:-) We are quite similar. I have only owned BMW (3, 5 series) before and this is my first MB - ML500. I got it from another dealer in San Jose.
I was choosing between new ML and Cayenne S but later decided on ML mainly cuz of its trunk size. We need that space for our new born's stroller (got a big one). Cayenne definitely has better handling and I think ML500 is a bit faster than CS though.
For me this purchase was originally a nightmare. It's a brand new car but I had 5 isolated problems (transmission, front bumber paint, key, power tailgate, stereo) happened the first month of owership. The car stayed in the delaership longer than in my garage the first month. My wife said she had enough of MB and didn't want to buy any MB car after this. Fortunately, after all the fixes, the car is doing fine now after 1.5 years. Enough for the MB quality... @@
Hi StarBase, I am very surprised that you chose ML because of its trunk size. If it's really the reason, the trunk size of Cayenne must be terrible. I said this because I was surprised ML can't fit two golf clubs easily. My another car, Acura TL, can easily fit two golf clubs. In addition, I also ordered Roof Rack Basic Carrier and Large Roof Cargo Container because my ski can't fit into the trunk as well. Besides the trunk space, ML 500 is a great car to me.
You will be surprised by the trunk size of Cayenne. With rear seats, Cayenne has 19 cubic ft while ML has 29.4 cubic ft (that's only 2/3 of the size). My stroller is a big one and if I am putting it in Cayenne (tried), it's very hard to put anything big in the trunk.. I wanted to consider new X5 and Q7, but at that time early last, I had no option.. and we deseperately need to find a SUV for my new born..
IMHO, the trunk space should be considered for anyone comparing between ML and Cayenne.