boltsfan

Anyone test drive a new GLK yet? I am now seriously considering one over the 2011 Q5 2.0T. The more I look at the GLK the more I like it.

Either would be better than my 2008 Yukon.

vwtoys

I do see quite a few of them on the road though. I haven't driven it so I can't help you. Don't hesitate to test drive it though, I'm sure that 6 cyl is smooth.

(But it's not my cup of tea. The dash design leaves a lot to be desired. The angular but long nose and boxy styling is completely out of proportion. The ML or GL has much better proportions. That's my opinion.)

HaveBullDogWillTravel

A friend just bought one for his wife and he sent me this email/pic. He's been a fan of BMW for many years. I didn't consider the Benz because I was fearful that they had not yet recovered from their association with the Chrysler Group. I like my Q5 very much.

"Just a quick iphone picture of the new Benz, man I tell you BMW was up against some serious competition with this car price wise, styling wise and maintenance wise. The significant other loves it - she traded in her '08 Miata on it and it is well worth the extra money it cost; we never really drove the Miata that much and the Merc has so much more to offer driving and usability wise. The maintenance will be a breeze; the oil filter is just like a BMW's; up front and easy to access, one plastic shield and you're at the pan drain plug. I pulled the engine dress up covers off Sunday and all the belt drive, water pump etc is going to be easy to deal with. Looks good."

<a href="http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p315/hoscarnag/roadflypix/?action=view&current=photo.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p315/hoscarnag/roadflypix/photo.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

boltsfan

I have a 2009 C300 Sport (18" AMG wheels) and the GLK sits on the same chassis. It also has the same interior and I like the simplicity and functionality of the dash. Although, not as "high tech" looking as the Q5.

The exterior is a love or hate... And I am actually beginning to love it especailly with the 20" wheels. Also nice to see a SUV in this range that is not the normal "jelly bean" style exterior.

I can get a nicely equipped GLK for thousands less than the Q5. I do love the new 2011 Q5 but no dealers in So Cal are willing to make a good deal (at least not yet).

GenSpec

the GLK is a gorgeous car. We test drove it twice before we decided on the Q5. The Dash was "hum drum" boring and the side skirts dirtied up my pant legs on Entry and Exit. Considering I wear suits 5 days a week, that would not do. As for the dash, it does need some attention as it truely was boring. My wife had some issues with setting the seat properly, said she never got "comfortable" with the pedals due to the seat position. I couldn't figure it out after 20 minutes of helping her move it around to find a sweet spot so we gave up. I also found virtually no difference between sport mode and regular mode on the GLK. Maybe I'm just not "tuned" to noticing, but I will say when I hit dynamic on my ADS, it is night and day difference from Comfort. No regrets with my Q5. I love it.

jeff968

We also seriously considered the GLK. We currently have an 02 ML320 which we purchased new and have used it for the family for the past 9 years. It has been a great vehicle and it now has 140K miles on it. With our two oldest in college now it was time to downsize. We drove both. My wife was more comfortable in the GLK, it had similar arrangement to our ML (in a smaller package). She liked the review mirror placement better in the GLK (you sit higher) but in the end we went for the Q5 for the following reasons:

1) Fuel ecomony - the Q5 2.0T gets 20/28 MPG rating where the GLK is still at a similar range to our 02 ML, 16/21!!!! Performance was the same, the Q5 actually seemed quicker.
2) Interior - Q5 has a nicer interior. i sat in the back of the GLK on the test drive and the door panels, dash, and center console have no where near as nice a feel and operation as the Q5.
3) Exterior - subjective here but we thought the Q5 was a better looking vehicle.

I have been a very happy MB owner. Like I said, our ML has treated us well (my brother bought an MDX at the same time and is on his 3rd transmission). I would have purchased another MB product but Audi won our business with the fantastic Q5 and that 2.0T motor.

IMHO

boltsfan

It is nice to see no flaming on the MB and some honest reviews.

It honestly might come down to the price for me and with MB, I have more pull as this would be my 3rd lease from my local dealership in last 4 years.

Several Audi dealers I contatced were only willing to give me $1k off MSRP with no Audi Care or other "perks". MB I should be able to get close to invoice ($3-4k off MSRP) plus no security deposit plus I get the 20" wheels that I cannot get on the 2.0T.

vwtoys

If you give me your contact info thru PM I may be able to find you a Q5 2.0t deal reasonably close to invoice.
Which dealer did you deal with?

The G Man

boltsfan, before you jump the gun on the GLK, I would suggest you go test drive one first. It’s quite different from the Q5 3.2. It doesn’t perform as well and the built material is cheaper and the interior is almost Chrysler like.

boltsfan

Vmtoys - PM sent.

GMan - I would only consider the 2.0T due to cost difference with the 3.2. I have a 2009 C300 Sport and like (don't love) the interior and it is same in the GLK so I am ok with that. Like everything it is subjective...