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Features Comparison: BMW X5 vs. Mercedes-Benz M-Class
| Model Year | 2015 | 2015 | 2015 | 2015 | 2015 | 2015--2008-2010 | 2015--2008-2010 | 2015--2008-2010 | 2015--2008-2010 |
| Model | X5 | X5 | X5 | X5 | X5 | M-Class | M-Class | M-Class | M-Class |
| Trim | sDrive35i | xDrive35i | xDrive35d | xDrive50i | M | ML250 BlueTEC | ML350 | ML400 | ML63 AMG |
| Engines | |||||||||
| Transmissions | |||||||||
| Drivetrains | |||||||||
| Tires | |||||||||
| Audio Systems | |||||||||
| Accessories | |||||||||
| Powers devices with a regular home electrical outlet. Limited wattage: forget about using it to power a blow drier. | |||||||||
| Automatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Can bring vehicle to a complete stop then accelerate back up to set speed. Replaces regular adaptive cruise control, and includes its value. | |||||||||
| Release latch by waving a foot beneath the bumper or a hand near a sensor. | |||||||||
| Pulls door tight after latch is engaged. Door can be shut with very little effort. | |||||||||
| Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available. | |||||||||
| Liftgate can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob. | |||||||||
| Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket. | |||||||||
| Check on car and remotely control various functions (remote start, locks, lights, and/or HVAC) from a telephone or computer. Can require a monthly fee. | |||||||||
| Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob. | |||||||||
| Operate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob. | |||||||||
| Automatically steers the vehicle into a parking space. Driver operates the transmission, and sometimes also the brake and accelerator. | |||||||||
| One-time charge for special order options | |||||||||
| Greatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the rear side windows. Retract into rear doors. | |||||||||
| Homelink. | |||||||||
| Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | |||||||||
| Rear disc brakes. | |||||||||
| If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common. | |||||||||
| Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. | |||||||||
| Night vision system detects animals ahead of the car, then highlights them on the display. Some will also focus a light on the animal. | |||||||||
| Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time. | |||||||||
| Small external cameras provide a top-down view all around the vehicle, to reduce blind spots while parking. | |||||||||
| If collision detection system senses imminent collision, applies moderate braking. | |||||||||
| Automatically brakes car to avoid low-speed collisions. | |||||||||
| Selectively applies the brakes to guide vehicle back into the original lane when detects that a lane change will cause a collision with a vehicle in the blind spot. | |||||||||
| Mirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot. | |||||||||
| When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes. | |||||||||
| Warns when driver is drowsy and needs to pull over. | |||||||||
| Alerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly. | |||||||||
| Mandatory, in all cars. | |||||||||
| Selectively applies the brakes to maintain a slow, steady descent on off-road downhill slopes. | |||||||||
| Applies the brakes to hold the vehicle in place on an incline. Incomplete data, so only displayed when pricing a single vehicle. | |||||||||
| Applies the brakes to reduce the severity of a likely collision due to wandering out of lane. | |||||||||
| Brakes lightly applied to help prevent the vehicle from inadvertently traveling out of its intended lane. | |||||||||
| Alerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane. | |||||||||
| Creates infrared-based image of the road ahead. | |||||||||
| Beeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid. | |||||||||
| Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid. | |||||||||
| Warns driver of pedestrians in path of car. | |||||||||
| Night vision system detects pedestrians ahead of the car, then highlights them on the display. | |||||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||
| Prepares brakes (and sometimes also seat belts) for use when radar detects an imminent collision. Might also move seats and close windows. Early Lexus system used laser. Since automatic braking became common it has been unclear which models have this feat | |||||||||
| Torso-level second row airbags, usually contained in the rear door. Some also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags. | |||||||||
| Rearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system. | |||||||||
| Deploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others. | |||||||||
| Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row. | |||||||||
| Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning). | |||||||||
| Select electronic chassis control settings for a specific terrain type. | |||||||||
| Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire. | |||||||||
| Can be driven deflated for about 50 miles. Usually harm ride quality. Cars with these often have no spare tire. | |||||||||
| When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction. | |||||||||
| Automatically applies a front brake to counteract sway induced by a trailer. | |||||||||
| Wide angle camera allows the driver to see well to each side from the very front of the car when pulling out of parking spaces or side streets. | |||||||||
| Cargo Management | |||||||||
| No crossbars. | |||||||||
| Net extending from the floor to the ceiling to prevent cargo from flying into the passenger area during sudden stops. | |||||||||
| Hitch rated for up to 5,000 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower. | |||||||||
| Do not have to open entire tailgate to access the cargo area. | |||||||||
| Usually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat. | |||||||||
| No crossbars. | |||||||||
| Large storage area beneath the load floor, often compartmentalized. | |||||||||
| Includes seven-wire harness, necessary for larger trailers. | |||||||||
| Climate Control | |||||||||
| Automatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air. | |||||||||
| Maintains set temperature in front row. 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. | |||||||||
