2007 X5 vs Merc GL

cpd1 · #1 02-14-2007, 06:52 AM

All,

Recently joined this great forum, I have a X5 3.0d on order for late Jul delivery here in the UK. It is going to be the main family hauler and my wife's daily driver. She currently has an X3 but with 2 kids and 2 car seats that doesn't leave much room, plus I have never been a fan and ride/quality are both scary...
Anyway, love the X5 look, have had few BMWs before. Form all accounts it is a great drive but wonder how it will translate on the low quality UK roads. I cannot drive it here until late April but I am also considering a GL 320 CDi, big car for the roads here in the UK so it might be fairly impractical. On the other hand, it is actually an inch narrower than the X5 and only 6 inches longer and it has 2 real seats in the 3rd row.
As I said I have a 4 and 2 yr old but with the school runs, every single time we try to have a 3rd kid it is really a pain and that would be the main occasional use of the 3rd row seats. Also when we have family visiting it is obviously a plus.
Performance is better on the X5 but only 1 sec on 0-60 so not a huge deal to me and certainly not for the wife...
The ride of the GL is great, off road creds fantastic but useless to me. (drove the car at Brooklands the new Merc showcase dealership and they have an offroad testing ground along with a full track nice!)
Never owned a Merc before and the interior is OK but nowhere near as nice as the X5 is (at least from what I can tell of X5 pictures). The space factor is nonetheless the key plus along with a great ride quality.
Clealry I am going to get BMW biaised views here but nevertheless would love to hear the board thoughts on the 2 cars...
Much appreciated
Thanks

C

LVR · #2 02-14-2007, 08:32 AM

The GL has a power operated tailgate from memory? On the demo I nearly hit my head on it.... The GL reminds me more of a Jeep style of vehicle in that it's boxy and the inertior looks a bit naff.

I actually would choose a Jeep over the GL, but in comparison to the new X5 I think with both the styling and interior layout, the X5 is a clear winner. The GL reminds me of something Toyota/Lexus would offer up.

Is that a bit harsh? I don't mean to offend but the GL does not IMHO look anywhere near as hot as the X5. It's kind of like the Cayenne, ugly that only a mother could love or if it's around long enough you get used to it. resale might be a factor.....

Go the X5, wait 'till April or jump on a plane to the states (great excuse for a holiday) and take in a test drive/some wineries/disney etc for a few days...

Cheers

John

trueX5er · #3 02-14-2007, 08:48 AM

The GL is MUCH bigger than the X5....too big for me...but it does have a usable third row if that's what you are looking for...

LeMansX5 · #4 02-14-2007, 09:43 AM

Since you have been a BMW guy and like the handling and ride of BMW, you wil like the X5 better. GL drives like a big car/truck or like a Jeep Commander.

xnsf · #5 02-14-2007, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

Since you have been a BMW guy and like the handling and ride of BMW, you wil like the X5 better. GL drives like a big car/truck or like a Jeep Commander.

...why did mercedes have to share things with chrysler

cpd1 · #6 02-14-2007, 03:07 PM

Thanks guys. I appreciate the comments.
I think the GL is actually an OK looking car, I am not denying it is big but it is no Cayenne...
The points about the BMW are valid though and certainly I hope it drives much more like a normal car. I actually thought that a non sport E53 was pretty floaty hence why we got an X3. Clearly the Merc is in a different boat class but the space and 3rd row seat are really appealling.
The key is the 3rd row is going to be occasionalyl used so no way it is going to be the key driver in the decision. Have to say the GL interior is VERY low tech in comparison.
Lastly the residuals will prob be shocking on teh Merc vs the X5, don't think tehy will be as low in supply as the E53 diesels were here but nevertheless.
Any concerns in having a year 1 car?
All in I am definitely leaning towards the X5 that's why I asked the question on the X5 Board

C

LeMansX5 · #7 02-14-2007, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpd1

Any concerns in having a year 1 car?

C

BMW is financially much better than it was when E53 was released. The new BMW models coming out these days have much less bugs then what it used to be as BMW is putting a lot more in R&D with the given financial strength.