I've driven several ML500s in my lifetime, and I find that they are really sluggish in 1st gear.

However the gear ratios are superior in 2nd and 3rd gear. Once you're already doing 20-30MPH, the ML500 will be FASTER than a 4.4i X5. A pre-2004 that is.

So if you launch from a light, the X5 4.4i will always win. I've tested with a friend who drove side by side. But if you fire once you're at city speeds, the X5 will lose.

The new ML500 will unfortunately put even a 2004+ 4.4i to shame.

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2008 ML320 CDI | Iridium Silver | Black ARTICO Leather | Premium Package (H/K Logic7, Parktronic, Rear Heated Seats, Rear Power Hatch, DVD Nav, 10-way Front Seats w/ Memory) | Backup Camera | Aluminum Running Boards | 4500K MTEC Low-beam HID | 30% Metallic Tint | Boomerang2 Recovery System | Weathertech Front Floorliners | Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 Winter Tires