2001 BMW X5 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW X5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW X5 would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 2001 BMW X5. (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW X5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW X5 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Because 2001 BMW X5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 BMW X5 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW X5. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW X5. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW X5 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW X5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW X5 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | X5 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.5 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 93 L | 80 L |
