05-22-2008, 04:24 PM | #1 |
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X6 vs. ML550? Opinions appreciated...
I am debating between an X6 and Ml550. Both fully loaded are around $70000. I have driven both, but am still undecided. I love the sound and endless pull of the V8 in the ML. But I also love the cornering ability of the X6, it feels like a sports car compared to other SUV's, SAV's, SAC's or whatever else there are haha. What do you guys think of both? Which would you pick? Thanks! I can't decide....
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05-23-2008, 09:30 AM | #2 |
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Really depends on your needs.
If I didn't need the extra trunk space and didn't need to carry 5 in the car. I'd personally go with the X6. Much more fun to drive. The TT engine is SOOOOOOO smooth. Plus IMO it's definitely a good looking car (not everyone will think so), but it'll grow on people. The ML550 will get a facelift for 2009 so if you want one of those, wait for it. New bumpers and some interior upgrades. |
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05-23-2008, 09:41 AM | #3 |
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I struggled with the SAV/SAC/SUV purchase for the last 12 months. I finally pulled the trigger on the X6. I wanted something sporty, with some utility, and not a boxy as a typical SUV.
I think the styling, handling, and performance of the X6 represents a new direction for the market overall. As a result, the X5, ML, LR, all look dated compared to the X6 design. So I would choose the X6 over the ML. Think of the X6 as a lifted 5 series with utility. An option to the 5 series wagon. The ML is best compared to the X5.
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05-23-2008, 05:58 PM | #4 |
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I have had 2 MLs (ML430 & ML500), and was pretty certain on the 3rd until Mercedes made running boards standard on the 2008 V8 models. I hate running boards; but it was going to be an expensive approach to NOT get them, so I started looking around… now I have a 4.4L twin-turbo X6 squarely in my sites… HOWEVER, I am still giving some thought to the ’09 ML, since I have too much time on my hands while waiting for the ’09 xDrive50i..!
The major issues in this decision for me have been: Engine technology: ML has a nice 5.5 liter V8, but I really didn’t want just more displacement. The turbo-charged, direct-injected 4.4 gets the nod here. More advanced technology, better efficiency, more power per liter and so-on. Desirable features (not for everyone, but these are important to me): X6 offers Heads-Up display, Active Ventilated seats and Soft Close doors – I just love these features. Mercedes does put ventilated seats on the AMG ML-63, but will not option them out on the ML-550… very frustrating to me. Nod to BMW. Maintenance costs: BMW still has 4-years fully paid service (including brake pads & rotors). For both my 2000 and 2004 M-Class SUVs, Mercedes also had free service (though it did not include pads & rotors!). Now they have dropped it – very disappointing… I know many argue that you still pay for service (only up front) when you buy a BMW – but I disagree… 4-years free scheduled maintenance is a big incentive for me to go to BMW. Resale: It has been very disappointing to watch the value of my M-Class vehicles go down so fast. I think the M-Class has the highest depreciation of any Mercedes, and is far worse than the BMW X5… I expect the X6 to hold value at least as well as the X5 – so another big nod to BMW. Looks / Design: This is totally – personally - subjective… I still like the looks of the M-Class (and the face-lifted ’09 is fine too). But the X6 is simply one of the most appealing profiles I have seen… I just love the lines of this vehicle!!! I would be fine with the ML from a looks point of view, but I have been totally taken by the X6… it’s not just another SUV – there is a far more passionate appeal to the vehicle for me. |
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05-23-2008, 06:26 PM | #5 |
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Morty looks like you answered your own question! X6 it is. Did you have trouble with your tranny or electronics? Consumer reports kept up the drumbeat of defective mercedes to the point where my wife waited a year for e93 vert instead of 55clk that she could have had then and there. She id happy now she did. Cheap
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05-24-2008, 06:12 AM | #6 |
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x6 has a unique look to it that no other car has now imo, and i'm sure it will be sporty. i guess just test drive it and find out for yourself. plus it looks much better in person than in does in pics (and it looks GREAT in pics).
goodluck with decision
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05-31-2008, 01:49 PM | #7 |
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So in my earlier post on this subject, I really only mentioned the attributes which are really pushing me towards the X6… but there are several attributes that keep me questioning the decision. The M-Class has a lot to offer, and a few strong points that exceed beyond the X car. And after having two examples of the M-Class over the last 8 years, with very few problems (no engine / transmission / or even electronics issues at all), I am still ‘thinking’ a little.
