BMW X5 M vs Mercedes-Benz AMG E 63

The load-carrying ability of an engine, measured in Newton-metres (Nm) or pound-foot (lb-ft). More is better.

The number of intake and exhaust valves in each engine cylinder. More valves per cylinder means better engine breathing and better performance but it also adds to cost.

Bore is the diameter of the cylinder, and stroke is the distance that the piston travels from the top of the cylinder to the bottom. Multiplying these two figures gives you the cubic capacity (cc) of an engine.

A device that forces more air into an internal combustion engine. More air can burn more fuel and make more power. Turbochargers utilise exhaust gas energy to make more power.

The component containing a set of gears that supply power from the engine to the wheels. It affects speed and fuel efficiency.

A mild hybrid car, also known as a micro hybrid or light hybrid, is a type of internal combustion-engined car that uses a small amount of electric energy for assist.

Specifies which wheels are driven by the engine's power, such as front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive. It affects how the car handles and also its capabilities.

Specifies the type of mechanism used to turn the car's wheels, such as rack and pinion or recirculating ball. Affects the feel of the steering.

Specifies the type of braking system used on the front wheels of the car, like disc or drum brakes. The type of brakes determines the stopping power.

Specifies the type of braking system used on the rear wheels, like disc or drum brakes, affecting the car's stopping power.

The maximum speed a car can be driven at. It indicates its performance capability.

The duration it takes for a car to come to a complete stop from a certain speed, indicating how safe it is.

The dimensions of the car's tyres indicating their width, height, and diameter. Important for grip and performance.

Tells you the kind of tyres fitted to the car, such as all-season, summer, or winter. It affects grip and performance in different conditions.

The diameter of the car's alloy wheels. Alloy wheels are lighter and better looking than standard wheels, not including tyres.

The distance from the centre of the left tyre to the centre of the right tyre of a four-wheeler's front wheels. Also known as front track. The relation between the front and rear tread/track numbers decides a cars stability.

The distance from the centre of the left tyre to the centre of the right tyre of a fourwheeler's rear wheels. Also known as Rear Track. The relation between the front and rear Tread/Track numbers dictates a cars stability

Weight of the car without passengers or cargo. Affects performance, fuel efficiency, and suspension behaviour.

The gross weight of a car is the maximum weight that a car can carry which includes the weight of the car itself, the weight of the passengers, and the weight of any cargo that is being carried. Overloading a car is unsafe as it effects handling and could also damage components like the suspension.

Vertical space in the rear of a car from the seat to the roof. More rear headroom means taller passengers have ample space above their heads, enhancing comfort.

Rear legroom in a car is the distance between the front seat backrests and the rear seat backrests. The more legroom the more comfortable the seats.

Vertical space in the front of a car from the seat to the roof. More headroom means more space for the front passenger and driver.

The distance from the front footwell to the base of the front seatback. More leg room means more comfort for front passengers

The maximum number of people that can legally and comfortably sit in a car.

The total number of doors in the car, including the boot if it's considered a door. It affects access and convenience.

Automatically adjusts the car’s cabin temperature. Removes the need to manually adjust car AC temperature every now and then & offers a set it and forget it convenience.

Air filters, also known as air purifiers, purify the air of the cabin by absorbing any harmful or contaminated particles.

A connected car technology feature that allows you to remotely switch on/adjust your car's HVAC system from your smartphone.

A feature to open the trunk remotely for convenience. Useful when your hands are full, and you need to access the trunk without manually unlocking or lifting it.

Allows you to start//stop the car remotely, via the key fob or the carmaker's mobile app, without entering the car.

A dashboard indicator that alerts the driver when the fuel level is low. Gives a reminder to refill fuel to avoid stalling.

12V power socket to power your appliances, like phones or tyre inflators.

Lighting for the boot area. It usually turns on automatically when the boot is opened.

Allows a car's horn and lights to be activated from a distance using a key fob. It makes locating the car in a crowded parking lot easy.

