X5 vs ML?

[xymox]

Hi guys, I'm ready to let the old 53 3.0 go and get the 70...Here's a little dilemma...I drove my friends ML and it didn't feel that bad. I've been BMW driver/fan for a long time and was looking into getting the new x5 without question until this little bump.

Am I comparing the new ML to my old X? I know it's unfair without trying to new one that's why I'm hoping you can give me some comparisons if you've driven both.

I found this thread also and man, there's some serious hate going on.

Should I get the BMW X5 or MB ML350? - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

[brian5]

xymox,

I'm assuming that you're male. I have a simple answer for you (based on MANY observations).

The ML is a women's car (not that there's anything wrong with that )

[FSETH]

Why not just go to the dealer and drive one?

I read through all of that thread that I could stomach. There is some strong hating going on over there, but there was also a lot of love as well.

Funny that some actually thought the ML was better handling than the X though.

[mtech8]

Isn't the ML close to the end of it's current lifecycle? I believe I saw something on Edmunds Inside line that talked about the next Gen ML's following BMW and are gonna use turbo's too. I think that would definitely change the game.

But at present especially with the LCI, the X5 dominates over the ML. But at the end of the day, both are still goods cars. It's just want you want and like.

[BGM]

Originally Posted by mtech8

Isn't the ML close to the end of it's current lifecycle? I believe I saw something on Edmunds Inside line that talked about the next Gen ML's following BMW and are gonna use turbo's too. I think that would definitely change the game.

But at present especially with the LCI, the X5 dominates over the ML. But at the end of the day, both are still goods cars. It's just want you want and like.

Remember, too, the e70 lifecycle should be done by 2013--that's only a couple years away.

[deutsch100]

I've owned a 2004 X5 4.4i and a 2004 X5 4.8is. I then owned a 2007 X5 3.0si and a 2008 X5 4.8i.

I have also owned a 2001 ML320, a 2008 ML63 AMG and a 2009 ML63 AMG

The ML and the E70 are actually both in the last 2 years of production. Sometime in 2012 (end of the year), Mercedes and BMW should roll out the new ML and the new X5.

Both cars drive great. The engine and transmissions in all my MLs were much smoother than all the X5s. Brakes felt better in all X5s, compared to the MLs. The ML brakes are great, but the BMW brakes felt better, and were a tad more responsive.

HVAC in all MLs was leaps and bounds better than in all X5s. Navigation and entertainment systems were about the same in both the BMW and the Mercedes.

The E70 looks more aggressive than the ML, although the ML63 looks really hot...it is about $95,000, so A LOT more than a I6 or V8 X5!!

The ML is a lot more comfortable, especially with Airmatic Suspension. The X5 feels rough and too firm, compared with the ML. The ML is NOT squishy, as a lot of Mercedes bashers like to say! The Lexus RX is squishy, not the ML! With Airmatic Air Suspension, you can choose Comfort, Normal or Sport. So, the ML has more suspension options than the X5!

My E70s had more electronic problems than my MLs. My ML was not perfect in terms of reliability, but my X5s were in the shop more!

Free maintenance is HUGE for the BMW. Brakes and rotors for an ML63 is about $3500 and about $1200.00 for non AMG versions. Scheduled A, B, C, D...Mercedes Services run anywhere from $200-$800+. In the BMW everything is free.

Hope this helps you!!

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by deutsch100

The ML and the E70 are actually both in the last 2 years of production. Sometime in 2012 (end of the year), Mercedes and BMW should roll out the new ML and the new X5.

The next gen X5 is coming in 2013 as 2014 model.

[bigx5er]

I thought the ML was a respectable ride. I like the interior room over the X5 for me since I am tall. But the ML also felt larger and I didn't care for the steering, I like heavier steering. Mercedes builds a decent car, I just am more into the sportier look of BMW along with the BMW interior and controls.

I actually prefer the Acura MDX over the ML for a larger sized SUV and the Audi Q5 for something smaller without the third row seat.

[PasPar2]

MLs are ugly as sin and arcane compared the the my11 x5

[nom3rcy]

lol @ the pompous blowbags in that Mercedes thread

If I were you I'd go drive the e70 if that's what you're thinking of buying - no point in comparing the ML to the older model X5