BMW X5 vs. Mercedes-Benz M-Class Feature Comparison

Features Comparison: BMW X5 vs. Mercedes-Benz M-Class

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Model Year	2008	2008
Model	X5	X5
Trim	3.0si	4.8i
Engines (hide)
3.0L I6 DOHC-4v 260 hp@6600 225 lb-ft@2750
4.8L V8 DOHC-4v 350 hp@6300 350 lb-ft@3400
Transmissions (hide)
6-speed manually-shiftable automatic
Drivetrains (hide)
AWD
Tires (hide)
255/55HR18 tires
255/50YR19 tires
275/40WR20 tires
315/35WR20 tires
Audio Systems (hide)
Unbranded, 205W, 10 speakers (with subwoofer)
Unbranded, 600W, 16 speakers (with subwoofer)
Accessories (hide)
Cruise control
Heated steering wheel
Power front side windowsOften must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.   [?]
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.
Power liftgateLiftgate can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob.   [?]
Liftgate can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob.
Power locks
Power rear side windows
Power trunk / liftgate pull-downPulls decklid / liftgate tight after latch is engaged. Door can be shut with very little effort.   [?]
Pulls decklid / liftgate tight after latch is engaged. Door can be shut with very little effort.
Proximity keyEnter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.   [?]
Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.
Remote keyless entryUnlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.   [?]
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.
Remote window/roof operationOperate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob.   [?]
Operate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob.
Sunshades, second rowGreatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the rear side windows. Retract into rear doors.   [?]
Greatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the rear side windows. Retract into rear doors.
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power
Tool kit
Universal garage door openerHomelink.   [?]
Homelink.
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety (hide)
4-wheel disc brakesRear disc brakes.   [?]
Rear disc brakes.
Active or whiplash-reducing head restraints, front seatsIf active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.   [?]
If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.
AlarmOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Antilock brakes (ABS)Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.   [?]
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.
Brake assistWhen a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.   [?]
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.
Front airbagsMandatory, in all cars.   [?]
Mandatory, in all cars.
Hill descent controlSelectively applies the brakes to maintain a slow, steady descent on off-road downhill slopes.   [?]
Selectively applies the brakes to maintain a slow, steady descent on off-road downhill slopes.
Obstacle detection, frontBeeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid.   [?]
Beeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid.
Obstacle detection, rearBeeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.   [?]
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.
Rearview cameraRearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system.   [?]
Rearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system.
Rollover sensorDeploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others.   [?]
Deploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others.
Side curtain airbagsAirbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.   [?]
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.
Stability controlSelectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).   [?]
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).
Temporary spare tire
Tire-pressure monitorTwo types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.   [?]
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.
Tires, run-flatCan be driven deflated for about 50 miles. Usually harm ride quality. Cars with these often have no spare tire.   [?]
Can be driven deflated for about 50 miles. Usually harm ride quality. Cars with these often have no spare tire.
Traction controlWhen a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.   [?]
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.
Cargo Management (hide)
Cargo area partition netNet extending from the floor to the ceiling to prevent cargo from flying into the passenger area during sudden stops.   [?]
Net extending from the floor to the ceiling to prevent cargo from flying into the passenger area during sudden stops.
Cargo area rails w/tie downs
Cargo cover
Console with shifter
Liftglass or two-piece tailgateDo not have to open entire tailgate to access the cargo area.   [?]
Do not have to open entire tailgate to access the cargo area.
Rear seat pass-throughUsually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat.   [?]
Usually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat.
Roof railsNo crossbars.   [?]
No crossbars.
Ski sackSack attached to rear seat pass-through. Keeps dirty skis from messing up the interior.   [?]
Sack attached to rear seat pass-through. Keeps dirty skis from messing up the interior.
Storage beneath cargo floorLarge storage area beneath the load floor, often compartmentalized.   [?]
Large storage area beneath the load floor, often compartmentalized.
Climate Control (hide)
Air conditioning
Automatic air recirculationAutomatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air.   [?]
Automatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air.
