2011 BMW X5 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 BMW X5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 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 102 more horse power than 2011 BMW X5. (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW X5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW X5 weights approximately 360 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Because 2011 BMW X5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW X5. (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW X5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW X5 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | X5 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 406 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2250 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4857 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1933 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1776 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2934 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 80 L |
