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

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!!

I drove a number of ML models before the X5 ... I don't mind the look and finish of the ML - but its a personal thing .. the ride was smoother in ML, so good for comfort, but as soon as my wife hit the first corner she commented on how rolly-polly it felt - and that was the end of that ...she loves the X5 and so do I ... we arguably traded some daily ride comfort for BMW performance - a worthy trade.

If your timeframes are tight its a no brainer ..if not then I would be tempted to wait and see what MB announce for the next ML model - I have no doubt it will be a much better buggy and may end of given the LCI's a bit of a scare until the next X5 comes out in 2012/13 ....same goes for new Cayenne ..would be worth a look and drive as everyone has different benchmarks .....and its your coin at the end of the day ...

Simply drive both and see which you prefer. I too had an 08 X5 4.8i and was looking to get the 50i until I drove a GL350. For me, I needed the extra seats at the back and BMW should feel embrassed making the X5 a 7 seater and charging for seats in the 3rd row that are useless. So, GL scored a point there. I loved the suspension in the X5 nice and tight, especially with the 20's. The GL is softer to the point that there should be no teeth chattering in long drives. Stiff suspension is good, but only for so long. The big thing for me is fuel mileage, the GL350 Diesel has nice fuel economy, especially as fuel prices keep rising.

Both ML and X5 are nice, depends on what you want. X5 is defintely more aggressive, but I think with some fender flares and 21" AMG rims, the GL/ML can be made to look nice as well.

I do see more women driving Mercs, and even my wife wants one. I tell her that I think women like Mercs as accessories to go with their LVs, Gucci's and CD ;) With the Merc appearance pkg you also get some bling ;)

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

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.

I just went true this and I choose the X5. Have to say, close call. I preferred the BMW for it's sporty ride, better looks the I-drive.

Pricing for both units is about the same, but the ML looks a bit outdated and the interior a bit dull. And the major turnoff, the shift gear. Who made that up? And yes, the MB 2012 will be totally re-designed and will make the old style look about 20 years older.