1984911Targa

What are your thoughts on the two cars?

Michael

gsrjc

ML definitely... RX doesn't handle as good as the ML. RX doesn't accelerate as good as the ML. RX is basically a toyota.

akbro93704

I agree 100%

firstmbml350

Hands down ML, no comparison with raised Camry...!!

PHYBENZ

If you are going to get the RX just save yourself some money and get the toyota highlander, same car....

Definetly go with the ML... Newer car, much nicer design, and bigger inside.

MVillareal

LOL you shoulda known better than to pose that question on a benz forum. On a serious tip, I can't agree more, the ML just carries so much more status and elegence, not to mention the power, handling and performance advantages that the ML has.

I had the opportunity to drive the Lexie when we were still shopping for the ML and I gotta tell you, there is no contest. There are some great features on the RX but you cannot compare a glorified Toyota to the workmanship and reputation of MB. (Not to mention the ongoing excellent customer service you receive after the purchase!)

ruykava

haha absolutely, absolutely, absolutely ML. it costs more, feels more, does more. saw a few on the street today, looks like they're starting to sell - it looks amazing out there in real sunlight, surrounded by lesser cars.

the lexus (aka toyota harrier) is just, as mentioned above, a raised camry - same platform. sure, if all you want is looks, by all means. but the ML is the real deal.

AsianML

This is true. Post this in a Lexus forum and they'll say the RX. I've been to a couple of the forums and they all say the RX. I'm thinking of joining a Lexus forum and saying bad things about the RX and praise the ML. Maybe.

My vote goes for the ML. Sure, there are things that the RX has that the ML doesn't. But the list of the features the ML has the RX doesn't is far greater.

BoBcanada

RX are for ladies.

vraa

Concurred.

jjl12

i'm not going to bash the RX, because it's a good car, but in terms of driving dynamics, the RX just can't compare. I've driven both the RX300 and 330, and they both felt way too light on the steering and soft in suspension, especially if you have Airmatic in the sport setting in the ML. The ML looks and feels more expensive, which it is. also, there are SO many RX's on the road, it's boring. it's fun getting into my ML every time. did notice more ML's on the road though, which is cool. the ML's turn my head every time, where i won't blink at an RX.

however, if you're main (an only) priority is reliability, go for the RX. so far, the only problem i've had in my ML is a slight vibration noise coming from the gap between the front console plate and the sides of the center console, but this will be addressed at my first service. i think you'll have zero issues with the RX. plus, i would check out the RX400h, just to be different, and increased gas mileage is always nice, especially if you drive often in the city/traffic.

bottom line - no way in hell i would trade my ML for someone's RX.

Bipasha493

ML350!

1984911Targa

While driving home there was a ML350 and then a RX330 behind it.

The ML350 won on the looks hands down.

Michael

fides7

not sure if this will be make a difference to you, but RX is getting 3.5 L engine in April 06.

Curious George

I kind of agree the RX for the ladies and ML for guys. However I would disagree with the person who gave the ML better marks for workmanship. I have about 16,000 miles on my ML 500 and already it has a rattle in the dash, a squeal under the hood(though it seems to have gone away so it was likely a belt) the seat memory has gone nuts, and the rain sensing wipers would likely sometimes go on in the middle of the Mojave desert.
As for dealers, I have always been treated better at Lexus dealerships.

MB Fanatic

It will still be greatly underpowered. Besides you might as well buy a real SUV and not a glorified Toyota Camry.

AsianML

Well, with Lexus' new line engines coming up, they won't be underpowered for long. Same with their new hybrid engines. You can get 306-hp out of the IS's V6.

MB Fanatic

Whats the point if it drive like **** though? I test drove the new IS350 and the engine response was not as linear or instant as my E350, or even the new BMW 330i engine.

In the end, I wouldn't be caught driving a glorified camry that has no offroad capabilties, isnt a unit-body vehicle, has horrible driving characteristics, and a funky shape.

AsianML

I actually like the RX's styling. I like the RX400h styling a little better with the added air thingy in the bumper. And other things around, only thing is no wood trim in interior.

But I have to agree with you on the crappy driving characteristics. No point in all that power if you can't feel it.

1984911Targa

I just wish you could get a ML for the RL price. I am trying to cut back coming from a Denali XL.

Michael

diamondblak05

I don't own a ML or a RX330, but my dad has an RX and my neighbor has the new ML350, which I've driven and rode in it many times. As far as driving characteristics, the ML wins hands down. But for smoothness and noise isolation, RX all the way. Power wise, ML. Interior feel and overall quality, RX. Price and features, RX. Customer service after the sales, LEXUS! Overall, on paper, the RX wins easily, which is why it's the #1 sellling SUV on the market. But really, though my dad owns one, i personally think it should've been for my mom and my dad in the X5.

ruykava

i have to disagree with you on "interior feel and overall quality" - RX. because i've sat in the new ML and some of my family have the RX, and i don't think the quality can even begin to compare. the RX has some swathes of nice materials (like the wood on the armrest/console), but way too much cheap and hollow plastics. i'd prefer the consistent ML quality any day.

PHYBENZ

I sat again in an ML this weekend, and was thoroughly impressed by the build quality. It felt so solid inside, I was really impressed, and the materials were tasteful and everything felt so well put together. RX's materials I don't think are as nice, the silver colored buttons make things look maybe better, but the dash and door panel materials anre not durable and over little time become shiny.

diamondblak05

Indeed the ML have a solid feel when closing the doors and eveything looks expensive, but to me, it doesn't feel as luxurious as the RX. The leather are rough and hard, the dash layout isn't as nicely put as the RX, and the steering wheel is hideous (reminds me of a domestic car). Here's some comparison pics I got from ebay:

AsianML

diamondblak05- I kinda agree with you everything, including the steering wheel. But the steering wheel with the wood trim beats the RX steering wheel.

My cousin has an RX, and his just isn't as nice as my W163.(Ok maybe not true, but for sure imo the W164 is nicer.

Lexus is all luxury, the MB is sport/luxo combo.