Automatic climate control, frontMaintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Dual-zone climate controlTemperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Heated windshield washer nozzles
Interior air filterFilters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.   [?]
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.
Rain-sensing wipersWipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.   [?]
Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.
Rear air ventsVents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling.   [?]
Vents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling.
Rear air vents with automatic controlsMaintains set temperature in rear passenger area by providing heated or cooled air through vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Replaces and includes value of rear air vents with manual controls.   [?]
Maintains set temperature in rear passenger area by providing heated or cooled air through vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Replaces and includes value of rear air vents with manual controls.
Rear defrost
Rear dual-zone climate controlRequires and does not include the value of rear air vents.   [?]
Requires and does not include the value of rear air vents.
Rear heat ductsDucts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.   [?]
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.
Rear wiper
Residual heatProvides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off.   [?]
Provides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off.
Exterior (hide)
Body kit (gray/black)Side skirts and possibly a front air dam and rear apron. Not body color.   [?]
Side skirts and possibly a front air dam and rear apron. Not body color.
Bodyside moldingsMoldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots.   [?]
Moldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots.
Bright-finished exhaust tip(s)Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.   [?]
Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.
Deep-tinted rear windows
Panoramic sunroofFront glass panel retracts over a fixed glass roof panel. Entire unit covers nearly the entire roof.   [?]
Front glass panel retracts over a fixed glass roof panel. Entire unit covers nearly the entire roof.
Rear spoilerCan be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.   [?]
Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.
Running boards
Special exterior trimOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Wheel-lip moldingsExtensions to the wheel opening, both decorative and protective.   [?]
Extensions to the wheel opening, both decorative and protective.
Infotainment (hide)
Audio controls on steering wheel
Aux inputJack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.   [?]
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.
Bluetooth cell phone linkEnables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.   [?]
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.
CD changer, remoteCD changer in the glove compartment, trunk, or cargo area, beyond easy reach. Can be in addition to an in-dash CD player.   [?]
CD changer in the glove compartment, trunk, or cargo area, beyond easy reach. Can be in addition to an in-dash CD player.
CD player
DVD-Audio-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing DVD-Audio discs.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing DVD-Audio discs.
Entertainment system, console-mountedA DVD player and screen mounted at the rear of the center console. Often includes a pair of wireless headphones.   [?]
A DVD player and screen mounted at the rear of the center console. Often includes a pair of wireless headphones.
HD radioHigh-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.   [?]
High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.
iPod integrationIntegrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port.   [?]
Integrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port.
MP3-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.
Navigation systemScreen-based navigation system.   [?]
Screen-based navigation system.
Satellite radio - one year subscriptionXM or Sirius with one-year subscription.   [?]
XM or Sirius with one-year subscription.
Surround sound
Telematics service, such as OnStarIn-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.   [?]
In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.
Traffic informationInformation about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.   [?]
Information about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.
Voice control for nav and audioSometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.   [?]
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors (hide)
Auto-dimming driver-side mirrorDriver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Auto-dimming passenger-side mirrorPassenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Passenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Auto-dimming rearview mirrorInterior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Automatic headlightsHeadlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.   [?]
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.
CompassWe haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.   [?]
We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.
Cornering lightsLights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned.   [?]
Lights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned.
Fog lightsLight wide area close in front of the vehicle.   [?]
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle.
Head-up display (HUD)Projects various instrument readouts onto the windshield. Image actually appears to be floating over the nose of the car. Enables driver to keep eyes on the road.   [?]
Projects various instrument readouts onto the windshield. Image actually appears to be floating over the nose of the car. Enables driver to keep eyes on the road.
Headlight washers
Heated mirrorsClears ice and fog from mirrors.   [?]
Clears ice and fog from mirrors.
Illuminated visor mirror, driverIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Illuminated visor mirror, passengerIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Interior ambient lightingLEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.   [?]
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.
Map lightsFront row reading lights.   [?]
Front row reading lights.
Mirror tilt-down in reverseOne or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.   [?]
One or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.
