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BMW x5 and x6. Comparison. What to choose - BMW X6 or BMW X5 - comparison BMW x5 or x6 what to choose

- Difficult choice: BMW X5 or Lexus RX?

Difficult choice: BMW X5 or Lexus RX?

Utility:

(2 votes, average: 5,00 out of 5)

Crossovers are now one of the most popular types of cars. And various information comparing certain brands is in great demand. This article is devoted to two models: BMW X5 and Lexus RX.

Is it possible to conclude which is better: BMW X5 or Lexus, based on appearance, reliability, efficiency and cost? Let's try.

Exterior

So, the exterior of the X5 is a style that has already become a standard and, compared to many crossovers, it looks more sporty, predatory and aggressive.

BMW X5 exterior

Has he outperformed Lexus in this regard? Oddly enough, despite the fact that the RX's lines are smoother and smoother, its appearance is no less predatory, but in a different way. If the BMW X5 can be compared to a fighter jet, then the Lexus has the streamlined features of a deadly torpedo.

Bright exterior of Lexus RX

Interior

What can you say about the interior? Both models use high-quality materials, but the Lexus looks a bit impersonal compared to the BMW. The interior design of the X5 is emphatically sporty and has a masculine character, while the RX in this regard can be called genderless, a kind of unisex.

Stylish, but without zest. Lexus RX interior

Now let’s compare the BMW X5 or Lexus RX in terms of control quality and comfort:

In terms of car reliability, the BMW X5 is the leader. In terms of its characteristics, it is closer to an SUV, while the Lexus RX is a typical crossover that is designed for city driving. The X5 is also not particularly driven in sticky off-road conditions, but the very fact of such an opportunity is an additional plus for the Bavarian.

Crash test of BMW X5. Solid five!

However, in terms of driving comfort, the Lexus behaves more obediently at medium speeds, it obeys the steering wheel with one touch, the suspension hides all the unevenness of the road, the sound insulation is absolute... but, paradoxically, this is precisely what is considered to be the car’s shortcomings.

If driving an X5 you feel like you're in control of a beast, then driving a Lexus feels like you're sitting behind a well-executed car simulator. And again, the quality of control, smoothness of the suspension and directional stability at high speeds are noticeably worse, and here the X5 is much more reliable in these indicators.

BMW X5 or Lexus RX – who has lower consumption?

Where BMW is not the undisputed leader is in efficiency! City – 14 l, highway – 9 l, combined mode – 10.5 l. Lexus has higher figures: 13.1/9.4/11.2.

Safety

But in terms of safety, Lexus is in no way inferior to BMW and even superior. Among the active protection, among other things, it has: VDIM (integrated dynamics management system), ECB (electronically controlled braking system). And in passive protection, knee airbags appeared for the first row of seats.

Price policy

The cost for both new cars and used cars is almost the same for BMW and Lexus and this indicator, therefore, does not play a determining role in the choice.

What's the result?

