X5 3.0Si 2009 vs. ML350 2009

[deutsch100]

The ML delivers better real world fuel economy than the X5 (regardless what the EPA says). The old ML (1998-2005) was frame on frame construction, and did have a somewhat truck like drive (but not bad at all). The new ML (2006-2009) is a uni-body construction and drives amazing. It is smoother and silkier than the E70, and NO MBZ HAS EVER FELT LIKE A LEXUS, for the user who keeps insisting this. We've had 14+ Benzes, and NOT ONE has ever driven like a Lexus. Sorry!!

[golfer4life]

To each his own. Some people like the ML and some like the X5. There's no right or wrong here, just differences of preferences and opinions.

The bottom line, this is an E70 forum. If I want to tell people how great the ML's are, I would go to the ML forum and brag about it and vice versa.

The OP wants to get people's opinion if he should get a 2009 E70 or a 2009 ML and most people will tell him to get an E70. I did. The few who told him to get an ML are "most likely" the one's who are unhappy with their E70. We have to admit it, there are unhappy E70 owners out there.

I posted this same question at the RR sport forum before I got my E70 and most RR enthusiasts told me how terrible the E70 and it looks like a wagon etc. The RR Sport is exceptional and "reliable".

If you'll ask me, the RR Sport is the best "looking" SUV in the market. This is just based on looks alone.

What do I think of the old and new ML? As FSETH would say, it looks like a "soccer-mom driving rollerskate". Then again, it's just my personal opinion.

I'm just thankful to be driving an E70 every day, no matter how expensive gas prices are!

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by deutsch100

The ML delivers better real world fuel economy than the X5 (regardless what the EPA says).The old ML (1998-2005) was frame on frame construction, and did have a somewhat truck like drive (but not bad at all). The new ML (2006-2009) is a uni-body construction and drives amazing. It is smoother and silkier than the E70, and NO MBZ HAS EVER FELT LIKE A LEXUS, for the user who keeps insisting this. We've had 14+ Benzes, and NOT ONE has ever driven like a Lexus. Sorry!!

I got the fuel economy figures right off of BMWUSA and MBUSA.com. I also checked at www.fueleconomy.gov. Both have just highher for the X5 (only about 1 mpg nothing big).

It may be just opinion, but dynamically, MB doesn't compare with BMW as far as handling and driving experience.

Also, I am not big on the MB style of shoving huge displacement engines into everyhting and equipping every car with auto only transmissions. Just my opinion. It is hard to argue with MB's piss poor reliability though. Especially the V8 SUV's.

BMW's and MB's are two different types of automobiles and typically appeal to two different sets of people, although some like both.

By the way, it is just my opinion that Lexus and MB are very similar and very boring. You don't have to agree with that, but at the same time neither of us are wrong. It is all opinion.