yes, the X5 has a stiff ride, specially if u order the sport package.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TKG 26
[B]
i can relate.

 

MDXLuvr how does your car ride?

 

Edited. . .

 

ML500 = more rugged for off road

X5 = more sporty for on road

 

I wouldn't say the ML 500 off roads very well either. Neither of these cars off road very well. If you want that get a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The X5 ride is stiffer than the ML's bet it handles much better too. It is not nearly as stiff as a 3 series BMW, but I wouldn't recommend the sports package as that makes it stiffer.

 

ML500 is a body-on-frame (truck base) platform which is better for towing, off roading and more durable.

X5 is a unibody platform (car base) platform for less squeaks.

If she wants better towing and stronger off road ability I recommend the ML500.

If she wants something sporty and flashy with a car like ride for the people up front get the X5 with the sport package. Last year's report done on TV by Car and Driver showed how rough the ride can be in the X5 in the rear with the sport package on back roads. Not sure about how the 2002 version will be.

I would pick the ML500 with all of its engineering if I was going to spend that kind of money for an SUV. I think those two vehicles are two different things with the two different platforms until the high performance AMG ML55 option is thrown in. I almost bought another off road vehicle instead of my S2000. I researched the Audi Allroad like Ray posted above about. I like the awesome looks and its twin turbo engine. I like that its like driving a rally car on dirt roads and you can raise the suspension up and down for whatever situation you may get into in bad weather. Plus it has the Quattro system.

 

I like the ride of the MDX, however, sometimes i feel its a little stiff. the auto enthusiast in me likes its handling ability, but then again this is a suv. I would have preferred a ride that is somewhere between the lexus Rx and the MDX(from a stiffness standpoint). But, remember, I live in Tx. The most curves my 'X faces are the sharp turns my wife takes trying to find a parking spot at the mall. I think if i lived in CA, then the handling would be more appreciated.

btw, i realize that everyone likes to brag about the HP ratings in their vehicle, but If your mom got a x5 4.6 or ml 55 would she really put that HP to use? for the price of a ML55, u could buy a new MDX AND a new miata, or a used S2000. what would u prefer?

s2k4ever recommended the ML. ask him if he owns it. On paper, the ML sounds like a great vehicle. but it is the most unreliable $50k vehicle outside of the maserati biturbo's. the fact that MB has made 5 rounds of "improvements" in a vehicle design that is 6 yrs. old is fu*%ed up!!! this thing(the ML) is the closet u will get to a $50 k yugo!!! Don't take my word, go check out the mbnz.org site. every time i get on the site somebody is complaining about the windows not working again, or the radio going out, or the rattles. would u honestly trust a ml to take u to the mountains when it can't take u to the mall without something failing?

enuff for now. i am getting off my soapbox.

 

Consumer reviews on ML's http://carpoint.msn.com/userreviews/review...im=All&lang=All

Consumer reviews on X5's http://carpoint.msn.com/userreviews/review...im=All&lang=All

Whats new for the ML's by Edmunds.com: 2002 M-Class - The ML430 is replaced by the ML500, which has a 5.0-liter V8 packing 288 horsepower. Over 1,100 parts of the truck have been modified, but the ML's exterior remains largely the same. New bumpers, clear lens headlights and revised side mirrors are the most noticeable exterior changes. Inside, the center console sports a new look, and woodgrain trim becomes standard on all models. A new automatic climate control system is now standard, and rear seat passengers get dual cupholders and separate ventilation controls.

Whats new for the X5's by Edmunds.com: 2002 X5 - A sports car-quick X5 4.6is makes its debut, boasting a 340-hp 4.6-liter V8 making 350 pound-feet of torque. The 4.4-liter V8 has been upgraded to make 290 horsepower, up from last year's 282. The X5 now offers such goodies as enhanced Hill Descent Control, trailer stability control and a self-leveling suspension. A CD player finally makes its way onto the standard equipment list.

New 2003 Lincoln Aviator coming soon with a 32-valve 4.6-liter V8 and 46% higher towing capacity of the ML500 http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/preview/art...65/article.html

 

How about this:

http://www.rangerover.landrover.com/html/h...ryGroup=A&rem=0