My first Benz experience was as a teen when my dad let me drive his, shiny, new 190. I've been in love ever since, but this will be my first purchase. When the GLK hit the market, I knew I wanted it. Now that I'm ready to buy, I find myself drawn to the ML 350 for all the options it offers. I could get a 2008 M class with less than 40K miles for the same price as a 2010 GLK with almost as many miles, but far fewer 'bells and whistles'.

The GLK's exterior is more aesthetically appealing to me, front seat is cozy with controls within arm's reach, and would probably easily fit in my narrow garage entry, but it's got a small backseat and skimpy standard features. The ML would be a tight garage fit, (about the same as our current sedan) and while it'd be a bit older than the GLK, it ticks all the boxes on my wish list (awd, back-up camera, nav, roomier cabin, heated seats, auto liftgate).

What to do? Trying to weigh the pros and cons but just can't decide... Appreciate any input/feedback you veteran owners are willing to share. Thanks.

 

Have you driven them both?

I bought my GLK based on the way it drove, more like a car than an SUV. Plus a bit more pep than the ML since it's the same engine hauling a few less pounds.

BTW, mine has the back-up camera, nav, heated seats and auto liftgate, and AWD was available if I wanted it (not as important in SoCal as in Chi-town!). I also have memory seats; a real must since She Who Must Be Obeyed likes to swap cars with me!

The roomier cabin wasn't a concern so to me it was a no-brainer.

The $ difference made it easier to buy new; I really liked that.

Both are nice vehicles; good luck!

 

I agree with rmfnla, if you have not done so, drive them both. That will probably be your decider. I personally like the ML more, just because of the roomier interior. It all depends on what you want/need. If you need more space, then the ML is the way to go.

 

You can get a diesel ML now, maybe next year for a diesel GLK.

Today's diesels are fabulous and the window sticker fuel mileage for even a humongous diesel GL is better than a GLK350.

 

Good point, especially with gas going as crazy as it is right now.

I'm thinking of converting my cars to run on something cheaper than gas... like Chivas Regal!

 

You could probably buy it from Charlie Sheen!

 

I am on my second ML (my first was a 2008 ML305 - lease) and I had taken a look at the GLK and wasn't a fan of the downsizing. My lease was up and I wanted to check out the GLK before going to the ML or even the GL.

My sister took a look at the GLK and liked it better. She liked how it drove more like a car/crossover instead of an SUV. I had to drive it once and I felt like a giant in her car. It seemed very small to me.

Its all about personal preference. My previous cars have all been SUVs on the larger size so it was a no brainer to go with the ML the second time around.

 

They're both good cars, but the ML is a better truck. If that comment makes sense to you, you might want to consider the ML.

 

It makes total sense; well put!

 

If you go test drive both you'll pick the ML no question

 

Both are different SUVs.
The GLK is a compact suv, so if you aren't going to carry much people or stuff in the glk, room won't be a problem. It has a far better interior than the ML, the exterior looks as good.
The ML is a mid-sized SUV. I wouldn't recommend to buy it now since next year there will be a whole new ML and the older models will be devalued a lot. GLKs won't change for about 4 more years. The rooming isn't THAT bigger in the ML, it's just slightly bigger.
I've owned both, I actually own a 2011 GLK350 4M and have owned a 2009 ML350 4M. The ML is definately a better ride, it's smoother, it's just better. But the GLK is very good too, I can't really say which is better than the other. I love the GLK more, I mean it's just very good in every aspect, but the ML was more fun to drive.

I'd say go for the GLK, since as I already mentioned, the ML will be devalued when the new ML is out. Have it checked by a mechanic before buying.
Good bye-

 

Except I did drive both and I picked the GLK... no question.

 

I was facing the same question and ended up with ML.
Crapschleppingability was the decisive factor…

 

 

i love my ML, drives great and has alot of space for the kids but you should wait for next year if you want an ML as there is a redesign coming up.