| 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. | |||||||||
| Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor. | |||||||||
| Vents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling. | |||||||||
| 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. | |||||||||
| Requires and does not include the value of rear air vents. | |||||||||
| Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row. | |||||||||
| Provides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off. | |||||||||
| Drivetrain | |||||||||
| Actively splits power between the left and right rear wheels, which generally yields sportier handling. | |||||||||
| The center differential can be manually locked using a button. Only for use at low speeds on loose surfaces. Engaging low range (where available) usually locks the center differential automatically. | |||||||||
| Engine / Motor | |||||||||
| Automatically cuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarts it when the driver lifts off the brake pedal. Not listed for hybrids, where it is generally part of the powertrain system. | |||||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||
| Permits a higher top speed before fuel cutoff kicks in. | |||||||||
| Smart alternator recharges battery only while braking, to improve fuel economy. | |||||||||
| Exterior | |||||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||
| Side skirts and possibly a front air dam and rear apron. | |||||||||
| Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust. | |||||||||
| Sometimes referred to as a skid plate, but really an appearance item. | |||||||||
| Sometimes referred to as a skid plate, but really an appearance item. | |||||||||
| Front glass panel retracts over a fixed glass roof panel. Entire unit covers nearly the entire roof. | |||||||||
| Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler. | |||||||||
| 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. | |||||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||
| Extensions to the wheel opening, both decorative and protective. | |||||||||
| Infotainment | |||||||||
| Touchscreen and/or voice control over apps that can include online search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com. Requires connected compatible phone. Fees may apply after first three years. | |||||||||
| Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car. | |||||||||
| Uses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone. | |||||||||
| Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers. | |||||||||
| Typically can help with hotel and restaurant reservations. | |||||||||
| Audio system capable of playing DVDs on a front-row screen. Inoperative when the vehicle is moving. No value because of incomplete data. | |||||||||
| A DVD player and two front headrest-mounted screens. | |||||||||
| Touchpad that interprets handwritten inputs. | |||||||||
| High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees. | |||||||||
| Connects car to the Internet to update systems, download information, and/or browse. Includes internal modem, usually requires car-specific broadband service with monthly fee. | |||||||||
| 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. | |||||||||
| Built-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files. | |||||||||
| Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files. | |||||||||
| Screen-based navigation system. | |||||||||
| Audio controls for rear seat passengers, usually to control output through headphone jacks. | |||||||||
| Access S Voice features of a Samsung Galaxy phone (III and up) using the car's voice controls. | |||||||||
| XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply. | |||||||||
| XM or Sirius with one-year subscription. | |||||||||
| SD, CF, PCMCIA, or other digital media reader. | |||||||||
| Activate Siri using button on steering wheel. Make calls, hear and dictate texts and email, manage calendar, turn-by-turn nav. Requires iPhone 4S or higher. | |||||||||
| In BMWs includes baseplate in center console that provides a connection to an external antenna, but that requires an additional adapter. | |||||||||
| Converts text messages to speech. | |||||||||
| The driver and front passenger are able to view different images on the same screen. The passenger can view a movie while the car is moving while the driver uses the same screen for other functions, including nav. | |||||||||
| 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. | |||||||||
| In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system plus turn-by-turn navigation (no map display). For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months. | |||||||||
| Dictate text for messages and/or emails. Annual fee. | |||||||||
| Information about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months. | |||||||||
| Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls. | |||||||||
| Phone or other device operated via the vehicle's voice command system. Requires a compatible device--all aren't supported. | |||||||||
| Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system. | |||||||||
| Includes frequencies for weather channels. Only listed when pricing a single model because incomplete data for all model. | |||||||||
| Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | |||||||||
| Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | |||||||||
| High beams automatically turned on and off. | |||||||||
| Passenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | |||||||||
| Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | |||||||||
| Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights. | |||||||||
| Stopwatch, lap timer. Usually includes an analog clock. | |||||||||
| We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it. | |||||||||
| Lights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned. | |||||||||
| Make it easier for following vehicles to see the vehicle in fog. | |||||||||
| Light wide area close in front of the vehicle. | |||||||||
| 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. | |||||||||
| Clears ice and fog from mirrors. | |||||||||
| Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | |||||||||
| Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | |||||||||
| LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior. Can change the colors of the lights. | |||||||||
| LED headlights last longer and use less energy than other types. | |||||||||
| Front row reading lights. | |||||||||
| One or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb. | |||||||||
| Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked. | |||||||||
| Includes value of manual remote mirrors. | |||||||||
| Mirrors fold and unfold with the touch of a button inside the vehicle. Good for narrow roads and parking lots. | |||||||||
| Displays the current speed limit. Included with nav on an increasing number of cars. No feature value here because incomplete info on availability. | |||||||||
| Headlights swivel when steering wheel is turned. | |||||||||
| Reports engine speed. | |||||||||
| Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats. | |||||||||
| Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights. | |||||||||
| Seats and Interior Trim | |||||||||
| Real aluminum trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. Deleted by wood trim even if they appear together. | |||||||||
| Won't be listed in conjunction with wood or aluminum trim even if they are available together. | |||||||||
| Ceramic finish on some interior controls. | |||||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||
| Seat 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. | |||||||||
| Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette. | |||||||||
| Leather beyond the seating surfaces, door panels, and IP top. No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models. | |||||||||
| Seat adjusts back and forth to vary the split between the second row and the third row or cargo area. | |||||||||
| Manually adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | |||||||||
| Manually adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | |||||||||
| Power lumbar or vibration used to massage lower back. | |||||||||
| Power lumbar or vibration used to massage lower back. | |||||||||
| Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | |||||||||
| Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | |||||||||
| Power 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-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | |||||||||
| Power-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | |||||||||
| Power 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. | |||||||||
| The 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; especially useful when the seat is heavily reclined, to better support the upper back. | |||||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||
| A.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe. | |||||||||
| Usually also includes synthetic suede on the pillars. | |||||||||
| Seating surfaces are part cloth or vinyl, part synthetic suede. | |||||||||
| Synthetic suede steering wheel rim. | |||||||||
| No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models. | |||||||||
| Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. | |||||||||
| Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. | |||||||||
| Real wood comprises part of the steering wheel rim. | |||||||||
| Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | |||||||||
| 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. | |||||||||
| The steering ratio is automatically varied based on vehicle speed and other factors. | |||||||||
| 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. | |||||||||
| Shocks mechanically adjust firmness based on direct road inputs. Not driver adjustable. | |||||||||
| Air springs automatically level the vehicle and enable manual adjustment of ride height. | |||||||||
| Varies throttle, steering, ABS, and/or stability control calibration. | |||||||||
| Air springs maintain the rear ride height. | |||||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||
| Lug nuts that can only be removed using a special key. Prevents theft of wheels. | |||||||||
| Transmission | |||||||||
| Electronically controls engine and transmission for perfect launch. | |||||||||
| Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission. | |||||||||
Option Package Contents
M Sport Design
Premium Tier
Executive Tier
Driver Assistance Plus
Luxury Design
xLine
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Driving Assistance Package
Third-row seat
Luxury Seating Package
Rear comfort seats
Multicontour seats
Interior Design Package
Dynamic Damper Control
Adaptive M Suspension
M Sport Design
Premium Tier
Executive Tier
Driver Assistance Plus
Dynamic Handling Package
Luxury Design
xLine
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Driving Assistance Package
Third-row seat
Luxury Seating Package
Rear comfort seats
Multicontour seats
Interior Design Package
Dynamic Damper Control
Adaptive M Suspension
M Sport Design
Premium Tier
Executive Tier
Driver Assistance Plus
Dynamic Handling Package
Luxury Design
xLine
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Driving Assistance Package
Third-row seat
Luxury Seating Package
Rear comfort seats
Multicontour seats
Interior Design Package
Dynamic Damper Control
Adaptive M Suspension
M Sport Design
Executive Tier
Executive Tier
Driver Assistance Plus
Premium Tier
Dynamic Handling Package
Luxury Design
xLine
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Third-row seat
Rear comfort seats
Interior Design Package
Dynamic Damper Control
Adaptive M Suspension
Executive Package
Driver Assistance Plus
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Premium 1 Package
Driver Assistance Package
Premium 2 Package
Sport Package
Multimedia Package
Garmin Map Pilot
Lighting Package
Multicontour front seats
designo Package
Interior Sport Package
Interior Sport Package
Premium 1 Package
Driver Assistance Package
Premium 2 Package
On/Off-Road Package
Sport Package
Multimedia Package
Garmin Map Pilot
Lighting Package
Multicontour front seats
designo Package
Interior Sport Package
Interior Sport Package
Driver Assistance Package
Premium 2 Package
On/Off-Road Package
Lighting Package
Interior Sport Package
designo Package
Multicontour front seats
AMG Performance Package
Driver Assistance Package
Premium 2 Package
Multicontour front seats
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See TrueDelta's information for all BMW models.
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