Lexus RXRX 350 F SPORT BMW X535i Exclusive Edition
Price RUB 2,816,000 RUB 3,500,000
"Charged" car
  • Security: 100%
  • Comfort: 78%
  • Audio: 50%
  • Equipment: 88%
  • Safety: 91%
  • Comfort: 82%
  • Audio: 95%
  • Equipment: 70%
Cost of ownership for 1st year
Fuel RUB 49,290 RUB 46,965
OSAGO RUB 6,336 RUB 6,336
CASCO RUB 197,120 RUB 178,500
Taxes RUB 41,550 RUB 45,900
Total 294 296 Rub. 277 701 Rub.
Maintenance RUB 13,630 RUB 17,410
Engine
engine's type Petrol Petrol
Number of cylinders 6 6
Number of valves per cylinder 4 4
Working volume, cm³ 3456 2979
Configuration V-shaped Row
Maximum power, hp 277 306
Maximum power speed, rpm 6200 5800
Maximum torque, N∙m 346 400
Maximum torque speed, rpm 4700 1200
Intake type Injector Direct injection
Supercharging - There is
Body
Number of seats 5 5
External dimensions
Length, mm 4770 4857
Width, mm 1885 1933
Height, mm 1725 1776
Wheelbase, mm 2740 2933
Track
Front wheels, mm 1630 1644
Rear wheels, mm 1635 1650
Ground clearance, mm 180 222
Turning diameter, m 11.4 12.8
Inner dimensions
Trunk volume, l 446 620
Maximum trunk volume, l - 1750
Weight
Curb, kg 2050 2145
Full, kg 2545 2750
Performance characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h 200 235
Acceleration time 0 - 100 km/h, s 8 6.8
Fuel consumption
Combined cycle, l/100 km 10.6 10.1
Urban cycle, l/100 km 14.3 13.2
Extra-urban cycle, l/100 km 8.4 8.3
Recommended fuel AI-95 AI-95
Fuel tank capacity, l 72 85
Environmental Compliance Euro 4 Euro 5
Transmission
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Number of gears 6 8
Drive unit Full Full
Suspension and brakes
Suspension
Front Independent – ​​McPherson Independent - multi-link
Rear Independent - multi-link Independent - multi-link
Brakes
Front Ventilated disc Ventilated disc
Rear Ventilated disc Ventilated disc
Tires and wheels
Tires
Front 235/55 R19 255/55 R18
Rear 235/55 R19 255/55 R18
Discs
Front - 18X8.5J
Rear - 18X8.5J
Steering
Amplifier type Electric Electrohydraulic
Country of Origin
Country of Origin Japan Russia
Equipment
Passive safety
Driver airbag There is There is
Passenger airbag — There is
Passenger airbag with deactivation function There is —
Curtain airbags There is There is
Driver knee airbag There is —
Passenger knee airbag There is —
Front side airbags There is There is
Rear side airbags There is —
Seat belt pretensioners — There is
Automatic activation of the hazard warning lights during emergency braking There is —
ISOFIX child seat mounting There is There is
Active safety and suspension
Anti-lock braking system There is There is
Brake force distribution system There is There is
Emergency Brake Assist There is There is
Stability control There is There is
Traction control system There is There is
Dynamic Traction Control System There is There is
Hill start assist system There is —
Downhill Assist System — There is
Tire pressure monitoring system — There is
Runflat safety tires — There is
EfficientDynamics program — There is
Exterior
Body painting Black, non-metallic Snow white, non-metallic
Wheel disks Alloy F-Sport 19″, Tires 235/55 R19 Alloy Star-Spoke 334; 19x9J / 255/50 R19
Side mirrors with turn signal repeaters There is There is
Aerodynamic body kit There is —
Electric sunroof There is —
Interior
Upholstery F-Sport leather, black Leather Nevada, Black
Decorative inserts Aluminum Patterned bamboo
Sports leather steering wheel — There is
Leather steering wheel and gear knob There is —
Front armrest — There is
Interior lighting package — There is
Luggage compartment curtain There is —
Lighting devices
Xenon headlights There is —
Bi-xenon headlights — There is
LED daylight There is —
LED tail lights There is There is
Headlight washers There is There is
Automatic headlight leveling — There is
Adaptive road lighting system There is —
Fog lights There is There is
Comfort
Comfortable front seats — There is
Rain and light sensors There is There is
Cruise control There is —
Automatically dimming interior rearview mirror There is There is
Automatically dimming exterior mirrors There is —
Auto-dimming, power-folding rearview mirrors — There is
Comfortable keyless access There is —
Engine start/stop button There is —
Illumination when boarding There is —
Projection of instrument readings onto the windshield There is There is
Servotronic — There is
Parking sensors front and rear There is There is
Electric drives
front windows There is There is
rear windows There is There is
side mirrors There is There is
folding mirrors There is —
side mirror settings memory There is —
steering column There is —
front seats with memory settings for the driver's seat There is There is
front seat lumbar support — There is
tailgate There is —
trunk lid — There is
Heating
side mirrors There is There is
windshield There is —
front seats There is There is
rear seats — There is
steering wheel — There is
Climate
Dual-zone climate control There is There is
Audio and infotainment systems
CD player — There is
DVD player There is —
MP3 support — There is
TV — There is
Radio BMW Professional CD — There is
Hi-Fi audio system — There is
8 or more speakers — There is
Subwoofer — There is
Multifunction steering wheel — There is
Multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters There is —
Jack for connecting an external audio device There is There is
On-board computer There is There is
Multifunctional color display There is There is
Rear View Camera There is There is
Hard drive navigation system There is There is
Bluetooth communication system There is There is
Security systems
Central locking with remote control There is There is
Immobilizer There is There is
Signaling There is —
Satellite anti-theft system — There is
Spare wheel
full size There is —

