Your search for German made luxury SUVs will certainly bring you to a point where you will be comparing the BMW X5 vs. the Mercedes-Benz ML Class. Both are close to the same price range when used, and they both come with similar features. So what does one have over the other? That is what we will try to find out in this comparison review.
BMW X5 vs. Mercedes-Benz ML Class Side by Side Comparison
How well do the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML Class compare with each other? Let’s take a look at their engine performance, fuel economy and features.
| BMW X5 | Mercedes-Benz ML Class |
|
|---|---|---|
| Engine Performance | 184 – 575 hp | 335 hp |
| Fuel Consumption | ~10.6 km/l | ~9.4 km/l |
| Key Features | Built-in Monitor Sunroof Power Windows | Cruise Control Adjustable Sunroof High Ground Clearance |
| Capacity | 5 Passengers | 5 Passengers |
| BE FORWARD Price (Click Prices to Shop) | $2,000 - $10,000 | $5,500 - $13,000 |
Introducing the BMW X5
Click for Low Cost BMW X5 Models
The BMW X5 first made its appearance in 1999 as the very first SUV from this Bavarian car-maker. It would be in production until 2006, when the second generation X5 was launched with improvements including an all-wheel-drive system that was combined with an automatic transmission. The third generation started production from 2013 to 2018, with a number of further improvements and incorporating the latest technology features.
Introducing the Mercedes-Benz ML Class
Click for Low Cost Mercedes-Benz ML Class Models
The first Mercedes Benz ML Class was produced in 1998. It was the ML 320, which came with a 215hp, 3.2-liter V6 engine. This vehicle would see more specifications added with time, including a V8 engine that was included in the M Class Benz produced in 1999. While the first models in production had minor stability control issues, this was fixed in the later models.
Used Pricing Comparison
A used BMW X5 on BE FORWARD will cost you anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000, excluding shipping and port clearing charges. On the other hand, a used Mercedes-Benz ML Class can cost anywhere between $5,500 to $13,000, making it considerably more expensive than a BMW X5.
Make/Model: BMW X5
Average Used BF Price: $2,000 to $10,000*
Make/Model: Mercedes-Benz ML Class
Average Used BF Price: $5,500 to $13,000*
*Based on average 2018 BE FORWARD pricing
Interior & Exterior Comparison
BMW X5
The BMW X5 is a 5-door, 5-seater luxury SUV that includes a big interior with enough space to carry five tall adults comfortably. The interior of the BMW X5 has a number of advanced features befitting its status. Among the most obvious features include its convenient 10-way adjustable front seats. The driver’s seat has features like lumbar support, heated seats, and is available in leather.
Above: Front interior of a used 2002 BMW X5
Some of the many other interior features include a built-in system monitor, navigation system and smart device integration system, front and rear cup holders, power control for the tailgate, sunroof and all-power windows. Like many BMWs, this model makes the cockpit a driver-centric affair, with all of the features being within easy reach. In addition, it has a telescopic steering wheel as well as a useful footrest. The BMW X5 is available with an automatic transmission.
The total trunk volume of the X5 is around 1,076L, and located behind the second-row seats. The second-row seats are also available in an easy split style, so you can increase the cargo volume if you wish. Folding down the seats will increase the cargo space to a convenient 2,152L, and the cargo area can be hidden so passersby will not see what you carry in your trunk.
Above: Back interior of a used 2001 BMW X5
While the interior of the X5 offers bountiful features, its exterior is also eye candy for any person that values a good-looking vehicle. While the perfect side trims and the tapered roof give this vehicle the look of an aggressive station wagon, the high ground clearance tells you it’s an SUV. Its tire size is P255/50WR19, and the standard rims are alloy.
Mercedes-Benz ML Class
This is a 5-door (including the tailgate), 5-seater SUV with an all-wheel-drive system, meaning that it transfers power to the wheels that need a better grip most at the required time. In comparison to the BMW X5, the ML Class is certainly bigger inside and seats 5 adults with space to spare for the knees of all passengers.
