X5 vs ML?
 

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

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 :) )

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.

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.

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

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

Before getting my E70 I drove the ML320 or 350 Bluetech (can't remember). I really wanted to like the ML because this was going to be our 4th BMW and I thought I wanted something different but, there is nothing special about the ML to me with the exception of the AMG version.

The entire vehicle just seemed remarkably average to me. Nice but boring, no features really stood out to me or made me think I was in something special. It could have been a Lexus or Honda just as easily as an M-B. On the road it was pretty soul less especially when compared to the X5. After driving the E70 I knew for sure there was no way I would ever be happy with the ML.

I've never driven the previous model X5 so, I can't really comment on the differences between these two vehicles and it but, you should absolutely go drive the E70 before you waste too much time thinking about the ML.

I should have added that I drove my wife's ML (whenever I needed a SUV) before I bought my X5.

Now, I NEVER drive that ML any more (unless I have to take trash to the dump :) )

We seriously considered the ML 320 BlueTec when we got out 2009 35d. What made the choice easier was an extended test drive of both on twisty, hilly 2 lane country roads at night. I strongly recommend you do this prior to making any decision. Preferably do the test drives in the rain.

Be sure to drive the ML long enough to judge the comfort of the seats on a long trip and get familiar with the various stalks on the steering column, especially the shifter and cruise control. And really pay attention to the differences between the iDrive controller and multi-button M-B Command system.

FWIW the choice for us was not a slam dunk. But in the end, we felt the X5 was better overall largely because we never got comfortable with the M-B driver controls and handling.

Funf Dreisig

Drove the ml once before leasing my x in 07. Was an easy choice and frankly I ranked the cayenne base model/07 mdx/ rr sport above the ml. The exterior is feminine to my eyes, but that was not enough to deter me. The interior is crap. Looks like they pulled it right out of a 99 lincoln town car or something. The shifter on the wheel is something that also prevented me from driving the gl as well. The x is superior in every aspect. Go drive both and you will not have much to think about.