Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2014 Porsche CAYENNE VS 2014 Mercedes ML63 Near Scottsdale, AZ

Both the Cayenne and the ML63 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The Cayenne’s corrosion warranty is 6 years and unlimited miles longer than the ML63’s (10/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Cayenne third among midsize premium CUVs in their 2013 Initial Quality Study. The ML63 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2013 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche first in initial quality, above the industry average. With 26 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 11th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2013 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche second in reliability, above the industry average. With 21 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked fifth.

On the EPA test cycle the Cayenne Turbo gets better fuel mileage than the ML63 (15 city/22 hwy vs. 13 city/17 hwy). The Cayenne Turbo S gets better fuel mileage than the ML63 (14 city/20 hwy vs. 13 city/17 hwy).

Regenerative brakes improve the Cayenne Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The ML63 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

For better stopping power the Cayenne Turbo’s optional front brake rotors are larger than those on the ML63:

The Cayenne offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The ML63 doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The Cayenne stops much shorter than the ML63:

The Cayenne offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Mercedes doesn’t offer an active suspension on the ML63.

The Cayenne’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (52.3% to 47.7%) than the ML63’s (54.9% to 45.1%). This gives the Cayenne more stable handling and braking.

The Cayenne GTS handles at .95 G’s, while the ML63 pulls only .88 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Porsche Cayenne may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 to 750 pounds less than the Mercedes ML63.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Cayenne Diesel is quieter than the ML63:

The Cayenne has .7 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more front legroom and .4 inches more rear headroom than the ML63.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Cayenne easier. The Cayenne’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 25.5 inches, while the ML63’s liftover is 29 inches.

The Cayenne’s rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the liftgate door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The ML63’s rear cargo window doesn’t open.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the ML63, the Cayenne offers an optional passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position (with optional power wheel adjuster) and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The Cayenne’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge – which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The ML63 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Cayenne to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The ML63 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Cayenne will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The Intellichoice estimates that the Cayenne will retain 47.01% to 53.98% of its original price after five years, while the ML63 only retains 45.19% to 46.05%.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Porsche Cayenne, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Cayenne first among midsize premium CUVs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The ML63 isn’t in the top three.

Motor Trend selected the Cayenne as their 2011 Sport Utility of the Year. The M-Class was Truck of the Year in 1998.