A mirror, usually located behind the passenger sun shade, used to check one's appearance. More expensive cars will have these on the driver's side and some cars even have this feature for rear seat passengers too.

A light provided in the rear seating area of the car. It allows passengers to read or see in the dark without disturbing the driver.

Adjustable cushions on the top of the rear seats that provide head support for passengers. They increase the comfort and safety of passengers.

Unlike fixed headrests, these can be moved up or down to offer the ideal resting position for the occupant's head.

A foldable armrest for the rear passengers, usually in the middle, which also comprises cup holders or other small storage spaces. When not in use, it can be folded back into the seat, so that an additional occupant can be seated.

A type of seat belt on which the height can be adjusted, to help improve comfort.

Storage spaces that are specifically designed to hold cups or beverage cans. Sometimes these can be cooled and heated too.

Storage space located in the rear part of the car's interior. It is designed to securely hold cups or bottles for backseat passengers.

Dedicated AC vents for the rear passengers, usually located between the front seats. Helps cool the rear compartment, while offering passengers the option to control the flow. Some rear AC vents allow for fan speed control.

Front seats equipped with a heating feature for comfort. Makes the seats cozy and warm on chilly days. Useful feature in cold climates.

Rear seats equipped with a heating feature for comfort. Makes the seats cozy and warm on chilly days. Useful feature for winters and long drives.

Additional support for the lower back in the car seats. It is adjustable (manual or powered), allowing users to adjust the level of support according to their preference.

A feature that reduces unwanted ambient sounds in the car's cabin by emitting opposite sound waves. It makes the cabin silent.

A steering wheel that has many buttons to control various functions of the infotainment system and key car functions like cruise control. This allows the driver to manage these functions without taking their hands off the steering wheel.

An electronic system that automatically maintains the car's speed set by the driver, reducing the need for constant pedal use. Useful feature for long highway drives.

Sensors on the vehicle's exterior that use either ultrasonic or electromagnetic waves bouncing off objects to alert the driver of obstacles while parking.

An in-car system that provides maps and directions. Helps in finding the shortest routes. Also gives an idea about the traffic situation on different routes.

A connected car technology feature to help you locate your car via your smartphone

A connected car technology feature that tracks your car in real time, showing you its exact location.

Rear seats that can be folded down to create additional storage space.

Allows you to lock/unlock the car by simply carrying the smart key with you, without using the buttons on a key.

A wearable device that acts as a key fob. It allows keyless entry and the ability to start the car without a traditional key.

A button that allows starting or stopping the engine without using a traditional key. It enhances convenience.

A function in the glove box that allows you to keep food items and beverages cool for long durations.

A compartment in the car for holding bottles. Usually located in car door pockets. More bottle holders means more bottles can be stored at once.

A feature that allows the driver to operate some car functions using voice commands. Make using features easy without distractions.

Buttons behind the steering wheel for manual gear changes. Found in automatic cars and placed ergonomically, making gear changes easier.

A port in the car that allows passengers to charge electronic devices like smartphones and tablets via USB cables.

An added convenince feature to rest one's hand on, while also offering features like cupholders or a small storage space.

A warning to indicate that the vehicle's boot or tailgate isnt properly closed.

A tailgate that, in most cases, can be opened automatically by swiping your foot under the rear bumper.

A display that shows the current gear the car is in. More advanced versions also suggest the most prefered gear for better efficiency.

A covering for the car's rear window, which can provide privacy, reduce sunlight, and keep the interior cool. Useful on sunny days.

Blinking lights on the car's sides that signal the intention to change lanes. It improves road safety.

A feature seen in higher-end cars designed to offer a massage to the occupant. Usually activated via the car's central infotainment screen.

Seats that can remember and electrically adjust to preset positions at the touch of a button. Great feature if you have multiple drivers for one car.

Unlike standard power windows, this one allows you to roll up/down the window fully with a single press of the button.