Above: Front interior of a used 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML Class
It offers a total trunk volume of close to 1,081L, and if you fold the rear seats this volume increases to about 2,273L. Also noteworthy are the trailer pulling capacity (offered with some models), cup holders, built-in ashtray, cooled glove box, sunglasses holder, and door and seat pockets—there is more than enough internal storage to neatly carry small goods, particularly on the driver’s side.
The interior comes with additional features like nine airbags, a four-zone automatic air conditioner, cruise control system, memory seats with lumbar support, and manually adjustable rear seats which can be heated and cooled as required. The headrests (rear and front) are adjustable. Other features include electronic retractable side mirrors, power windows, and sun visors with mirrors for both the driver and front passenger.
Above: Back interior of a used 2009 Mercedes-Benz
The most notable exterior features of the ML Class are unmistakably Mercedes-Benz with its suave metal styling, high ground clearance, chrome exhaust pipe, an aggressive-looking three-slat grill, electronic adjustable sunroof, and multiple spoke alloy wheels. 20-inch wheels with multi spoke alloys complete this model’s excellent exterior.
Make/Model: BMW X5
Seating: 5 / Doors: 5
Weight (kg): ~2,280
Make/Model: Mercedes-Benz ML Class
Seating: 5 / Doors: 4
Weight (kg): ~2,380
Engine & Fuel Efficiency Comparison
BMW X5
Above: Engine of a used 2010 BMW X5
The X5‘s 2011 model, for example, comes with a 3.0-liter twin power turbo engine DOHC I-6 24V, 6-cylinder, petrol engine, with the fuel system being gasoline direct injection. It has a tank capacity of 83.3 liters, and a fuel consumption of around 10.6km per liter. It’s rear wheel drivetrain comes with automatic transmission and a six-speed gearbox. This vehicle can do a top speed of 225 km per hour, which is similar to the M Class Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz ML Class
Above: Engine of a used 2004 Mercedes Benz ML Class
The ML Class has a 3.0L 224bhp V6 Diesel Engine with 6 cylinders and 4 valves for every cylinder. The fuel system type is multipoint injection with an all-wheel-drive train. It’s an automatic transmission vehicle with 6 or 8 speeds, with a top speed close to 225km per hour. The fuel consumption for a 2011 Mercedes Benz M Class is about 9.4km per liter. With a fuel tank capacity of a whopping 93 liters, this model is sure to take you where you need to go.
Make/Model: BMW X5
Engine: ~4-cylinder
Fuel Consumption (km/l): ~10.6
Fuel Tank Capacity (l): ~83.3
Fuel Type: Petrol / Diesel
Make/Model: Mercedes-Benz ML Class
Engine: ~4-cylinder
Fuel Consumption (km/l): ~9.4
Fuel Tank Capacity (l): ~93
Fuel Type: Petrol / Diesel
BMW X5 vs. Mercedes-Benz ML Class: Verdict
Looks vs. Functionality
Above: Side view of a used 2008 BMW X5
If you are concerned about looks, the suave and aesthetically pleasing BMW X5 may be the best crossover SUV for you. With sophisticated styling from the inside to the outside, it also offers a lot of technology and driver-friendly features as well.
Above: Boot of a used 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML Class
However, for a person more concerned about functionality than looks, the Mercedes-Benz ML Class makes more sense, mainly due to its bigger cargo and trunk volumes. It also comes with bigger tires–20 inches.
Fuel Efficiency vs. Pricing
If you are looking for fuel efficiency, the BMW X5 is more efficient but it has a smaller tank in comparison to the Mercedes-Benz ML Class, but again, drivability matters. If you mainly drive in areas where the roads are bad, you may prefer the ML Class’ all-wheel-drive capabilities as opposed to the X5’s rear-wheel-drive.
Above: Rear view of a used 2001 BMW X5
The prices for both the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML Class are quite similar—that is, if you are considering models of the same year. However, because the year pricing changes and fluctuates prices over time, the ML Class may cost considerably more—anything from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand—so choose wisely.
Above: Rear of a used 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML Class
Made up your mind and are looking to purchase a BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz ML Class? Click the buttons below to view BE FORWARD’s quality and best-priced stock of each.
Click for Low Cost BMW X5 Models Click for Low Cost Mercedes-Benz ML Class Models