Outside temperature display
Perimeter approach lightingArea around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.   [?]
Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.
Power mirrorsIncludes value of manual remote mirrors.   [?]
Includes value of manual remote mirrors.
Power-folding mirrorsMirrors fold and unfold with the touch of a button inside the vehicle. Good for narrow roads and parking lots.   [?]
Mirrors fold and unfold with the touch of a button inside the vehicle. Good for narrow roads and parking lots.
Steering-linked headlightsHeadlights swivel when steering wheel is turned.   [?]
Headlights swivel when steering wheel is turned.
TachometerReports engine speed.   [?]
Reports engine speed.
Trip computerReports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.   [?]
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.
Turn signals on or near mirrors
Xenon HID headlightsProvide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.   [?]
Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.
Seats and Interior Trim (hide)
Front buckets
Front sport buckets
Second-row 2-section 3-person split bench
Third-row 2-section 2-person split bench
Center armrest(s), front row
Center armrest(s), second row
Cooled or ventilated front seats
Floor mats
Folding second row seatsSeat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.   [?]
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.
Folding third row seatsSeat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.   [?]
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.
Heated front seats
Heated second row seats
Leather door panel trim
Leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.   [?]
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.
Leather seating surfaces, third-row seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Manual fore-aft adjuster, second row seatsSeat adjusts back and forth to vary the split between the second row and the third row or cargo area.   [?]
Seat adjusts back and forth to vary the split between the second row and the third row or cargo area.
Manual recliner, second row seats
Massage, driver seatPower lumbar or vibration used to massage lower back.   [?]
Power lumbar or vibration used to massage lower back.
Memory system, driver seat
Memory system, passenger seat
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, driver seatLower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.   [?]
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, passenger seatLower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.   [?]
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.
Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat
Power fore-aft adjuster, passenger seat
Power headrest height adjuster, driver seat
Power headrest height adjuster, passenger seat
Power height adjuster, driver seat
Power height adjuster, passenger seat
Power recliner, driver seat
Power recliner, passenger seat
Power seatback bolsters, driver seatPower adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns.   [?]
Power adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns.
Power seatback bolsters, passenger seatPower adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns.   [?]
Power adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns.
Power thigh support length adjuster, driver seatPower-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs.   [?]
Power-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs.
Power thigh support length adjuster, passenger seatPower-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs.   [?]
Power-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs.
Power tilt adjuster, driver seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power tilt adjuster, passenger seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power upper seatback recliner, driver seatThe upper part of the seatback be be adjusted separately from the lower part.   [?]
The upper part of the seatback be be adjusted separately from the lower part.
Power upper seatback recliner, passenger seatThe upper part of the seatback be be adjusted separately from the lower part; especially useful when the seat is heavily reclined, to better support the upper back.   [?]
The upper part of the seatback be be adjusted separately from the lower part; especially useful when the seat is heavily reclined, to better support the upper back.
Special interior trimOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Synthetic leather seating surfacesA.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe.   [?]
A.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe.
Upgraded leather upholsteryNo additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models.   [?]
No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models.
Wood trimReal wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console.   [?]
Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console.
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires (hide)
Active stabilizer barsMotors joining the left and right halves of the stabilizer bars twist them to further reduce roll in turns and disengages them to improve ride quality when not turning.   [?]
Motors joining the left and right halves of the stabilizer bars twist them to further reduce roll in turns and disengages them to improve ride quality when not turning.
Active steeringThe steering ratio is automatically varied based on vehicle speed and other factors.   [?]
The steering ratio is automatically varied based on vehicle speed and other factors.
Adaptive dampers - electricalShocks that electrically adjust their firmness based on sensor readings of the road surface. The driver might also be able to select a \"sport\" setting.   [?]
Shocks that electrically adjust their firmness based on sensor readings of the road surface. The driver might also be able to select a \"sport\" setting.
Alloy wheels
Rear air springs, auto-levelingAir springs maintain the rear ride height.   [?]
Air springs maintain the rear ride height.
Sport suspension (upgrade)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.

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