GO1234

Why did you pick ML over X5, if you did consider X5 before buying your ML?
Thanx for sharing your thoughts.

shotgun_banjo

The wife will only accept a Mercedes and nothing more. I get better rates on the ML. I did try really hard to convince my wife to go for a X5 and failed horribly.

GO1234

interesting you say that. I asked my wife if she was to choose ML400 or X5 35i (which she really doesn't know the difference I am sure), she said MB. I think MB has built a brand that is more "prestige" to the general public.


We are just trying to decide which is a better choice in terms of reliability, comfort, resale value, maintenance cost, and etc.

GregGebhardt

I drove the X5 and was not impressed with the overall interior finish. The ride was not near as nice and the X5 had considerably more interior noise than the BT.

LonghornDXB

I chose the 350, then switched to the X5, and then back to the ML500 as it was cheaper than the V8 X5 with far more options.

The new X5 does not feel as solid as the ML, just check out the door closing sound. Apart from that, cargo space is smaller and the ride is not as comfortable.

Wolfman

I did like the new model X5. Dealer only had one in stock (at $71k) at the time which was definitely nicer from the interior than the ML we got, but the lack of cargo space made me pick the ML.

SEXYBEEST

i had the range rover sport ordered and delivered, loved the way it drove, braked amenities, power, loved everything about the car but could not get over the 5k plus MSRP. IT WAS NOT WORTH 20K MORE THAN THE ML. i have a fully loaded ml that runs great, looks good.

galion

Looks aside, IMO the new X5 is miles ahead over my 2013 W166, better interior, better ride, much better gearbox, feels faster.
If I were going to buy today, Id go for an X5 with MSport package and 20" wheels.

flexstar

Had two ML's and into my second X5 and when it comes to a SAV I'm a BMW guy. Wife loves her E350 and it a great driving vehicle but doesn't suit my needs.

27T

We have both a 2013 BT and a 2015 X5. Both great. Buy the one you like to drive, look at and be seen in. If you decide MB and can wait, get the 2016 because it'll be updated significantly.

Kaasmann

If you are 6'7' (200 cm) tall, driving from the backseat in an X5 is the only possible solution. I guess it would be OK, but I don't want to be known as a backseat driver.

Obenmb

I really wanted an X5 but my ML400 in black with Designo auburn interior was the best combination. Besides it's my wife's dream SUV. I am next and I think I will get a Range Rover or a Tesla model X

Koenig1

I test drove both before choosing the ML. What bright light BMW designer thought folding the rear seats down to a max 40* angle (instead of flat) would be acceptable? Try putting a dog crate in with the dog looking at the ceiling??? Nice vehicle, rear seats are just plain stupid.... When people want space in an SUV, a flat surface is most desired!!!

nvsocr7

If you want comfort and features, go with merc. if you want to really feel a rush everytime you hit the gas(ie you drive a lot of highway, young, etc), go with the x5. I picked the GLE 350 4matic based upon having driven/owned an older e320, the newer ones are gimped with the software/adaptive transmission and it makes me want to leave mercedes. I drove the x5 for a week on a trip down the pacific coast highway. by far the most fun I've had. Hit the gas, you get knocked into your seat, that doesn't happen with the ML and both are SUVs. The ride is rougher, you don't get the comfort street(you miss it on long trips), it is smaller for cargo space(i can fit A LOT in my ML compared to the x5), and it's way more $$ for less features/comfort. All depends on what your goal is. My current self, better suited with the x5, my self in 2-3 years, the GLE hands down(but get the upgrades on the lightttss!, seriously, spend the money, the stock lights are inadequate)

The G Man

Actually, if I want to feel a rush, I would buy a sport sedan or a sport coupe, a SUV is still a SUV no matter how you cut it. I have driven the X5 many times, both the F15 and E70, it is sportier than the ML, but in a SUV this size, comfort is more important than sportiness.

skw

That was my feeling as well. I am BMW man all the way thru. However, for our family vehicle, I tried to get an X5 a couple of times. In 2010 but ended up w/ the MDX because of price, in 2012 ended up w/ the ML350 BTC for the ride and punchier diesel, and again in 2015 ended up w/ the GLE350 because it was easier trading the ML. I always smile driving an X5 and it is a more fun and sportier drive but being an suv, can only push it so far, even though it begs for more. I'd rather have the car for that. Hence why back to MB for a softer more relaxed ride.

nvsocr7

I completely agree however OP was asking between the two so since I had the experience, figure I'd share it. I know buying an SUV isn't going to be for kicks, but sometimes people want a fun ride as well. My reason for an SUV had a lot to do with safety (drive highway daily and winters are brutal) as opposed to consistently filling it.

The G Man

SUV is actually less safe on the highway, more tendency to roll over, longer braking distance and harder to maneuver in an emergency. In the snow, a probably equipped AWD sedan will out perform a SUV with same tires due to its lower center of gravity, of course SUV will have the ground clearance advantage.

The G Man

We had 5 BMW between the wife and I before we move on to Mercedes. BMW make nice cars, hate their runflats thought. The wife like SUV, so I am lucky enough to have owned a BMW 650 Gran coupe and now a Mercedes CLS550. One option Mercedes offers that BMW doesn't is the airmatic suspension, its like having the best of both world, a comfortable ride or a stiffer handling suspension.

SRNH

Sharing thoughts on my 2014 ML350.

My wife and I own a Bull Terrier "SPUD or TARGET DOG" named Smiley. He's a part of our family and as such we take him with us, Backseats down/stow, Plastic Dog Kennel aka Crate for a 75 pound dog, strapped in tight. sleeps like a Baby............


With that in Mind: Wife and I found the 2014 X5 Rear Seats did not lay flat when reclined. The ML350 Rear Seat's bottom cushion flips upward against the front seats then the backrest folds forward providing a level/stable area. The X5 Bottom cushion stays in-place and therefore when the backrest folds forward it lays on an angle. Found the overall headroom with the rear seats down/stow was 4 or 5 inches greater in the ML350 & needed for the Dog Crate. Lastly, if I remember correctly that something was odd with the rear door/hatch, maybe it was another model but one of them opened in two parts upper/lower.

NickW

I think the exterior styling of the X5 is hands down better than the Mercedes. But unless you are buying a 2014 or newer X5, the interior is so outdated it's unbelievable. Being comfortable and enjoying the vehicle from where I'll be sitting is really important to me, especially when I'm dropping this much money. That's why I went with the Mercedes. I was looking at used vehicles and the 2014+ bmw's were more than what I wanted to spend.

The G Man

I guess that's a matter of opinion, many reviewers stated that the new X5 looks too much like a mini van.

NickW

Well...yeah it's a matter of opinion, that's why a preceded it with "I think...", haha. The X5 just looks a little more aggressive to me, which I like. But of course now that you've pointed that out I'm going to constantly compare it to a mini-van now!

The G Man

Can you see the minivan resemblance?

NickW

Oh wow. "Introducing the BMW Minivan M-Sport...." haha!


I still like the rear and the front of the X5. Seems more aggressive to me. But overall I think the ML is nicer, which is why I bought one!