X5 vs. ML350 Ride Quality and Tire Selection

[ABMW]

Originally Posted by scchang

No. I read a lot about it here. What I took away was that with the adaptive mode off, the ride was the same as with the standard suspension. With adaptive on, the ride was stiffer.

It's moot since the car is in production, unless I don't take the car and reorder with adaptive suspension. However, if what I read is true, I don't think it would make sense to get it. Is it your opinion that the ride is softer with adaptive suspension?

Ride is stiffer with adaptive suspension, even if it's not in sport-mode.

By no means is it softer. The harshness is close to a 335i with the sport package. If you're looking for a soft ride AVOID the adaptive drive.

I have it, and while I enjoy the ride, others have commented about the harshness.

In uphill twisty roads it handles exceedingly well for a 5900+ lbs. truck.

The ML350 is garbage, compared to the X5. Everything from the lightness of its steering, which is borderline dangerous, to the plastic switch quality which is straight out of a Kia, it's behind the BMW on all regards in my opinion.

I really have never driven a $50k+ vehicle that felt as cheap as the Mercedes ML350. Get the BMW, but save the $3500 on the adaptive drive and put it towards something worthwhile, especially since you're wife is going to be very unhappy with the firm ride.