Mercedes-Benz ML vs BMW X5 vs Audi Q7: Which one is the best value for money?
The German SUV is one of the most desired vehicles on the market. They offer the quality, technology and the image that many are after but which of the three most prominent ones is better? The answer might surprise you.
The Mercedes-Benz ML was first introduced in 1997 as the W163 before being replaced in 2005 by the W163 generation. The most dramatic departure for the ML came in its third generation which debuted in 2011 and saw the ML badge being replaced by the GLE badge when the brand updated the product in 2015. In this article, we will be using the third-generation ML in pre-facelift guise versus its BMW X5 and Audi Q7 rivals from the same era. We are looking as size, performance, frugality and overall value from these three.
The Mercedes-Benz ML
The third-generation ML is available with a range of petrol and diesel engines; however, for this article, we will be focusing on the 3.0-litre turbodiesel in the ML 350 BlueTec models as larger displacement diesel engines are popular in large executive SUVs.
The BMW X5
The X5 has been a seminal vehicle within this segment for over two decades now and for this comparison, we have focussed on the ever-popular 30d variant of the third generation or F15 version.
The Audi Q7
As far as a comparison goes, the 3.0-litre Audi Q7 is the oldest of our trio, having made its debut in 2006; however, it was sold until 2015, meaning that you can find later models for a good price while the Mercedes-Benz and BMW may be earlier models.
Related: Is a small-ish 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine suited to a large SUV?
A closer look at the three options:
|
|
Mercedes-Benz ML |
BMW X5 30d |
Audi Q7 |
|
Engine output |
190 kW/ 620 N.m
|
190 kW/560 N.m
|
180kW/ 550 N.m
|
|
Claimed 0-100 km/h time |
7.4 seconds |
6.8 seconds |
7.8 seconds |
|
Claimed fuel consumption |
7.4 L/100km |
5.9 L/100km |
7.4 L/100km |
|
Top Speed |
224 km/h |
230 km/h |
216 km/h |
|
Airbags |
9 airbags |
6 airbags |
8 airbags |
Related: Première for the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63: Efficiency meets performance
Dimensions
Mercedes-Benz ML
- Wheelbase: 2 916 mm
- Length: 4 803 mm
- Width: 1 926 mm
- Height: 1 796 mm
BMW X5
- Wheelbase: 2 933 mm
- Length: 4 886 mm
- Width: 1 938 mm
- Height: 1 762 mm
Audi Q7
- Wheelbase: 3 002 mm
- Length: 5 085 mm
- Width: 1 984 mm
- Height: 1 737 mm
Examples found on AutoTrader
Verdict:
Looking at the specs for each of these vehicles it becomes clear just how similar they are on paper. All of them feature similar outputs and despite the claimed consumption and performance, all will be closely matched in the real world.
The similarities continue when we look at their respective prices on autotrader.co.za where age and mileage play a part, however, generally speaking, the BMW is the newer car having come out in 2013 versus 2011 for the Mercedes-Benz and 2006 for the Audi, meaning that there are more affordable Q7 and ML models listed as their general age and mileage is higher.
When shopping for the ML350, it is worth considering that since the ML badge has been discontinued in favour of the GLE, that the average ML’s resale value may have been negatively affected. When looking at the BMW, it is a newer car and there are many to choose from, however, previous generation E70 versions can be had for similar money to the Q7 which is something to consider too. Overall, the Audi Q7 appears to be the best overall value for money product as it is the most spacious and can be found for the lowest price, despite being an older product.
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