Im getting a new wintervehicle and I need some opinions on which one to chose.

I prefer the ML55 styling in some way, black ML55 with 20"-21" and larger chromed exhausts.

But then I talked to a friend that has owned both and he pretty much said that the ML55 is more like a grand cherokee (driving wise), while the X5 feels like driving a good german sedan.

I know this is a merc forum but if someone has experience of both suv's, or reasons for me to chose the ML55 (except exterior styling), please post some replys

I never drive an X5 4.6 is but its sure He has better performance on the road !! It's like a powerfull sedan, it's an extraordinary vehicule but in France and in Europe also we have the new engine for the X5 its the 4.8 is...most powerfull but expensive : 87 250 € -> 104,000 $...360 HP

yea the X5 will handle better than the ML and has more features than the ML as well. If the ML can be had for cheaper (which i am sure it can) I would probably take that just because I love the styling of it. I also believe that the Mercedes is safer which is very important to me. Compare the thickness of the A-pillars on the ML to the X5... you will notice that the ML has very beefy A-pillars which can save your life if ever involved in a rollover.

we dont have the 4.6 anymore here in the states. the x5 lineup is 3.0, 4.4 and 4.8

Wait until next year for the new design.

i never liked the handling of the ML.
The BMW X series is a great SUV with handling power etc. but it's getting outdated.

Go for the Porsche Cayenne. I have my 05 model waiting to be delivered.

Go for the X5, I have a 4.4i and I've driven all sorts of X's and all sorts of Cayennes ranging from stock to modified beyond dreams, and the X outhandles all of them.

Trust me, you want as much handling as you can on SAV's like these.

Take X5, there is also 4.8l version, very fast, better than a ML55

just hope neither car breaks down on you

get the Lexus LX470

4.6 or 4.8 they are way better cars then ML55, drove 4.6 few times and it handles like a dream, Ml55 is not even close, also raced 4.6 in a straight line they are pretty much the same. Also build quality of x5 is way better!

Or wait till the new ML!

The X5 and the ML are both going to be completely new in 2006. Though the X5 is going to be bigger, so it probably won't handle as well.

I recently drove both the 4.4i and 4.8is. The 4.4i is a complete piece of crap handling wise and the tires suck, the 4.8is corrects all the problems of the 4.4i but I was looking at 72,000 for the 4.8is and personally i prefer an Ml500 over an X5 4.4i and the 4.6is has the same 0-60, but can't hold as many g's in the corner as an Ml55.

had a x5 and sold it because the drivers position cannot be adjusted for long legs and comfort of a arm rest. ride in one for a while before you pick against a ml for comfort.

not sure if this helps any but the ML55 has a low end gear box switch and the X5 doesnt... if it snow alot where you are, or think you may want to go "light off roading" you may wanna keep this in mind and pick the ML over the X

I had and '03 4.4 and loved it. It handled well and could be driven hard up windy roads. The vehicle is vault-like and fun to drive. Mine had the sport package with the 19 in wheels. The X5 makes the M look like a sissy car. The only reason that I traded was because I was tired of driving an SUV. I'm not a BMW apologist, but its a good vehicle that IMO looks and feels superior to the Mercedes. If I had enless money, I'd buy the BMW again. I'd never buy the M as long as it looks like a sissy wagon.

First off concerning some of the previous posts....the A-pillar size is somewhat important especially in an impact situation because that is usually where your head hits. I cant speak for the M, but most if not all X5's have airbags coming out of the A-pillar. So maybe the size of the A-pillar doesnt matter as much as you think cuz an air bag is going to pop out.

Concerning the difference in handling of the 4.4 and the 4.6/4.8, yes the 19" tires/wheels on the 4.4 made it handle poorly compared to the 4.6/4.8. But IMHO the biggest reason for that is because of the tire/wheel combination. I swapped my stock 5 spoke 19" tires/wheels for the 20" with Michelin Diamaris combo found on the 4.6 and the handling was light years different. It handles like a sports car now with little body roll. But it is slightly bumpier, noisier, and less fuel efficient due to the wider tires. Even so, handling=safety and fun so ill take the trade off any day.

sorry to thread crap

T

oh...and i think the new upcoming M model is worth waiting for. I havent seen the new upcoming BMW X5 yet.

T

Complete piece of crap handling wise? Yea right it was probably just out of your budget. Michilin Tires are by no means ****ty, you could always replace them if you wanted lol. The tires on the 4.6 are also michilins so I don't understand how the "tires sucked" was it a pre-owned vehicle with some mileage on the tires already? Not only does the 4.4i sound good, it looks better than an ML. Not saying ML's arn't good looking, I had looked into a ML350 before, but the X5 has a nicer interior and better styling by far. Both the 2006 ML and X5 look like some cheapened japanese projects- especially the grill on the new ML omg. ML55 is a cool car though, if offered- i'd take one

Yea...like i said, the only reason i think he felt the handling was poor was because of the wheel/tire combo. I have felt the difference between both the 19 and 20 inch combos and can tell you first hand that the 20" with Michelins are probably the reason.

T