The BMW X5 Overview

In 1999, BMW forever altered the automotive landscape with the launch of the world's first Sports Activity Vehicle® – the now legendary X5. Never before had anyone thought it possible to effectively infuse a vehicle of such size and versatility with the soul and athleticism of an authentic sports sedan.

Now, more than a decade later, no fewer than nine other premium nameplates have their sites set on competing with the X5. Unfortunately for them, the 2011 BMW X5 is the beneficiary of more than 4,000 new parts, all created by BMW designers and engineers to create a vehicle that is unmatched in its ability to blend driving dynamics, responsiveness, and agility with utility, versatility and luxuriousness.

Need proof? As of June 2010, no other competitor listed on this page offers more horsepower, more torque, or a faster 0 – 60 mph time than its direct X5 counterpart. Yet despite the clear power advantage, only one can match the X5's fuel efficiency.

The Mercedes-Benz ML550 Overview

Built in Alabama, the 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML represented the first time an import brand entered the newly emerging premium SUV category. The V-6 powered ML320 quickly became a huge sales success, despite having earned a reputation for minivan-like styling and less-than-stellar build quality. One year later, Mercedes unveiled the V-8 powered ML430 in a bid to attract more male buyers. Over its three generations, the ML430 has evolved, first into the ML500, and then into the 2008 ML550.

To visually distinguish the ML550 from the base ML350, Mercedes dipped into the AMG parts bin and added a body kit with large, chiseled bumpers, 19" AMG alloy wheels, and standard running boards. To distinguish it in terms of performance, they utilized the same 5.5-liter V-8 engine that powers all current Benz models wearing a "550" badge. It produces an admirable 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft. of torque that propels it to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The X5 xDrive50 clocks in at 5.3 seconds, while providing the added benefit of superior fuel economy.

The ML550 is available exclusively with 4MATIC AWD – a mechanically-based set-up that limits power transfer to 70% at either axle in poor traction situations. By contrast, BMW's xDrive system can send 100% of the available torque to either set of wheels. And unlike xDrive, 4MATIC is incapable of proactively preventing understeer and/or oversteer situations.

The interior of the ML550 is nicely appointed, but criticism is often levied for its fussy, difficult-to-use electronic systems, including Navigation. This is due in large part to the lack of a centralized, iDrive-like controller. It's also notable that the 3rd row seat has been deleted, and leather is optional.

What BMW offers…

• TwinPower Turbo engine produces 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque
• Broad torque curve supplying maximum power from an incredibly low 1750 – 4500 rpm
• 0 – 60 mph in 5.3 seconds
• 8-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission improves acceleration while reducing fuel consumption
• 14 mpg city / 20 mpg highway
• Brake Energy Regeneration only charges the battery when coasting or braking, saving 1-2% on fuel consumption
• Standard Brake Stand-by and Brake Fade Compensation for improved braking
• 13.7-inch front / 13.6-inch rear brake rotors, and the rear discs are ventilated to improve cooling
• xDrive is able to send 100% of power to the rear wheels, or 100% of the available power to the front wheels. xDrive can also proactively dial-out unwanted understeer and oversteer before they occur
• 12 year Corrosion Warranty speaks to the high level of detail and quality craftsmanship that goes into every BMW
• iDrive is standard on every X5 and it includes six Programmable Memory Keys and a 6.5-inch central display monitor
• The X5 includes standard leather seating with the choice of 3 available wood trims or aluminum trim. Upgraded Nappa leather is also optional
• The standard audio system includes HD Radio and 10 speakers
• Standard dual-panel Panoramic moonroof
• For added safety, the X5 features standard Xenon Adaptive headlights, Cornering Lights, LED taillights and Adaptive Brake Lights
• Run-flat tires are standard
• Every BMW is supported by the BMW Maintenance Program for 4 years / 50,000 miles
• Maintenance intervals at approximately 15,000 miles or 12 months year (whichever occurs first)
• Heat-at-Rest is standard
• A power tilt/telescope steering column is standard, as is a driver's seat memory system
• Head-up Display, Automatic High Beams and Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go are optional
• Side View and Top View Cameras are optional
• A 3rd row seat is optional and includes a self-leveling rear suspension and 3rd row climate controls
• The X5's stellar handling and agility can be further enhanced with optional Active Steering, Active Roll Stabilization and Electronic Damping Control
• Optional BMW Assist includes 4 years of service when purchased. TeleService is also included
• An optional Active Ventilated Seat Package includes 20-way power multi-contour front seats with Active Support massage and ventilation.
• Optional Navigation system includes an 8.8-inch display monitor and free Real-Time Traffic Information
• A 12GB Music Collection is included with optional Navigation
• The optional premium sound system includes 16 speakers
• The optional M Sport Package includes sport seats and a sport steering wheel
• Lane Departure Warning is optional

 

What Mercedes-Benz doesn’t…

• Naturally aspirated engine produces only 382 horsepower, and 391 lb-ft of torque
• Narrower torque curve that peaks at 2800 – 4800 rpm, resulting in slower acceleration
• 0 – 60 mph in 5.6 seconds
• 7-speed Touch Shift automatic transmission that delivers neither better acceleration, nor superior fuel economy
• 13 mpg city / 18 mpg highway
• The ML550's alternator constantly charges the battery, thereby wasting fuel
• Brake Stand-by and Brake Fade Compensation are not available on the ML550
• 13.0-inch front / 13.0-inch rear brake rotors, and the rear discs are solid
• 4MATIC can only send 70% of power to the rear wheels or 70% to the front wheels. 4MATIC is also a reactive system that can only begin to help after understeer or oversteer situations occur
• 4 year Corrosion Warranty speaks to a paint process that is substandard compared to BMW
• A central controller is not available and a display monitor is only included with optional Navigation. PMK's are not available
• MB-Tex vinyl is standard and only one wood trim choice is available. Leather is an option, but an upgraded leather interior is not available
• HD Radio is optional and the standard audio system includes only 8 speakers
• Standard single panel traditional moonroof
• Xenon Adaptive headlights, Cornering Lights and LED taillights are optional. Adaptive Brake Lights are not available
• Run-flat tires are not available
• Edmunds.com estimates it costs nearly $44/month to maintain the ML550 during the first 3 years of ownership
• Maintenance intervals at 10,000 miles or 12 months (whichever occurs first)
• Heat-at-Rest is not available
• Both a power tilt/telescope steering column and a driver's seat memory system are optional
• Head-up Display, Automatic High Beams and Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go are not available
• Side View and Top View Cameras are not available
• A 3rd row seat is not available. Seating is limited to 5 passengers
• The ML550 lacks the athleticism of the X5 and yet fails to offer Active Steering, Active Roll Stabilization or Electronic Damping Control
• mbrace® is standard, but only includes 6 months of service free of charge. TeleService is not available
• The ML550 features only 8-way power front seats that also include 4-way power lumbar support. Ventilated front seats and a massage function are not available
• Optional Navigation features a 6.5-inch display and traffic information requires a monthly Sirius subscription
• A 4GB music jukebox is optional
• The optional premium sound system includes 11 speakers
• Sport seats and a sport steering wheel are not available on the ML550
• Lane Departure Warning is not available

 

"The 2011 BMW X5 is one of the best-handling midsize luxury crossovers you can buy. Whether driving on back

roads or on an endless expanse of interstate, the X5 is a champ." Edmunds.com

 

Shelly BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Anaheim, Atwood, Brea, Buena Park, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, La Palma, La Habra, Lakewood, Midway, Placentia, Pomona, Rowland Heights, Stanton, Whittier, Westminster and Yorba Linda.