These cars are representatives from Germany, with improved characteristics.

Updated exterior and interior. Let's compare Audi Q7, BMW X5 or BMW X6, which is better? Let's compare Audi Q7, BMW X5 or BMW X6, which is better

The designers at the front of the Audi Q7 have changed the bumper; it now has large air intakes. A massive radiator grille in a hexagonal shape with transverse chrome bars. Narrowed headlights, new fog lights, and there is 2nd protection on the bottom of the car.




The side part is without any special changes, they are visible in the external mirrors, slightly inflated wheel arches, as well as the original design of the wheel rims. The rear bumper has also changed slightly. Taillights attract more attention. A massive fifth door will provide convenient loading and unloading of luggage.

The exterior of the new BMW X5 has become more aggressive and has a sporty look. The radiator grille has become a little larger, and the headlights look stylish. The front bumper has a different shape with many air intakes. On the side there is a large glass area and slightly modified mirrors, and they have LED turn signals.

At the stern you can see elegant headlights, a massive bumper, and a small spoiler. Trapezoid-shaped exhaust system. There are roof rails on the top of the roof. The model is equipped with 19, 20 and 21 inch wheels made of light alloys.

As for the BMW X6, the exterior combines monumentality with aerodynamics. Almost the entire front end has large air intakes. The double radiator grille is made of chrome. 2 vertical beams in black chrome. The glazing is framed with chrome molding. The top exterior mirrors are aluminum. There is a small spoiler on the rear door.

Exhaust pipes with chrome tips. All optics consist entirely of LEDs. The car is also equipped with safe runflat wheels, with which you can drive another hundred kilometers after a puncture.

Interior of Audi Q7, BMW X5 and BMW X6

Inside the Audi Q7, the driver has a multifunction steering wheel, and behind it is a digital instrument panel with a multifunctional on-board computer. The instrument panel has also been slightly improved. The console in the center looks completely unusual - it does not have a multimedia system display. It contains climate control buttons and several other systems. But it still has a touch monitor - it can be pulled out from the front panel when you press a certain key. All chairs are quite comfortable, they are equipped with appropriate adjustments.




Inside the BMW X5, auto experts and analysts say, all the seats will have improved trim, there will also be a new safety structure and expanded functionality of the dashboard. Additional USB connectors will appear in the instrument panel. All seats are upholstered in high-quality leather, and there is more free space on the back seat. The driver's seat has also become more comfortable. All control keys are located in front of the driver. The navigation system has been improved and is more informative.

Inside, the updated BMW X6 is slightly different from other production models. The instrument panel is quite informative. The 10-inch multimedia screen is slightly turned towards the driver. On the large console, the gear selector is centered on the left, and the navigator is on the right. The interior is decorated in unusual colors. The red upholstery with large black stitching and aluminum inserts looks beautiful.

The “base” includes the following functions: 4-zone climate system, full electric. package, heated front seats, anti-dazzle exterior mirrors, 6 PB and satellite anti-theft. Also a head-up screen, automatic parking sensors, the latest driving assistance structures, which include: stability control, dynamic stability during cornering, a dynamic braking complex and a speed limiter during descent.

Video

Start of sales in Russia

Sales of the Audi Q7 in our country will begin in the fall, sales of the BMW X5 in the summer, and sales of the BMW X6 began in February of this year.