A feature that allows the car to park itself. Reduces driver effort while parking the car.

Various pre-set modes that adjust the car's performance characteristics to suit different driving conditions. These modes adjust how the car responds to the driver's input.

A car AC is a system that cools down the cabin of a vehicle by circulating cool air. You can select temperature, fan speed and direction of air flow.

A heating function for the cabin. A handy feature in cold climates.

Allows the driver to adjust the position of the steering wheel to their liking. This can be done in two ways: Tilt and/or Reach

In-built fans in the seat back and base that circulate air on the back/leg of the occupant.

Refers to a driver's seat that can be raised vertically. This is helpful for shorter drivers to find a better driving position.

Seats that can be adjusted electronically. Usually seen in higher end cars.

Headlights that turn on and off automatically based on the time of day or environmental lighting conditions.

Headlights that stay on for a short period after turning off the car, illuminating the path to the driver's home or door.

Seat coverings made from cloth. Affects comfort and interior style.

It refers to a storage compartment built into the dashboard of a vehicle on the passenger's side. It is used to store vehicle documents, and first aid kit among others.

Refers to a display that shows the current time in a digital (numerical) format.

A meter that keeps track of the total kilometres a vehicle has travelled. This cannot be reset by an owner and serves as a record for tracking service intervals and waranty validity, and also is important when selling the vehicle.

Refers to a fold-out table tray attached either to the back of the front seats or in the central section of the rear seats.

When the dashboard has two colours of trim it's called a dual tone dashboard.

Extra lights at the front of the car that improve visibility in foggy conditions. Useful during low visibility conditions under foggy weather.

Extra lights at the back of the car that make it more visible to other drivers in foggy conditions.

Power-adjustable exterior rear view mirror is a type of outside rear view mirror that can be adjusted electrically by the driver using a switch or buttons.

A vehicle's rear-view mirrors that can open and close at the touch of a button.

Water jets that clean the headlights. Beneficial when driving in the rain, or in muddy conditions.

Windshield wipers that activate on their own when they detect rain. Removes the need to turn the wipers ON/OFF when the rain starts/stops.

A device that cleans the rear window with the touch of a button. Helps enhance visibility in bad weather.

A small nozzle that sprays water to clean the rear windshield. Helps in better cleaning of the rear windshield and improves rear visibility.

A heating element in the rear window to remove fog and melt frost from the rear window.

Lightweight wheels made of metals such as aluminium. Available in multiple designs, they enhance the look of a vehicle.

Windows with a transparent thin film for privacy and to reduce sunlight. Saves the car interiors from direct sunlight. Also reduces glare and improves visibility during the day.

Increases downforce on the rear end of the vehicle. In most cars, however, they're used simply for looks.

A glass panel on the roof of a vehicle, either just over the front seats or extending further backward towards the rear.

Side steppers are a convenience feature, usually offered in vehicles with high floors, to make it easier to step into or out of the car. They are either pemanently fixed near the side of the vehicle or deploy electrically. The latter is usually only with luxury cars.

An additional turn indicator located on the outside mirror of a vehicle that warns both oncoming and following traffic.

A shiny silver finish on the grille of a vehicle.

Shiny glass-like decorative details on the car's exterior for a premium look.

Cars with dual-tone body colours have two paint colours applied, usually where one colour is used heavily while the other is a contrast applied only to parts like the roof and outside mirrors.

Headlights that provide a stronger, more focused beam of light. Provides better light throw and increases visibility at night.

Headlights with extra bulbs that turn on when the steering wheel rotates left or right. Improves visibility at night while taking turns.

Cars with this feature will automatically switch on their fog lamps when the steering is turned, to improve visibility at the front corners of the car.

Rails on the top of the car for carrying luggage. Useful if you have less storage inside the car or if you carry a lot of things while travelling.

