Mercedes-Benz M Class vs BMW X6

Robbo

Robbo

Robbo

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Hello!

We are currently looking into getting a new car, it is a choice between the BMW X6 and the Mercedes ML.

Either would be purchased brand new, so you can assume it is the latest model of either vehicle. Unsure of engines and so forth at this point, so feel free to add in any specifications as you please.

I personally think the X6 is the better looking machine, however it seems a little strange they neglected to add a 5th seat in something so large? Still, I understand it is part of the design of the car.

I wondered just out of interest if anyone here has test driven both or has any opinions of which one they would get, and why?

Cheers :)
 
If i was going to have one (not that I would)

Mercedes ML looks nicer, has the better badge (for snobs)

Out of interest why do you want one? both would be useless off road.
 
The neglected to add a 5th seat because the BMW X5 is the M Class rival, not the X6.

Before this thread goes nuclear can you clarify 'we' - you or your parents?
 
Avoid the ML. The engines (presumably diesel) are horrible, they're horrible to drive, not overly comfortable to be a passenger in and have very few positive points when lined up against the X5, X6 and the Q7. The X6 is a lovely car to drive for its size and i'd have one over a (E60) 5 series. Can't comment compared to the F10 though I'm afraid.
 
monkey_boy said:
Avoid the ML. The engines (presumably diesel) are horrible, they're horrible to drive, not overly comfortable to be a passenger in and have very few positive points when lined up against the X5, X6 and the Q7. The X6 is a lovely car to drive for its size and i'd have one over a (E60) 5 series. Can't comment compared to the F10 though I'm afraid.
Click to expand...

Have you even driven a new shape ML?

Is has the same 'horrible' engines out of the E Class and S Class!?

The seats are electric are standard with full 8 way lumber support, fantastically specced and priced!

The ML is obviously a better comparison with the X5, and both have their own positive and negative points.

Between the X6 and the ML, I'd chose an ML for the 5th seats and more usuable luggage space.

Spec wise, an ML Sport comes with a lot more standard spec than an X6.
 
I would have bought an X6 over an ML if i could have found a petrol X6.

I had both for a day test drive, i think the ML drove better to be honest, however in BMW defence they could only find me a diesel to borrow so i had a down on that to start.

Dont confuse the new ML with that old thing.

Then i started my ongoing boycott of Mercedes over a service rip off, so now it dont matter what they make i aint buying them :)

In the end i got another Cayenne, you really need to go try one of those too.
 
As some people have said, the ML isn't really comparable to the X6, more the X5. They're all cracking cars, if big 4x4 machines are your bag. All offer excellent levels of refinement, space, power etc. Most of the engines offered suit the car. I'd have difficulty choosing between them. Get yourself down to a dealers and have a chat with them. You'll soon find out which one is for you.
 
I have an X6 just like the one in my signature. I was looking to change my 530i Touring, having a look around at the dealers and there it was. It took one look and it was “love at first sight”. After a very long test drive the deal was done. It’s the 35D (286 bhp/428 ft-lb) 3 litre twin turbo diesel. Loaded with lots of goodies including the media/dynamic packages, head-up display, etc.

Looks: A shape that you will love or hate. 20 inch wheels add that little bit extra. She does look a bit of a beast and red suits perfectly.

Performance/Handling: Full of torque goodness that brings a smile to your face. It’s very agile for a car of its size and weight. Lots of fun on the open road and effortless cruising. It is wide so make sure that you can live with that. The limited rear visibility means that you use the parking sensors and reversing camera more than you would on a lower vehicle. A bonus it that you don’t get to see the ugly mugs of the people behind you at traffic lights.

Build/Comfort: Very good build quality. Nice high and comfortable driving position. It’s just fine for a tall (6’3”) guy like me but probably not if you have a sun roof fitted. Space at the back is for only two and the roof slopes down. The boot is large and the back seats fold down it you need the extra room. My wife is small and she complains that it’s too high for her to get in when she’s not on a pavement but once she settles into her comfy seat she’s a happy bunny.

Economy/Costs: I’m getting around 29 mpg which is more than I got from the touring. Tyres are expensive, it’s in a high insurance bracket. It has component condition based servicing and not an annual service. If you are buying something like this then you’re not worrying about the expense.

It’s a vehicle that most certainly won’t suit all tastes. It’s practical enough to lug things around but if you are looking to transport the kids and dog then you should be looking at the X5. The X6 is more of a tourer than a proper SUV. I find it relaxing and fun to drive and wonder how I will get used to a low driving position again. It’s a very refined large quick four wheel drive car. The power is good enough as he eyes up the XM6 although I might give it the (340 bhp/541 ft-lb) treatment.

This year’s model has the uprated engines and the 40D looks good. You will obviously take one for a test drive. Just make sure it’s a long one and covers both town and country lane driving. Do make sure that you’re happy with the width. As to extras, the media/dynamic packages are a minimum must.

Good luck with your search for a new car and tell us how you get on. :)
 
[TW]Fox;17119168 said:
The neglected to add a 5th seat because the BMW X5 is the M Class rival, not the X6.

Before this thread goes nuclear can you clarify 'we' - you or your parents?
Click to expand...

Of course. My parents are looking into getting one, my mother would be using it mainly and the last two cars she bought, she has gone out and bought on a whim.

She knows absolutely nothing about either of these cars, just that they both 'look nice' and requested that I look into it, along with my dad.

I'm no expert at all when it comes to cars so I thought I would ask here for a general opinion.

Thanks again.
 
To agree with the first part of eatcustard's post, why doesn't she just go and test drive both? We can all provide our subjective opinions on the cars but really what matters is which she prefers, not what a bunch of car geeks prefer, no?
 
id be more interested in the x6. i have no experience with new mercs (beyond 07) but they seem to be nothing but trouble and made by one armed blindfolded chinese kids.
 
I'd buy a Range Rover myself. I can tell you a bit about the X5, but not the ML or the X6 ...I have to say though, and this isn't something you'll hear me say very often, I think the Merc looks better in this case.
 
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