'm in CA or CO, I live in the city and would like more options for a sub-compact high-quality SUV. Europe has us beat in that category. Even though the X3 is considered a "compact" vehicle, it's not to me. ... unless you compare it to an Escalade or Sequoia.

[strohw]

I guess I assumed people got smaller SUV like the Macan over a sedan for the same reasons I do. Which is primarily that they need a hatch and not a trunk.

[DenverSteve]

Originally Posted by strohw

I guess I assumed people got smaller SUV like the Macan over a sedan for the same reasons I do. Which is primarily that they need a hatch and not a trunk.

Pretty much for me. That and, until now, M3s (for example) didn't come in all-wheel-drive.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by DenverSteve

Obviously not speaking for the OP but I wish more brands offered a top-tier Macan-sized vehicle. Whether I'm in CA or CO, I live in the city and would like more options for a sub-compact high-quality SUV. Europe has us beat in that category. Even though the X3 is considered a "compact" vehicle, it's not to me. ... unless you compare it to an Escalade or Sequoia.

The Macan is the same size as your X3, its just the interior which is much smaller.

[dgoldenz]

Originally Posted by DenverSteve

Foggins has it right. Additionally, when you decide to trade in or sell, the S will always be newer than the T. You may not care about the infotainment but many/most will want the newer system.

You can add Apple Carplay to the PCM 3.1 pretty easily though. Wouldn't make or break it for me but the PCM 4.0 is definitely a little better. I'd much rather have the extra power and features of the turbo than the newer infotainment on an S.

All GTS models also have PCM 4.0 since they started in 2017.

[DenverSteve]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

The Macan is the same size as your X3, its just the interior which is much smaller.

Very close but, that 3" of height make it seem much smaller. It was one of my final 3 but I preferred the X3. I would have liked to have had the option of sampling the Audi rsQ3 but, in the end, I likely would have ended up with the X3 as it easily won out over the Jaguar, Mercedes and even the Macan.

[JEM3]

Originally Posted by strohw

I guess I assumed people got smaller SUV like the Macan over a sedan for the same reasons I do. Which is primarily that they need a hatch and not a trunk.

RS5 instead?

[maxdriver]

We replaced my wife's x3 35i with a 2019 S. I wanted the new infotainment and some other upgrades over the 2018. Absolutely love it.

The x3 had a terrific motor, but I found the steering to be numb and lacking in feel. The Porsche steering is significantly better, close to a hydraulic steering rack.

[86Zed]

Originally Posted by JEM3

I'm leaning towards the newer model but from my understanding there were no updates made (unless I am wrong).

As others have said 2019 is an update to the infotainment and dashboard layout - a matter of personal preference. Personally I would go for the newer car and lesser engine optioned how you want it. The base is a bit sluggish - spring for the S if you want to zip around.

We just purchased a CPO 2019 to replace my wife's VW GTI. Base with plenty of options, could not be happier. Never even test drove a BMW SUV, the Porsche is a better car, period. Interior space etc., yes you lose on some fronts.