Heated wing mirrors can also be called mirror defoggers. As the name says, using heat, the outside rear view mirrors can be cleared from fogging up during cold/rainy weather, improving rearward visibility and safety.

LED daytime running lights (DRL) are not to be confused with headlights. The intended purpose is to help other road users see your vehicle better while adding to the car's style.

Refers to the use of LED lighting in the main headlamp. LEDs provide a bright white beam, making night driving safer.

Refers to the use of LED lighting in the taillamps.

Refers to the use of LED lighting in the fog lamp. A fog lamp is placed low on the bumper to help illuminate the road and surrounding area, enhancing safety in foggy/rainy conditions.

Car headlamps that automatically turn on in low light conditions and switch off in bright conditions.

The dimensions of the car's tyres indicating their width, height, and diameter. Important for grip and performance.

Tells you the kind of tyres fitted to the car, such as all-season, summer, or winter. It affects grip and performance in different conditions.

The diameter of the car's alloy wheels. Alloy wheels are lighter and better looking than standard wheels, not including tyres.

Safety locks located on the car's rear doors that, when engaged, allows the doors to be opened only from the outside. The idea is to stop the door from opening unintentionally.

An alarm system that sounds when anyone tries to access the car forcibly or break into it.

An inflatable air bag located within the steering wheel that automatically deploys during a collision, to protect the driver from physical injury

An inflatable safety device designed to protect the front passenger in case of a collision. These are located in the dashboard.

A rearview mirror that can be adjusted to reduce glare from headlights behind the vehicle at night.

The outside rear view mirror placed on the passenger side.

Safety belts for passengers sitting in the rear seats of the car.

A warning buzzer that reminds passengers to buckle their seat belts.

A function that alerts the driver when any of the doors are open or not properly closed.

Structural components in a car designed to absorb and distribute impact energy during a side collision.

Structural components in a car designed to absorb and distribute impact energy during a front collision.

Seats that can be reclined, or adjusted front/back or up/down. The levels of adjustability depends on the car's segment/price.

This feature monitors the pressure inside each tyre, alerting the driver when one or more tyre loses pressure.

A system that helps prevent the car from skidding or losing control by applying brakes to individual wheels. Useful in case of emergency high-speed manoeuvres.

A security feature that prevents unauthorized access to the car's engine.

Sensors that detect a car crash and activate safety features like airbags and automatic emergency calls.

A fuel tank that is placed in the centre of the car instead of the rear

A warning light that indicates potential issues with the car's engine.

A system that adjusts the brake force applied to each wheel to optimize braking performance.

Improves the car's stability by detecting and reducing loss of grip.

A camera at the rear of the car to help with parking safely.

Windows that stop closing if they sense an obstruction (usually the hands of occupants), preventing injuries.

A system that warns the driver when the car exceeds a certain speed limit. Promotes safety by giving alerts.

A safety feature that automatically locks the car's doors once it reaches a certain speed. Useful feature for all passengers.

Airbags positioned at knee level to provide additional protection during a front collision.

A secure attachment system to fix child seats directly on the chassis of the car.

An additional display for the driver placed above the main display or even projected on the windshield, containing speed and trip details, so that the driver's vision stays on the road.

These mechanisms tighten up the seatbelts, or reduces their force till a certain threshold, so as to hold the occupants in place during sudden acceleration or braking.

A feature that enables the car to call for emergency services or send an SOS message in case of an accident or crisis.

A function of ADAS that uses radar to alert the driver if there are vehicles behind them that aren't fully visible in their mirror.

A camera system (usually on the left mirror) that shows the driver the blind spot when changing lanes.

A feature that notifies the owner if the car moves beyond a predefined geographical area. Useful for security and monitoring of the car.

A system that controls the car's speed when going downhill by applying brakes to prevent overspeeding and improve control.

A feature that helps prevent a car from rolling backward on a hill.

Cameras around the car that give a complete view of the surroundings. Helps in parking and avoiding obstacles while driving.