Options

  • Base, Comfort, Sport and Business - 2 liter engine. 252 “horses”, gasoline, automatic transmission, drive on both axles, acceleration – 6.9 s, speed – 233 km/h, consumption: 8.8/6.6/7.4
  • Motor 3 l. 249 “horses”, diesel engine, gearbox – AT, drive on both axles, acceleration – 6.9 s, speed – 225 km/h, consumption: 7.3/5.8/6.4
  • Engine 3 l. 333 “horses”, gasoline, gearbox – AT, axle drive, acceleration – 6.1 s, speed – 250 km/h, consumption: 9.4/6.9/7.8

  • xDrive 35 I – 3 liter engine. 306 “horses”, gasoline, automatic transmission, drive on both axles, acceleration – 6.5 s, speed – 235 km/h, consumption: 11.2/7.0/8.6
  • xDrive 30 d – 3 liter engine. 249 “horses”, diesel engine, gearbox – AT, drive on both axles, acceleration – 6.8 s, speed – 230 km/h, consumption: 6.7/5.6/6.0
  • xDrive 25 dBusiness – 2-cylinder motor 218 “horses”, diesel engine, gearbox – AT, drive on both axles, acceleration – 7.8 s, speed – 220 km/h, consumption: 6.7/5.6/6.0
  • xDrive 35 IPrestige - 3 liter engine. 306 “horses”, gasoline, automatic transmission, drive on both axles, acceleration – 6.5 s, speed – 235 km/h, consumption: 11.2/7.0/8.6
  • xDrive 40 d - 3 liter engine. 313 “horses”, diesel engine, gearbox – AT, drive on both axles, acceleration – 5.9 s, speed – 236 km/h, consumption: 6.8/5.7/6.1
  • xDrive 30 dPrestige - 3 liter engine. 249 “horses”, diesel engine, gearbox – AT, drive on both axles, acceleration – 6.8 s, speed – 230 km/h, consumption: 6.7/5.6/6.0
  • xDrive 35 IPureExcellence - 3 liter engine. 306 “horses”, gasoline, automatic transmission, drive on both axles, acceleration – 6.5 s, speed – 235 km/h, consumption: 11.2/7.0/8.6
  • xDrive 35 ILuxure - 3 liter engine. 306 “horses”, gasoline, automatic transmission, drive on both axles, acceleration – 6.5 s, speed – 235 km/h, consumption: 11.2/7.0/8.6
  • xDrive 30 dMSport - 3 liter engine. 249 “horses”, diesel engine, gearbox – AT, drive on both axles, acceleration – 6.8 s, speed – 230 km/h, consumption: 6.7/5.6/6.0
  • xDrive 30 dLuxure - 3 liter engine. 249 “horses”, diesel engine, gearbox – AT, drive on both axles, acceleration – 6.8 s, speed – 230 km/h, consumption: 6.7/5.6/6.0
  • xDrive 50 d – 4.4 l engine. 450 “horses”, gasoline, automatic transmission, drive on both axles, acceleration – 5 s, speed – 250 km/h, consumption: 12.9/7.8/9.7
  • xDrive 30 dExclusive - 3 liter engine. 249 “horses”, diesel engine, gearbox – AT, drive on both axles, acceleration – 6.8 s, speed – 230 km/h, consumption: 6.7/5.6/6.0
  • xDrive 30 dPureExperience - 3 liter engine. 249 “horses”, diesel engine, gearbox – AT, drive on both axles, acceleration – 6.8 s, speed – 230 km/h, consumption: 6.7/5.6/6.0
  • xDriveM50 d - 3 liter engine. 381 “horses”, diesel engine, gearbox – AT, drive on both axles, acceleration – 5.3 s, speed – 250 km/h, consumption: 7.4/6.2/6.6
  • xDrive 40 dMSport - 3 liter engine. 313 “horses”, diesel engine, gearbox – AT, drive on both axles, acceleration – 5.9 s, speed – 236 km/h, consumption: 6.8/5.7/6.1

