It's what a Glock would be with a better trigger, better ergonomics, lower slide profile, and lower cost.
That is how I've described the Steyr M series to people.
This gun is basically the next step in Glock evolution.
I think the steyr really was that. Is this a further step? Part of me wants to spend the $400 to get one to find out for myself. Another part of me is strongly inclined to believe there likely isn't enough difference to justify buying a very similar pistol, 6-10 new mags, new mag pouches, and new holster(s).
Where a glock still really shines over the steyr and I'd imagine the caracal, at least for now, is aftermarket support. There are lots of holster options for a glock, for the Steyr I can get my prefered one, an RCS phantom. What exists for the caracal? Who makes mag pouches? I can get a .22 LR upper for my glocks, not for the others. I can get a $100 threaded barrel to run a can on my glocks. The stery threaded barrel cost $300!!! I didn't even pay that for one of my Steyrs. Steyr is nice enough to offer a full conversion kit to change calibers. It costs as much as you can find a whole gun for, $400. Are there threaded barrel options for the caracal. What is available in terms of sights. You can get a sub 2000 (or other carbine) that takes the same mags as your glock. I can get 33 rd mags for the glock. I know there are companies that can and will mill the slide for a RMR. Will that work with a caracal and who will do it and how much will it cost. Oh and will there be holsters for that like there is for the glock.
I do think there is WAY more available for a glock than anyone really needs. I tend to only change sights and added a threaded barrel for a can. However, the many options and wide range of equipment available is nice.
I would think the aftermarket support for the Caracal will grow. I doubt it will catch up with Glock but as long as I can get the basic things I need, good holster, mag pouches, mags, for a reasonable price that is fine. I can actually get steyr mags slightly cheaper than glock mags.