BMW X5 vs Audi Q7 vs Mercedes-Benz ML. A strong trio / Mercedes-Benz test drives

Strong trio
© Photo: Frank Rathering, 5 wheel

BMW X5. Price: 51,900 euros

MERCEDES-BENZ ML. Price: 51,408 euros

AUDI Q7 Price: 50,800 euros

Over the years of its existence, the BMW X5 has gained a whole army of devoted fans. But after the debut of the new Mercedes ML and the arrival of the Audi Q7 on the scene, the Bavarian had a hard time. The moment has come for the updated X5. Will it manage to become a trendsetter in its segment again?

BMW X5

The successor to the legendary ancestor, which became famous for its phenomenal dynamics and handling in its class for its time. In essence, it is an SUV created for confident driving on asphalt. The new model has noticeably grown in size and is again full of ambitions, offering a spacious interior combined with excellent behavior on hard surfaces.

Strong trio. BMW X5 3.0d
© Photo: Frank Rathering, 5 wheel

Audi Q7

Audi's first large crossover hit the market later than similar models from competitors. Unsurprisingly, it initially turned out to be technologically superior to everything available at the time. People immediately lined up for these cars. The main trump cards of the Q7 are impeccable interior finishing and a huge trunk. And also — excellent handling.

Strong trio. Audi Q7 3.0TDI
© Photo: Frank Rathering, 5 wheel

Mercedes-Benz ML

The most "off-road" of the participants in our comparison. It is softer and noticeably more prone to rolling. The gearbox is a seven-speed automatic. The serious capabilities of the transmission off-road are complemented by long-travel suspensions. The current model has come a long way from the first ML, which stood at the origins of the new class.

Strong trio. Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI
© Photo: Frank Rathering, 5 wheel

Strong trio. Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI
© Photo: 5 wheel

Strong trio. Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI
© Photo: Frank Rathering, 5 wheel

Externally, the new X5 strongly resembles its predecessor. As with BMW sedans, there are no design revolutions — rather, an evolution of the very idea. Even the dimensions of the new X5 indicate that the shortcomings of the old model were worked on: the car has become more spacious. It has gained 19 cm in length and 6 cm in width. The wheelbase has grown by 11 cm. Primarily, the driver and front passenger benefit from this.

The Audi, due to the shape of its headlights, is subjectively perceived as wider and lower. The Mercedes is also made spacious, but it is easier to hit the door with your elbow in it than in the other two Germans.

The Audi loses to its rivals due to the lack of some options or their availability only for an extra charge — for example, a spare wheel or a tire damage indicator (515 euros). In terms of the cost of additional equipment, the Mercedes ML looks most advantageous: only it offers almost a full set of safety systems already in the base. For all three cars, the requirements for the quality of finishing are important. BMW and Audi are the undisputed leaders here. The Mercedes ML needs to improve the quality of finishing to keep up with competitors.

The Q7 handles bumps elastically, in a sporty manner, but at the same time softly. However, the Mercedes has a greater margin of safety for broken roads. The ML in the "Comfort" trim (as in our test) is prone to lateral and vertical rocking.

Handling is BMW's forte. Compared to Audi and Mercedes, it does not have such impressive straight-line stability and a large steering angle, but in everything else the X5 dominates. Already the predecessor had a phenomenally precise and informative steering wheel. The new suspension and wider track (plus 68 mm at the front, plus 74 mm at the rear) allow the new X5 to take corners even more precisely. At the limit, the X5 sheds excess energy with the help of the DSC system. This is the complete opposite of the ML: the Mercedes oversteers earlier and more strongly, the body rocks, and the rolls are impressive. ESP works harshly and decisively. The Audi occupies an intermediate position between the X5 and ML, but closer to BMW. Despite the 20-inch tires, the Q7 still loses in handling to the leading BMW. In the slalom, the X5 wins thanks to its balance and the power steering (1,300 euros), which makes maneuvering at low speeds easier. The pride of the new X5 is its brakes. During "cold" braking, the BMW stops from 100 km/h in less than 36 meters. In the "hot" test — 36.2 m. At the same time, the brake pedal always remains informative. Audi and especially Mercedes require a longer distance to stop.

An important role in the impressive dynamics of the X5 is played by the transmission. The new inline 6-cylinder aluminum engine responds without delay and easily revs up to 4,500 rpm. The 6-speed automatic with smooth shifts and precise operation of the torque converter suits the character of the X5 engine perfectly. Its presence in the Q7's automatic is felt more strongly. The V6 turbodiesel on the Audi responds to the gas somewhat vaguely. Mercedes lags both in responsiveness and power, despite the 7-speed gearbox. The MB also turned out to be the most voracious.

BMW X5

Driving

An absolute victory in this category. The best steering, the best brakes, the best engine.

Interior

Materials, design, and attention to detail — everything is at a decent level. The trunk is practical and convenient.

Comfort

In this test, the car is the coziest, but the ride smoothness let it down: you have to pay for the sharpness of the steering.

Safety

Indicators are on par with rivals. The not-so-generous set of assistants is compensated by excellent brakes.

Price

The vehicle is not cheap, but it allows saving on fuel.

MB ML

Driving

The main weakness is the braking system. On asphalt, the ML is wobbly and sluggish; off-road it would have shown itself better, but in this company it has no place.

Interior

For a car of this rank, the trim could have been of higher quality. Also, there is a lack of space and flexibility of transformation.

Comfort

Here, the ride smoothness is the highest. Other parameters are also quite decent.

Safety

The base configuration with protection systems is the richest. However, things are worse with active safety.

Price

The purchase is reasonable, although the ML does not set records for value either.

Audi Q7

Driving

In terms of handling, it yielded only slightly to BMW, and that is an excellent result. The Q7 obediently performs any maneuvers at any speed and confidently holds the straight line.

Interior

The interior is the most spacious and luxuriously finished. Ergonomics are impeccable, and transformation possibilities are impressive.

Comfort

Ride smoothness is at a good level, and in most disciplines the indicators are worthy.

Safety

The equipment with safety systems is slightly more modest than that of competitors. The drawback is compensated by excellent handling.

Price

Slightly more advantageous than the others.

OUR OPINION

In this comparison, BMW outpaced Audi, but the Q7 is breathing down the winner's neck. The new X5 was brought victory by excellent handling and a powerful 6-cylinder turbodiesel. Apart from the stiff rear suspension, BMW showed brilliant results in terms of comfort as well. Audi takes the huge trunk and interior flexibility. It lost decisive points due to the brakes. Mercedes ML finishes third: solidity, comfort, and a full arsenal of safety systems are not enough today to give a worthy fight to rivals.

April 14, 2007.