2003 BMW X5 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW X5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 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 187 more horse power than 2003 BMW X5. (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW X5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW X5 weights approximately 290 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Because 2003 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, 2003 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 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW X5. (500 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW X5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW X5 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | X5 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 93 L | 80 L |