Dimensions

  • L*W*H Audi Q7 – 5069*1968*1741 mm
  • L*W*H BMW X5 – 4800*1900*1700 mm
  • L*W*H BMW X6 – 4910*1990*1702 mm
  • Wheelbase of Audi Q7 – 2 m 99.6 centimeters
  • BMW X5 wheelbase – 2 m 90 centimeters
  • BMW X6 wheelbase – 2 m 93.4 centimeters
  • Audi Q7 ground clearance – 23.5 centimeters
  • BMW X5 ground clearance – 22.2 centimeters
  • BMW X6 ground clearance – 21.2 centimeters


Price of all configurations

Audi Q7 price from 3,755,000 to 4,997,000 rubles. The price of the BMW X5 is from 3,865,000 to 5,375,000 rubles. The price of BMW X6 is from 4,575,000 to 5,645,000 rubles.

Engine of Audi Q7, BMW X5 and BMW X6

The power units of the Audi Q7 are equipped with 3 engines – 2 petrol and 1 diesel. Gasoline: 2 and 3 liters. Power – 252 and 333 “mares” and 3 liters. diesel 249 "mares". Speed ​​– 250 km/h, acceleration from 6.1 to 6.9 seconds. Consumption from 5.8 to 6.9 l.

The engine range of both the BMW X5 and BMW X6 consists of 4 types of engines: the youngest 2-liter diesel. engine with a power of 218 “horses”. The next one in the line is 3 liters. diesel engine with a capacity of 249 horsepower. Next, 3 liter petrol. engine with a power of 306 “horses”. Well, a 4.4 liter flank petrol engine. with a power of 450 “horses”. Acceleration time from 5.3 to 7.8 seconds. Speed ​​from 230 to 250 km/h. Average fuel consumption: 5.6-7.0 liters.

All 3 models have drive on both axles, and the transmission is only automatic.

Trunk of Audi Q7, BMW X5 and BMW X6

Luggage compartment of the Audi Q7 – 2075 l. Luggage compartment of the BMW X5 – 1870 l. Luggage compartment of the BMW X6 – 1525 l.

Final conclusion

What conclusion can be drawn as a result? Presented vehicles with improved characteristics, engines and chassis. The latest technologies in equipment are used. The price of the contenders is high, as befits a concern from Germany.

Today we will compare the BMW class x5 and x6 series, respectively. I’ll say right away that the average driver who is looking for something light and family friendly shouldn’t read any further.

Which of these two cars should you choose? This question is not so difficult, especially if you are choosing between these two cars. Yes, I have heard many times that the x6 will be more expensive and a little faster in terms of speed, but in general these are exactly the same models. Do you know what I'll tell you? In principle, it is so, but on the manufacturer’s website you can say that everything is just embellished a little.

BMW x6 was released in 2008, while the cycle BMW x5 began to come to an end already in 2006, i.e. After more than 2 years, BMW introduces a new model, although in 2014 BMW planned to repeat the x5 model cycle.

BMW x6- this is the name of the model that went on sale in 2008, although, despite the Global Financial Crisis in these years, car sales exceeded all expectations placed on it and the crisis bypassed this model, which made it possible to bring considerable profit to BMW.

In general terms, the car repeats design x5 and only here and there there are some differences from the previous car model. A completely different designer worked on this car, but it seems to me that he wanted cars of this class to have something in common in terms of design.

Overall characteristics of cars They are almost the same from each other, so I won’t describe everything in detail here; if you need to, you can go to the manufacturer’s website or go to the corresponding sites and compare these models according to all characteristics.

The price of this model is not very different from that on x5 and it will be about 300,000 rubles more expensive, which, in my opinion, is very, very acceptable, although it’s up to anyone, I won’t argue here.

Any car, no matter how reliable it is, sooner or later has to be repaired. Each car has its own resource. If you have a 740 model, then spare parts for the BMW 740 can be ordered directly on the website. Prices for each part are detailed. You will need to fill in the following data: name of the spare part, VIN number, year of manufacture, model, body, engine marking, name and telephone number.

Let me remind you that everything I write is purely my personal opinion and it may not coincide with you, and if it does, I will at least be happy about it.

So, I would still like to give prices for these cars for 2013.

