With the launch of the facelift for the BMW X5 (E70), it is also time to compare the revised design and engine line-up to its classic competitors from Ingolstadt and Stuttgart. While design can be quite subjective and usually based on personal preference, the technical details are the one that remain set in stone and help us differentiate between similar models.
So let’s begin first with the vehicle curb weight, the one element that influences the dynamic and sportiness of the car. Starting in the 300 horsepower range, the heaviest contender comes from Audi, the Q7 stops the scale at 5,206 lbs (2,280 kg). Second in weight comes the BMW xDrive35i with its 4,728 lbs (2,145 kg). The Mercedes-Benz ML350 is a tad lighter than the X5 35d, at 4,706 lbs (2,135 kg).
To compensate for its clear disadvantages, Audi has already announced the next Q7 will save about 440 lbs (200 kg). It is also worth noting that the Q7 is about 9 inches(23cm) longer than the X5, and around 12.2 inches(31 cm) longer than the M-class.
While you can order all three models with the Lane Change Warning technology, Active Cruise Control and a rearview camera, the BMW X5 offers even more exclusive optional equipment.The Head-Up Display provides additional comfort and reduces in some situations the need to monitor the speedometer, allowing the driver to focus on the road ahead. In addition, the BMW X5 offers the option of side cameras integrated in the front wheel arches (side view) and also a view of the vehicle from above (surround view).
BMW X5 features a Professional Navigation system with 8.8 inch LCD, the largest one when compared to its competitors. Audi Navigation Plus MMI comes with a 7.0 inch LCD and 6.5 inch LCD in the Mercedes COMAND APS system. One unique selling point for the X5 is unrestricted Internet access available in Europe.
Now, let’s get to the fun part: engines. Starting wit the “top dog” from BMW, the xDrive50i, powered for the first time by the 407 horsepower Twin-Turbo V8 engine found in several other BMWs. Its equivalent, at least on paper, from Audi is the Q7 4.2 FSI which produces 357 horsepower. Mercedes-Benz joins the game with its ML500 and 388 horsepower.
The entry-level engine is xDrive30d outputting 241 horsepower. In the same range, Mercedes introduces the ML 350 CDI with its 231 ponies. In the fuel consumption test, the X5 leads 7.4 liter/100km (31mpg), followed by the Mercedes 350CDI with 8.9 liter/100km(26.4mpg) and Q7 3.0 TDI at 9.1 liters/100km(25.8mpg).
With the new facelift, BMW introduces a new model in the X5 line-up. The xDrive40d is powered by the same 3.0-liter engine found in the 740d. The engine delivers 306 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque (600Nm). The Audi Q7 TDI tops it with its 340 horsepower and 9.9 liter of diesel per 100 km. Mercedes is being represented by the ML 450 CDI and its 306 horsepower.
Moving over again to the petrol engine market, BMW’s entry level model is the xDrive35i rated at 306 horsepower. Mercedes responds with the ML 350, 272 hp. Audi brings to the fight the Q7 3.6 FSI, along with its 280 hp. The xDrive35i average fuel consumption is rated at 10.1 liter/100km(23mpg), Audi Q7 at 12.1 liter/100km(19.43mpg) and around 12 liter/100km(19.6mpg) for the ML 350.
Once we have compared the most important technical facts, as always, the pricing comes into play. In Europe, the Audi Q7 3.6 FSI has a base price of 51,750 euro. The ML350 and xDrive35i go head-to-head with 54,859 euros, respectively 54,900 euros.
In the big petrol engines in the Audi Q7 4.2 FSI offers the lowest base price again, 69,200 euros, but with significant less power than the 388 hp from the ML 500 and 407 hp found in the xDrive50i. The high-end BMW X5 model will sell in Europe for 73,400 euros, while the ML 500 is slightly priced lower again, 72,982 euros.
At the entry level diesels with three liters of displacement, six cylinders, a turbocharger and 240 hp 3.0 TDI is priced at 52,700 euros. It is followed by the more fuel efficient BMW X5 xDrive 30d at 54,200 euros and the 231 hp Mercedes ML350 CDI priced at 55,751 euros.
The new BMW X5 xDrive40d comes with a great entry point price, 61,800 euros, more than 10,000 euros cheaper than the Q7 4.2 TDI (72,700 euros) and the ML450 CDI (72,923 euros).
As we mentioned earlier, the exterior design brings out different emotions in each of the above brands’ fans. While some are fond of the flashier, younger looking Q7, there are plenty others that enjoy a classic, solid but beautiful design seen on the X5 or the ML.
So we decided to leave our input out this time and instead, we’ll let you vote again.
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.[Source: BimmerToday ]
Author: Horatiu B.
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/02/09/compa ... s-benz-ml/