New ML 320 CDI Vs X5 & E70

[BMW]

I was hoping that the 320 CDI would give me an alternative to the E70 X5.
My assessment of the ML 320 CDI so far:

Likes:
• Engine:
Is brilliant, though it seems to prefer lower revs than the BM.
It sounds quieter than the BM.
Appeared to be quicker at the lower end with less lag in the early part of acceleration and appeared to deliver more smoothly than the BM though that may have a lot to do with the superb transmission.
Fuel consumption appeared to be marginally better which was interesting.
Speed Limiter is great.
• Transmission:
Superb I am even ok with it’s positioning on the stalk. Another BMW idea.
• Interior:
General ergonomics, button design and location including Seat adjustment is excellent and all work well and logically.

Key / Remote system is great

CD Changer in Glove Box is brilliant

General Dislikes:
Handling could be better it felt a little wallowy, Boat like and Range Rover-ish even in Sports Mode. Either the suspension is not good enough or the Wheels and Tyres are bad. I suspect the main problem is that the suspension is not quite there yet (not to BMWs standard) and the poor choice of Wheels and Tyres just makes it worse.
The Costly Sports Option doesn’t appear to offer a solution to this with no changes to the Suspension or Handling.
Steering doesn’t quite have the same feel as the BMs.
• Handbrake?:
The Gender confused Handbrake thingy, doesn’t know if it is coming or going (but I can get used to it).
• Seats:
Standard Seats are average to say the least, giving the feeling that you are sitting on the car not in it. Very little if any support.
Lumbar support is too high. (unless you are 7 feet / 2.1 metres tall).
Sports Seats are better, but Vinyl (plastic) & Suede combination is not on.
Multi-Contour-Seats are probably the only way to go.
• Lights:
Head lights are not great even on High Beam, better than most but not good enough
Not as good as standard X5 lights. No adjustment either.
• Information:
Clock is ok but would like the ability to have a digital clock in the centre display
Would like more info in the centre display ie need to have all of the detail in the instrument cluster displayed in the center display, or heads up would be even better.
• Mirrors:
Mirrors both external and rear vision are afterthoughts - too small and do not provide near enough visibility.
• Sun Roof:
Is not as good as the Panoramic in the BM.

Lack of Blue Tooth option.

Doesn’t look as good as the X5.

Absolute Dislikes:
1. The lack of a left foot rest is almost the deal killer.
2. Handling is not quite there.


Summary in favour of the X5 / E70.
In short if the E70 has a 3rd generation Diesel 4.0 litre Diesel V8.
The 7 speed transmission.
Leave the Gear selector and Hand brake as they are and where they are.
Maybe include Paddles on the Steering Wheel.
Keep the split tailgate.
Offer the newer (current series) Comfort Seats as an option.
Add a Speed Limiter not just a tone.
Clean/Tidy up - Update the Dash a little (careful Chris, not too much Plastic or Wood please).
Get rid of the silly AMWAY cassette deck and fit a decent CD stacker (not boot mounted).
Give us a Black interior.
Give us Heads Up display and or the ability to have more BC info on display at the same time - not limited to one piece of info at a time.
And Factory Tinted Glass.

Option of a 6 or 7 Seat variant is cool but other than that don’t change anything else, you will blow them away yet again and you can have my order from now.