ML350 - -vs- ML63 AMG - Benzworld.org

TRAINER · 01-09-2008, 01:38 PM

So, who do you think would win in a race?

Just kidding, obviously.

I do have a serious question. I do enjoy the softer ride of the 350 very much, it's growing on me actually over my 4.8 X5. Although not nearly as sporty or fast still a nice smooth ride - effortless even.

Does the 63 ride "as" soft as the 350 with the 19's? I realize the lower profile tires will change the ride quality however is the 63's suspension that much stiffer all around than the 350? Or, can the 3 way adjustable air shocks compensate for the stiffer suspension components?

Feedback from 63 owners that have also driven the 350 would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

thinkman · 01-09-2008, 02:19 PM

it would compensate up to a limit! it will be a little rougher, but still GLORIOUSLY smooth, it will ride like an ML350 with no AIRMATIC!

DimitrisUSA · 01-09-2008, 03:16 PM

TRAINER, are you sure your 4.8i will beat a new ML550? My cousin owns an X5 4.8i and he really doubts it. that is why he is buying the new X5 this coming spring.

X5 4.8i - 350hp @ 6,300 rpm - 350 torque @ 3,400 rpm
ML550 - 382hp @ 6,000 rpm - 391 torque @ 2,800 rpm

Not to mention the X5 is several hundred pounds heavier. I think you have your stories crossed, unless you are talking about the new X5 and for the price you will pay for that one (over $75k) you might as well compare it to the ML63.

Have you also ever tried to take the X5 off-road? and by saying off-road I do not mean the median or the grassy area at the park. You have an ML350 so you should be able to see the difference off-road. Please do check them and let me know who beats who.

BMW has been playing catch up on engine performance to Mercedes for a while. By the time they established their new 3.5 bi-turbo engine at 300 hp, Mercedes increased their 3.5 to 305hp without turbos. They came up with the new M3 engine and AMG dropped the 63 on them.

TRAINER · 01-09-2008, 04:33 PM

Ahh DimitrisUSA I see you're a numbers guy, I like that. I already raced my buddy in his new 550 and it was a very close race however I did edge him out by a car length. Don't always believe the numbers alone my friend.

Off road you say - never have and never plan on it either, that's not why I own SUV's. I live 30 seconds outside of NYC so the grassy area of the park is all my SUV's see indeed!

I'm sure you already know all about the new 420+ hp BMW X6 with the new 4.4 twin turbo V8 and soon to follow 550+ hp M version..

So, you really like Mercedes Benz do yua, I never would have guessed!

By the way, I'm not trying to be controversial (well, perhaps a little bit)..

But I know I'm on a Merc board so I'll play nice.

asianml · 01-09-2008, 04:52 PM

iirc, the X5 4.8is...big emphasis on the is is geared much more aggressively than the ML550.

**MB-SV** · 01-09-2008, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asianml

iirc, the X5 4.8is...big emphasis on the is is geared much more aggressively than the ML550.

Agreed gearing & driver differences are main reasons but acceleration isn't worth dwelling on when selecting between the 2 unique brands of V8 SUVs. Both have plenty of power.

DimitrisUSA · 01-10-2008, 08:41 AM

I never understood why anybody will buy a truck (SUV or not) and race it. What matters in a truck is torque if you are pulling something and safety in a SUV to protect your family. All this explosion of horsepower across the board in SUVs is crazy. I have seen it in real life and the news, a high powered SUV racing on the highway, taking a turn too fast and rolling over a few times. Just a guess, SUVs were not designed for racing, if you want to race get a sedan or coupe. I bought my ML350 because of its looks and safety history, I could not care less about its horsepower, as long as it is fast enough to get me out of trouble when some smart guy in a highpowered SUV is flipping over several lanes in the highway.

asianml · 01-10-2008, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DimitrisUSA

I never understood why anybody will buy a truck (SUV or not) and race it. What matters in a truck is torque if you are pulling something and safety in a SUV to protect your family. All this explosion of horsepower across the board in SUVs is crazy. I have seen it in real life and the news, a high powered SUV racing on the highway, taking a turn too fast and rolling over a few times. Just a guess, SUVs were not designed for racing, if you want to race get a sedan or coupe. I bought my ML350 because of its looks and safety history, I could not care less about its horsepower, as long as it is fast enough to get me out of trouble when some smart guy in a highpowered SUV is flipping over several lanes in the highway.

AMG is another story. There was a video on YouTube where the ML63 was able to keep up with a Lotus around a track.