2008 BMW X3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 3,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2008 BMW X3. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW X3. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW X3. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW X3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW X3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | X3 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 3495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 213 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.9 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 89 L |
