SHOWDOWN: 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class vs. 2011 BMW X5 -- Has The M-Class Unseated The X's Looks?

Probably one of the biggest match ups in the automotive industry has to be BMW versus Mercedes-Benz. Or is it Mercedes-Benz versus Audi? Maybe Mercedes-Benz versus Lexus? Ah, who knows anymore.

Regardless, both manufacturers represent German engineering at its finest, however, they both have different methodologies and trains of thought.

Although we know that, we're a little curious of how you think the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class stacks up against the 2011 BMW X5. Please note that both cars are equipped with their respective sport packages.

So, what's it gonna' be, Spies?


The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class was unveiled earlier today with a brand new exterior and interior redesign. The premium SUV from Mercedes will continue to compete against the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Lexus RX.

The new 2012 M-Class shares its underpinnings with the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and will launch in the US this fall. Initially, the Stuttgart-based automaker will offer three variants: 2012 ML 250 Bluetec 4Matic, 2012 ML 350 Bluetec 4Matic and 2012 ML 350 4Matic BlueEfficiency...

[Source: BMWBlog]


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dlin - 6/9/2011 2:07:51 AM

-10 Boost

Center console of M5 reminds me of Accord's. And what's up w/ that double stacked vent? Is one of them fake, like the exhaust pipe of IS-F?

LUXCAR32 - 6/9/2011 4:17:12 AM

+2 Boost

The slowly aging interior of the x5 looks better than the interior of the M. Sorry Mercedes, but that center console looks like it could be in a jeep.

pepito66 - 6/9/2011 8:13:45 AM

+3 Boost

I am sorry to but I take the BMW all time. The ML dash is almost the same as the interior of the new Cherokee , that the price to share platforms and design or other thing that they only know. I can't understand Mercedes, I also heard that they going to give engine to Infinity because they want to create something like their AMG brand so this is to much.

Yonder7 - 6/9/2011 8:15:44 AM

-4 Boost

X5 looks too plastic an cheap. MB have a more exclusive personality...

enthusiastx11 - 6/9/2011 12:24:19 PM

-1 Boost

it's called understated. the mercedes is too shiny for my taste.

enthusiastx11 - 6/9/2011 12:24:56 PM

-1 Boost

and all those buttons....too cluttered looking in the ML.

bmwM3 - 6/9/2011 8:49:48 AM

+5 Boost

I think they both look great. The Mercedes looks solid and luxurious, and the BMW looks modern, and sporty.

sstainba - 6/9/2011 9:22:39 AM

+1 Boost

the center console in the MB looks too busy and unsophisticated. i like BMW because they keep it clean and simple.

bmwdrvr - 6/9/2011 10:01:17 AM

+2 Boost

The MLs interior is very nice, BUT, based on the badging this probably a top teir designo edition. I highly doubt Mercedes would have leather covered surfaces all over a regular ML, and the stitched seats. Overall it has a more traditional look to it than the X5, where as the X5 looks much more Modern. The center console in the mercedes does look a bit cheap for some reason but overall I think they both look like great interiors.

LACMAN - 6/9/2011 10:46:14 AM

+1 Boost

Both look well designed and high quality but one is sportier (Bmw) and one is more luxurious. I like the X5's interior but thats just a matter of personal preference.

OAN: Where is the shifter in the M Class? I dont see a lever on the column or center console.

lv_vl - 6/9/2011 11:11:45 AM

0 Boost

I can't see that much difference between ML and X5, but Cayenne beats both of them hands down.

bmwdrvr - 6/9/2011 12:47:24 PM

+3 Boost

No the X3 competes with the GLK, the RX technically doesn't have a direct competitor from the Europeans. Its larger than the X3, Q5, and GLK and the same size as the ML and X5 but its priced against the smaller cars. The lexus GX is more comparable to a Land Rover not much else is similar in concept.

SharkPhi - 6/9/2011 12:12:16 PM

+1 Boost

I like them both, the Mercedes has a unique look...perhaps more "plush", but I have always liked the utilitarian layout/sporty look of the BMW dash(s).

Bulldog, the ML compares to the X5 and GX. The GLK competes with the X3 and RX. The GL is comparable to the LX and BMW doesn't have a "Oversized" suv.

Yonder7 - 6/9/2011 1:39:02 PM

0 Boost

bulldog : Nope....Dimensions and Price match the X5. BMW does not have anything like the GL but I hope they bring the X7 soon.

Willis - 6/9/2011 3:28:25 PM

+3 Boost

Inside: Mercedes
Exterior: BMW X5 all the way.

1BadMan - 6/9/2011 6:35:08 PM

+4 Boost

2012 BMW E70 X5 on dealer lots an average of 8 days in US market (source-cars.com). I will take the X5 as I already have one. The interior of the new Benz which is Designo looks really nice.

BimmersNme - 6/9/2011 10:26:32 PM

+1 Boost

X5's interior/exterior still looks great after all these years. The ML looks good inside and out, but the center console really looks a bit on the cheap side. But overall, a nice ride.

delan - 6/9/2011 10:56:59 PM

+5 Boost

Oooooohh Daddy Likes..........

(The Mercedes)

Caraficionado - 6/10/2011 10:55:03 AM

+3 Boost

Mercedes!

MercBasher - 6/10/2011 1:27:07 PM

+1 Boost

The current BMW X5 looks good . . . that's why I bought one - BUT it is cheaply made with hard plastics on the inside and flimsy front doors . . . that's why I sold it. Even though the new Mercedes ML looks a little boring on the outside I'd still take it over the X5 which was one of the worst vehicles I ever owned.

For those that care I had a X5 with the 3.0 litre engine which for US use was horribly underpowered. Definitely not a driver's SUV. I understand 2011 version has more power but still doesn't deal with the feeling of cheapness in materials.

Duesen - 6/10/2011 4:42:28 PM

+3 Boost

M-class, the only thing in the BMW that looks better is the steering wheel.