Thinking about buying a Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG? Compare it to a BMW X5 M first!

 

The BMW X5 M Overview

At their introduction, the X6 and X5 both served notice that all-wheel-drive vehicles were no longer relegated to the catch-all category of utility vehicles. Both of these set new standards for performance, comfort and handling, which explains BMWs insistence in using the word activity in defining both of these game-changing vehicles.

For 2010 the X5 and X6 receive a thorough massaging by the engineers at BMW M, and these two once again reset the benchmarks used to define the concept of all-wheel-drive high-performance. Everything from engine and transmission to suspension and brakes came under the scrutiny of BMW M, with the result that the performance of each of those systems has been pushed up a notch. Like every BMW M product, these two also received an extra dollop of luxury to distinguish them even further.


The Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Overview

Based on Mercedes second-generation M-Class, the ML63 received a mild freshening for 2010, including restyled front and rear fascias, upgraded interior and a reconfigured COMAND system that includes a new hard-drive-based navigation system.

The top-of-the-line ML63 AMG sports a 6.2-liter 503-horsepower V-8, backed by a beefed-up 7-speed automatic, which replaces the previous 5-speed auto. The AMG-designed V-8 also churns out an impressive 465 lb-ft. of torque, more than any other naturally aspirated engine in the class. Large ventilated and cross-drilled disc brakes ride inside standard 20-inch AMG-designed wheels, shod with 295/40R-20 tires front and rear. The chassis also includes an AMG-modified version of Mercedes AirMatic suspension and Adaptive Damping System, though the 5093-lb ML63 is not noted for its handling.



BMW vs. Mercedes-Benz 


What BMW offers…

  • BMW M twin-turbo 4.4-liter direct-fuel-injected V-8: 555 horsepower and 500 lb-ft. of torque.
  • An incredibly broad powerband, with maximum torque available from 1500 rpm to 5650 rpm, horsepower peaks at 6000.
  • BMWs xDrive with Dynamic Performance Control shifts torque front to rear, as well as to either rear wheel to improve both handling and traction.
  • The X5 M features larger brakes: 15.6-inch front, 15.2-inch rear; 4-piston front calipers, single-piston rear. Rotors are lightweight aluminum hubs with cast-iron rotors.
  • Wheels are 20 x 10-inch fronts, 20 x 11-inch rear, with 275/40 x 20 front and 315/35R-20 rear run-flat performance tires.
  • BMWs iDrive includes an 8.8-inch display and 80GB hard drive w/12GB Music Collection, as well as seven Direct Access Buttons surrounding a console-mounted controller, plus six Programmable Memory Keys and the most intuitive interface in the class.
  • M Drive button allows drivers to tailor vehicle dynamics to their own tastes including throttle, steering and transmission response, stability control intervention and chassis tuning and call them up at the touch of a finger.
  • M-specific Head-up Display and High Beam Assistant are two optional features not offered by Mercedes.
  • 4.5 sec 0-60 mph.
  • 4 year/50,000 mile maintenance included.
  • 4 year/unlimited miles Roadside Assistance
  • 12 year/unlimited miles corrosion warranty


What Mercedes-Benz doesn’t…

  • Mercedes-Benz AMG 6.2-liter V-8, 503 horsepower and 465 lb-ft. of torque.
  • The naturally aspirated V-8 puts out maximum power high in the rev range, with a torque peak at 5200 rpm and maximum horsepower arriving at 6800.
  • Mercedes AMG-modified 4Matic system on the ML63 features a fixed, 40/60 front-to-rear split, with no torque-apportioning rear differential.
  • Brakes on the ML63 are 15.4-inch front, 14.4-inch rear, with 4-piston front and twin-piston rear calipers. Brake rotors are traditional cast-iron, which increases unsprung weight
  • Wheels are same-size 20 x 10-inch front and rear, shod with 295/40R-20 performance tires all around, no run-flat capability.
  • M-Bs COMAND navigation system includes only a 6.5-inch display, a 40GB hard drive w/4GB Music Collection, small vertically mounted controller, and still surrounds the screen with several dozen small buttons to access most features.
  • AMG chassis control allows three settings, Normal, Comfort and Sport, which affect only suspension settings, but doesn't affect steering or stability control.
  • Like the X5 M, the ML includes parking assist and a rear-view camera standard, but M-B includes no other driver-assistance features.
  • 4.8 sec 0-60 mph.
  • 4 year/50,000 mile, no maintenance.
  • 4 year/50,000 miles Roadside Assistance
  • 10 year/unlimited miles corrosion warranty


 "Lapping the Road Atlanta racetrack during our preview drive, the X6 M flew around corners with awe-inspiring ease. It's huge, yet it's easy to drive quickly and displays tremendous capability. The X6 M is a glorious contradiction of a vehicle." - Car and Driver

Irvine BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, East Irvine, El Toro, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, San Clemente, Lake Elsinore, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Silverado and Trabuco Canyon.

We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.

Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.

We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.

Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.