So: BMW x5 - 3,028,000 RUR

BMW x6 - 3,320,000 RUR- These prices may change, because... I only have approximate information and it may differ from the actual information.

Well, now let’s actually come to the question - “what to choose?”, But first, a preface. As you understand, I didn’t write a bunch of information about the BMW x5 here; I didn’t write anything about it at all, because... I can confidently believe that if you are reading this article at the moment, then you already have with you some (at least “basic”) information about the BMW x5.

Well, we move on to the agony of choice. What to choose? Do you know what I will tell you? If I had a car and it was a BMW x5, then I would not change it to x6 model. You can call me crazy, accusing me of the fact that the x5 model’s cycle has simply passed and it’s time to adapt to, so to speak, “new technologies.”

First of all, what is important to me is not the design, but the quality of the model itself and its functionality. Yes, you say, both models have quality, but the x6 will have more functionality. I won’t really answer you, not really. The fact is that, as I wrote earlier, there are not many differences between these models, and if we talk about functionality in general, then the situation here is almost different.

In fact, in x6, compared to x5, the functionality has not increased so much to some “extraordinary heights”, and therefore I lead everything to the fact that if I owned the x5 model, I would not change it to x6 . As I already said, everything I write is my opinion and therefore, the choice, of course, is always yours. If you haven’t had any car with you before, but have plenty of money or just some extra bills, then the BMW x6 will be an excellent purchase for you, don’t ask why. Simply - buy it. Thank you all for reading this article. I deeply hope that you learned something new here, or simply refreshed your memory.

The respectable Bavarian crossovers BMW X5 and X6 have a similar design, so the comparison is far from simple. The fact is that these models are somewhat different both in technical characteristics and driving performance, and in the concept itself. Therefore, in order to clearly see these differences, it makes sense to briefly dwell on each of them.

BMW X5 specifications

The exterior and interior of the BMW X5 are impeccable. Sufficiently wide air intakes, headlight illumination with adaptive LED technology, visually increased width of the headlights, a spacious leather interior, soft adjustable seats, a steering wheel with a large number of different keys, a 9-inch screen with a powerful processor and a GPS module, a spacious trunk - all this causes admiration. The BMW X5 is available in three main engine versions:

– xDrive30d with a power of 249 hp, while consumption per 100 km is 6.2 liters, acceleration to 100 km/h is 6.9 s.
– M50d: power – 381 hp, consumption – 6.7 l, acceleration – 5.3 s;
– xDrive50i: power – 450 hp, consumption – 10.1 l, acceleration – 5 s.

The suspension, traditionally for Germans, is a bit harsh, but this is the price to pay for precise handling and high cornering stability.

BMW X6 specifications

The front part of the BMW X6, for all its similarity to the X5, is slightly modified. Thanks to large air intakes and a wide double radiator grille, it looks more aggressive and hints at the possibility of gambling. There are no changes inside the cabin: the same leather as the BMW X5, the same comfortable seats, the same electronics. Even the standard two-zone climate control system remains, although if the client wishes, the car can be equipped with a four-zone system. It must be said that comparing the BMW X6 with the fifth model in terms of interior capacity is clearly not in favor of the six. This is due to its sloping roof, which creates some inconvenience for rear passengers. Even inside the cabin of the second generation X6 released in 2016, which is slightly larger in size, there is still a feeling of some crampedness. It seems that the developers simply forgot about the comfort of passengers in the rear seats. By the way, the trunk of the X6 is also smaller.

As for technical characteristics and driving performance, it should be noted that the BMW X6 is more exciting, tougher and more dynamic. Active steering, adaptive suspension and the intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive system allow the car to be stable and controllable even at extreme speeds. BMW X6 engineers managed to combine almost incompatible things: a fairly high seating position with excellent handling.

There is no point in talking about the price of cars. It all depends on the configuration of a particular model. However, overall, with the high price of both cars, the BMW X6 outperforms the X5.

As a conclusion, we can conclude that the cars being compared are true works of the German automobile industry, so the purchase of any of them will be an expression of respectability, luxury and good taste of the buyer. At the same time, a comparison of the BMW X5 with the X6 showed that the sixth model is suitable for lovers of stylish cars who love excitement, speed, and drive in driving, and the X5 is for more practical people who prefer reliability and stability.


