Just had a rare chance to try out the new X5
from BMW equipped with 4.4L V8. All I can
say is WOW.....

Compare to ML430, X5 is very sporty, very little body-roll, and very luxurious feel in the cabin, which I find lacking in ML430....

Exterior-Wise, the X5 looks very sporty and youthful. The 4-tip exhaust pipes is a very nice tough, as well as beefy wheel combo.

Any comments??

Happy Motoring....
Andy Kuo


------------------
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Moonstone Grey/Black Leather
<LI>Blue/Red Headlights
<LI>Xenon-Look Foglights
</UL>

ICQ#26950002
http://drive.to/akry

The BMW X5 is not a "true" SUV or off-roader. It is built on a car chassis from the 5-Series. The BMW X5 and the Lexus RX300 are classified as CAR/SUV hybrids and are considered crossover vehicles. Basically, it is a station-wagon on steriods. The X5 should be a tad better than the ML, because BMW had an extra 2 years to bring it to market.

Have you noticed that most BMW cars always come after the competing MBZ model. The W210 E-Class debuted in 1995 as a 1996 model. BMW ceased production on the 5-Series to develop the E39 5-Series, leaving a model year gap for the 5-Series. There is no such car as a 1996 5-Series! The E39 5-Series debuted in 1997. The E-Class Wagon came in 1998 and the 5-Series Touring followed in 1999. The 7-Series will follow the S-Class. The replacemnt for the 8-Series will follow the CL. The M5 followed the E55 AMG. IMITATION IS THE SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY!

------------------
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1998 MERCEDES-BENZ E430
<LI>OBSIDIAN BLACK/BLACK
<LI>XENON H.I.D.
<LI>DEBADGED E430
<LI>AMG CHROMED TIP DUAL EXHAUST
<LI>CARLSSON 1/6 CHROME (PLUS 1) WHEELS
</UL>




[This message has been edited by Kevin (edited 12-31-1999).]

Kevin,

You are absolutely right...but I believe it's more than 1 year. E50 was debuted about 1 and 1/2 year before E55 is released in Europe. And North America didn't get E55 'til 6-10 months later....that makes more than 2 years...

With that kinda ground clearance, ML is more like a crossover, too. But to live up with MB's old reputation, they should at least try to improve the build quality. X5 is also build in US, with the exception of engine, but still, the build quality is far better than ML.... :(

Andy Kuo

------------------
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Moonstone Grey/Black Leather
<LI>Blue/Red Headlights
<LI>Xenon-Look Foglights
</UL>

ICQ#26950002
http://drive.to/akry