[G-Mach1]

Hi,
My Girfriend is looking to place an order to buy a SUV with in the next couple of weeks. We shortlisted the X5 and ML350. She test drove both and she is leaning towards the ML350.
Any one here has any feed back on any one of them?
Thanks

[acizek]

probably can't go wrong with either of them. however my heart is with BMW
:rocks:

[rwwong]

You're obviously going to get a biased opinion on a BMW forum. She needs to decide what she really wants. You're comparing apples to oranges. The X5 will have much better and sportier handling, and the MB wil be smoother and more luxurious. I test drove the ML350 a while ago for my wife, We ended up getting the Land Rover LR3. I couldn't help but feel like I was driving a Minivan in the Benz.

[G-Mach1]

Originally Posted by rwwong

You're obviously going to get a biased opinion on a BMW forum. She needs to decide what she really wants. You're comparing apples to oranges. The X5 will have much better and sportier handling, and the MB wil be smoother and more luxurious. I test drove the ML350 a while ago for my wife, We ended up getting the Land Rover LR3. I couldn't help but feel like I was driving a Minivan in the Benz.

You may be right about the biased opnion. We also looked at the LR3 but we dropped it beacuse it has only a 4 Star safety rating. Even the X5 (06) has a 4 star rating. BMW claims that they will get a 5 Star rating on the new X5. Safety is big issue for us.

[DFW_M]

Q7

[rwwong]

Originally Posted by G-Mach1

You may be right about the biased opnion. We also looked at the LR3 but we dropped it beacuse it has only a 4 Star safety rating. Even the X5 (06) has a 4 star rating. BMW claims that they will get a 5 Star rating on the new X5. Safety is big issue for us.

Good Luck with your final decision. Where in Calgary are you? I spent a few years of my childhood there. "Hawkwood Manor," Is it still there, up on the hill across from Olympic Hill, formely Pascapoo?

Tough game last night Wild vs. Flames. I thought we could get it done without the Wild-Killer Iginla and Gaborik in our line up. I guess I was wrong.

[KL2DC]

I haven't driven the E70 X5 but I have driven the W164 ML350 on a few ocassions.

Well the W164 is definitely a more credible effort than the W163 although at the price point, I am still not 100% convinced of the interior materials. The ride (without airmatic) is nice and cushy and it handles better than you'd think. The space is nice and the powertrain is smooth. Not sure with awd system feels better back to back. If you do your research, the W164s are coming off the lots with aggressive discounting although this might affect residuals/used prices down the road.

The E70 is an entirely new design with a more attractive interior layout/design. I suspect the materials and fit and finish should be better and the E70 should definitely afford the most rewarding driving experience. Of course the X5 will have full maintenance which the ML doesn't offer. Expect far less flexibility in pricing on the E70, it being a new model and all.

[G-Mach1]

Originally Posted by rwwong

Good Luck with your final decision. Where in Calgary are you? I spent a few years of my childhood there. "Hawkwood Manor," Is it still there, up on the hill across from Olympic Hill, formely Pascapoo?

Tough game last night Wild vs. Flames. I thought we could get it done without the Wild-Killer Iginla and Gaborik in our line up. I guess I was wrong.

Thanks.
I live in the North west area of calgary. Yes the Hawkwood manor is still there.
I didn't watch the game. You I am a big leafs fan.