No matter which car magazine you open, you'll see that BMW tends to crush its competitors in comparison tests. Perhaps because you might like this Bavarian car here and now, and not in China in a couple of years.


PRIVATE PARTY
Recently, BMW has looked much more advantageous compared to Mercedes. The Bavarians have played with design and returned to their roots. This is captivating. Still, an old European brand should first of all reflect traditions, and not experiment in the field of modern art. Stuttgarters also demonstrate their connection with history, but mainly through the interior. At the same time, their “retro” is too deliberate, and sometimes downright artificial. Mercedes is being ruined by consumers from Arab states and China. They want the parts to shine. I must admit, I sometimes catch myself thinking: should I add chrome to the kitchen chair? Fortunately, the Germans don’t listen to me, but the Asian-Oriental clients listen with an obsequious bow of their heads. Hence, the central console of the ML resembles either a carpet, or a scroll with hieroglyphs, or even Brezhnev’s jacket with all the awards. Leonid Ilyich is remembered and loved in the above countries. The dashboard wells are made in the same manner. At least hang it on the tree now. A premium brand should radiate arrogance and a certain disregard for consumers. To be somewhat higher than your clients, like a nightclub that shouts at them at the entrance: “Go somewhere else, we’re having a private party.” Mercedes fits into this concept in an extremely clever way. Disregarding the Europeans, the Stuttgarts accumulate the required percentage of luxury for their brand, and then lay it out to the Chinese, having managed to cave in to them several times before sales even begin. Looking at the insides of ML, you read this multi-step marketing strategy like a play and admire the ingenuity of the Stuttgart brothers. And, of course, you begin to love BMW more. Why do I, tell me, need all these Mercedes games in former semi-colonial countries? Isn't it better to enjoy the car in the flesh? A product from Bavaria has never deceived anyone. Although I've never been a fan of the brand with the blue and white logo. On the contrary, I always emphasized its limitations, even some defectiveness in our single tests. But comparative test drives reveal completely different horizons.


Design. ML inside - either a decorated Christmas tree, or grandfather’s
ceremonial uniform with all awards. Something like this

Get out of my way. Low gear and air suspension -
killer off-road arsenal.
But even without it, ML wins the off-road round against X5

As always. The middle seat in the passenger row is traditionally defective

At your service. Nice, wide and comfortable opening
trunk

PUSHING CONES
If you think that the comparison is over and the conclusion is ready, I hasten to please you: the summary presented is ambiguous. I just tried to follow the logic of the events unfolding in real time, and they are such that in the first days of meeting my opponents, my racing thoughts could not in any way lean in one direction or another that I had indicated. Next, a training ground and an exercise awaited us, which, by someone’s zoological will, received the nickname “snake”. The ML drove adequately. When I overdid it with speed, it gently slowed down with the stabilization system. When the system was fooled, the SUV went into a shallow, understandable and predictable skid or drift. In general, it was quite pleasant to pass the pendulum between the cones, none of which ever flew out of their rightful place. But BMW knocked them out plenty until I made a discount on its more powerful five-liter eight-cylinder engine. Apparently, because of him, the Bavarian’s stabilization system was adjusted more harshly. It turned out like this. At the entrance, using the more daring acceleration of the X5, I was faster, but already at the second cone the electronic assistant so stubbornly limited the trajectory that it was not possible to steer the car into the turn with any steering movements. As soon as I drove more carefully, which I didn’t try to do at all in the Mercedes, the “snake” went perfectly. The steering wheel transmitted the command to the wheels precisely down to the millimeter, and the suspension followed the maneuver in a mathematically precise manner. It was impossible not to admire “X-fifth”, but the aftertaste remained. I could track and comment on everything that Mercedes did between the cones. Here I drifted because I twisted the steering wheel or went too far with the gas, here I went smoothly because I chose the right curve, etc. But regarding the BMW, I am completely at a loss. What to say? He performed the exercise at the highest level, but how? It remains a mystery. His success on the track can be explained in engineering terms, but there is no difference between them and magic spells. You can only understand what you feel with your hands, and BMW doesn’t allow us to do that. That is why at the beginning of this chapter I spoke about the ambiguity of the Bavarian victory. I don’t know about you, but I get more pleasure from things that I understand. I don’t trust miracles somehow. How does the X5's light steering feel more precise than the ML's heavy, feedback-heavy steering?