For example: (again, I’m only comparing the ML-550 to the X6 xDrive50i - V8 to V8) • The M-Class is 475 pounds lighter. • Both cars decked out with options – the ML is still going to be easily $10,000 lower in initial price • The ML is smaller by most every dimension on the exterior, while being larger in EVERY dimension on the inside! • ML is 3.5 inches shorter in length • ML is not as wide – the X6 is about 3 inches wider. • ML is 5 inches taller outside (which leads to the next point) • ML has more headroom (1” in front, 2” in back) • ML has more leg room (2” in front, 4” in back) • ML has equal shoulder room up front, and nearly 3” more in the second row. • M-Class will seat 3 in the second row. • ML is more maneuverable in tight parking places – the turning diameter is over 4 FEET smaller for the Mercedes. It takes 42 feet between obstacles to make U-turn with the X6, but only 37.9 for the Mercedes. (I really enjoy how tightly the ML can turn around in parking lots!!). • For some reason, the BMW does not have second row side airbags… the Mercedes does. All of these stats come from the Comparison feature on http://autos.msn.com/. This website (MSN autos) is great for doing a side-by-side comparison for features and dimensions. They just added the X6 data a couple weeks back… So does all this point me back to another Mercedes? Probably not. But it does give you something to think about. And if you are at all worried about second row accommodations, the M-Class is the winner (even over the X5 too). But I’m not planning to carry many people, so give me a 4.4liter, twin-turbo X6… NOW!!! Cheers, |
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05-31-2008, 04:21 PM | #8 |
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I picked up my X6 last Saturday and have to say it is absolutely awesome! Incredible attention everywhere from stopped at the lights to filling her up at the gas station. Everyone comments on what a great looking car it is - "Looks like a 5'er on steroids" was the comment of the day today! Gas consumption was pretty poor out-of-the-door, but now with 500 miles of mixed road use I'm averaging 17.5MPG overall according to the trip. If you can find one I'd say go for it - having said that, none of the dealers around Chicagoland have any to sell right now according to the SM this week....
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08-30-2008, 04:29 PM | #10 | |
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09-01-2008, 09:06 AM | #11 |
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was just browsing through the forums and saw my old post resurrected. Thought I'd tell you guys, took delivery of my 2009 Ml550 (face-lifted) thursday, and it is truly amazing. The updates they've done to the outside make it look very aggressive, and the interior updates to the nav system are great. It also pulls like no other, it's blazing fast (for an suv). For the same price as a loaded 35i I got this. Have seen more X6's on the road, and must say, they are very imposing, in a good way. The cornering on the ML is surprisingly good too, with the air suspesion/active damping system option, just hit the sport mode button, and it becomes great. The X6 still beats it in the corners though (as all BMW's handle great), but the ML is still 9/10 (for an SUV). Good luck with your X6's
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09-01-2008, 11:32 AM | #12 | |
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09-01-2008, 12:15 PM | #13 | |
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Now I'm torn... |
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09-01-2008, 01:23 PM | #14 | |
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09-04-2008, 01:08 AM | #15 | ||
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09-04-2008, 10:35 AM | #16 |
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The ML550 offers ventilated front seats, it was an option on my '08.
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09-04-2008, 11:15 AM | #17 |
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Yeah – another Canadian mentioned that you guys got the ventilated seats option… but for the United States market, the option cannot be ordered on the V6 or V8 car - but is standard on the AMG… AND for the V8, running boards are standard. It is strange how MB decides what to make available for specific markets.
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09-04-2008, 12:37 PM | #18 | |
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I remember when I visited the BMW plant in Munich that they made a big deal of how every car coming along the production line is a custom order. In other words, all the regional packages and options are nothing more than marketing decisions because the factory just builds whatever is specified. |
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09-04-2008, 02:01 PM | #19 | |
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http://www.bmw.de/de/de/newvehicles/...figurator.html Have a look at the EXTENSIVE list of INDIVIDUAL options you can pick and choose from for the X6!!! They SHOULD have that for ALL markets!!! On a another note, I just noticed under the 'Editionen + Pakete' tab, they now list a new option called 'BMW Individual Komposition Polster, Leiste, Lenkrad' which basically is one of the BMW Individual offerings like on the 7, 5 and 3 series, where you can pick 4 different upholstery options, 3 different trim options and a wood or leather inlay option for your steering wheel all for additional bucks of course!
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09-05-2008, 02:52 AM | #20 | |
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wOw that can be very upsetting info when you want the best or the hottest only to find out the manufacturer offers another market better options. Damn
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