As we need to wait here in Europe for a first driving impression of the W164, please someone who drove both models in comparison may put down his comments on this issue:
Performance figures in theory of an ML500 seem to be truly competitive to a Cayenne S, apart from driving dynamics. I also understand a V8 is a plus in sound and status. But is there anything else?
Does the torque gap really justify the money to be spent? By the way, what's the real time difference for acceleration from 30-50 mph or 50-70 mph? Do they mean a real more sophisticated overtaking, as most of our roads are blocked by traffic these days.
I related on an earlier thread where I had dropped off my 05 500 for service and jumped into an 06 350 within minutes and drove down the same freeway I had just came in on. There is no comparison. The engine in my 05 500 is the same as the 06 500. On the 500 the torque is right there each time you touch the throttle in the speed ranges you mention. The 350 has a lag like a turbo, and then is not as strong! You get more for your money than just a V-8 if you consider options. If you drive in traffic like we have in so. Ca. you need something that will "shoot and scoot" in a 4800# vehicle. Wouldn't be a hard choice for me! good luck! [8D]
I made that mistake back in 2001 (2002 MY) and regretted buying the ML 320 . I should have bought 500 out of gate. Long story short.. 320 did not last very long and was traded in for Cayenne S.
But back to ML.. i did end up buying a used 2003 ML 500 and can tell you that it only confirmed that I should have bought 500 in the first place.
But I am not very close to new pricing and even 500 has lost a lots of standard options. So if you start loading up on 500.. that may be a lot of money though..
Officially there is no oil consumption problem on the new 3,5 ltr V6 Engine. Specially the euro Version with 272 HP (delivered in thousends of CLS 350 and SLK 350) did not have any Oil burning problems at all. So let's stay cool
I'm trading out of my 2001 S500, and would not want anything other than the ML500. That engine is near bullet-proof (put up with MY abuse) and has ample power. REALLY pulls on the freeway. If you're not a speed freak, you'll probably be happy with the 350. imo
As we need to wait here in Europe for a first driving impression of the W164, please someone who drove both models in comparison may put down his comments on this issue:
Performance figures in theory of an ML500 seem to be truly competitive to a Cayenne S, apart from driving dynamics. I also understand a V8 is a plus in sound and status. But is there anything else?
Does the torque gap really justify the money to be spent? By the way, what's the real time difference for acceleration from 30-50 mph or 50-70 mph? Do they mean a real more sophisticated overtaking, as most of our roads are blocked by traffic these days.
I never seriously considered the V8 because it is mostly my wife's car, and because the V6 is state-of-the-art and the V8 is on its last year. I might have been interested in the 4.6 if it was out, but it looks like 2007 model year.
The V6 has surprising punch, but it is not a V8. Of course, it comes with better economy. It would be interesting to see a side-by-side test of the two.
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<B>Greg</B> Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA
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<B>2006 ML350</b> - Pewter/Charcoal Alcantara/Aluminum; Packages: Comfort, Lighting, Entertainment, Appearance, Airmatic, Sunroof; Options: Nav, Sirius, hitch, heated seats, power liftgate, roof rack; Mods: ML500 skid plates, ML63 20" wheels.
<B>2001 BMW M3 Coupe</B> (5/01 prod.) - Titanium/Cinnamon w/ many mods.
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