BURIED AND PULLED OUT
At first I wanted to write a whole page about off-road, we had too much fun in the sand. We got stuck and dug ourselves out. We got stuck and dug ourselves out again. Once again we dug in and pulled out the BMW. Well, you already understand everything. There's not much to say. A BMW is only good off-road as long as it maintains its dynamics. Stopped means stuck. When you try to move, it immediately buries itself in the ground clearance. Mercedes can do anything, in any modes and directions. To equalize the chances of our opponents, we deliberately did not use a lower gear on the ML. But this did not help the Bavarian perform well. Perhaps the result will be different with a less powerful configuration, but there is nothing to do with a five-liter unit off-road. Most likely, for off-roading you need to use the three-liter diesel version of the X5. However, I wouldn’t recommend going on unsteady ground with a diesel engine either. The Bavarian's geometric cross-country ability is still designed for driving on asphalt, and it is heavy. I remember that the lighter X3 in our test was much more fun off-road.

BMW magic. I just want to live here.
I would emigrate here if I were not a patriot

Click. The “sport” and “comfort” modes can be used.
They work great. And in Mercedes they are terrible

Second bench. The seats are too flat. The opponent has a better profile



And what do you think? The debate about whether a composite door is needed for the trunk,
continue. There are both pros and cons



Point of view. This is not the angle from an advertising poster.
It's a heavy back and a wrinkled front


WHERE IS IT EASIER?
I left the sand pit with an enduring affinity for Mercedes. Nevertheless, unpleasant questions remained for ML. Every time I got behind the wheel of this SUV, I plunged into the abyss of uncertainty. Here's a little story about one trip. I went on a night walk with a beautiful girl, delicate by nature. In ML she almost immediately began to feel sick. I suggested switching the suspension mode to “sport”. I was glad that then I wouldn’t get motion sickness, but warned that it would start to shake noticeably, which I, in turn, couldn’t stand. The true lady's answer was: let her shake better. I pressed the “sport” button and, practicing the title of gentleman, took the road suffering upon myself. Afterwards we also took a ride in the BMW, and the lovely creature didn’t say a word. Not a single complaint about the X5. She didn't feel sick and I didn't shake. We were happy. What can I add? Buy a BMW if you need happiness, and buy a Mercedes if you live in the middle of nowhere. Spend your money on a Mercedes and you'll get certainty. Choose BMW if you need a miracle. Much easier.



You need to be more modest.
BMW's five-liter engine is redundant and useless.
It gets in the way on off-road, but on the asphalt it only provokes recklessness.
"Mercedes" 333 forces are optimal


TECHNICAL DETAILS
The main design differences between the rivals are in the engines, as well as the type of all-wheel drive and suspension. The ML features a low-range transfer case and an open planetary center differential. Air suspension is available as an option to increase ground clearance. The off-road optional package includes 100% locking of the cross-axle differential, enhanced protection for the engine crankcase and the underbody of the vehicle. The petrol V6 (cylinder camber angle of 60°) with turbocharging and high-pressure direct injection through piezo injectors develops 333 horsepower and accelerates the car to hundreds in 6.1 seconds. The BMW doesn't have an off-road package, hence no higher ground clearance or lower gearing. All-wheel drive X5 is of parquet type, implemented through a multi-disc clutch. A powerful Bavarian V8 with two turbochargers, direct fuel injection and a continuously variable valve control system develops 450 horsepower and accelerates the crossover to hundreds in 5 seconds. Both “Germans” emphasize the rear axle with a wider rear track.


Thanks to the Safe Driving Club
"Extreme Drive" () and Viktor Tishakov for assistance in conducting the test drive