Octane

I’m ready to buy the new GLK for the wife. She doesn’t care about 2WD or AWD. The 2WD will be showing up at dealer lots in April and it’s 2k less ‘costly’. We will probably keep the car for 2 years until the new ML comes out.

Do you guys think, do one needs to buy the 4MATIC for resale value? Is it a must have option in an SUV?

shaulke

If you don't need it, - why to pay for it? Plus consider better gas mileage

MtnMachine

It looks like an SUV for a reason. Most that want it, expect 4WD. For resale and general safety, I think 4WD is the safe choice. Especially since you plan to trade it in relatively soon. Gas mileage is minor and does not change key element of decision. IMO

I your market area buys a significant percent of SUVs "without 4WD", my argument goes away because you will be able to sell it easily and you will not get full $2k back on trade in.

Leslielp

Well the additional weight is less than 200lbs and it does give you a technically safer, more agile vehicle so you might even get a lower insurance rate to help you offset that $2000. But if you want to get through the rough roads, well there is no other way, have a look for yourself: We dont get the offroad package but the 4MATIC is the real deal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewoD04aSlUQ

webada

diff btw fuel is 1mpg, 16 vs 17 city... i say 4matic.

NYCGLK

If I lived where I don't need AWD I would not be look at SUV. If you are not planning on taking to mountains and wintery roads, then why waste money. But then why not to go with C 350?

denice25

I don't think so man.... its not advisable...

webada

he is asking cause he wants a SUV for whatever reason. Many ppl drive SUV and don't go offroad, just ask the designers of these tiny crossovers or those Escalade drivers in LA.

MB's 4matic is one of the best 4x4 system out there, its lighter than most and currently in its 4th generation. it will instill driving confidence in snowy and rainy days even if you don't take it off roads. If you rarely do any outdoor stuff and live in sunny state, ya, save yourself the 2k and get the GLK350 RWD but I do agree with other poster saying most SUV buyers would want 4x4 and the system should repay itself in ease of resale and value.

EDIT: here is one reviewer had to say and I agree totally.
http://www.myride.com/snacker-review...703-page9.html

NYCGLK

Yea I don't know what they are thinking.

Makes me laugh everytime I see woman trying to fit her ML/GL/RangeRover into small parking spot which takes at least three tries, and then trying to squiz out of the car.

I guess some people need big cars. But if you don't need it and actually enjoy driving, SUV is not the choice.

My point is that if you decide you need/want suv then yea you should go with "real" SUV with AWD. But if you really don't need AWD or offroad capabilities you should ask yourself do I need an SUV. There are a lot of other cars I would consider before GLK, if roads were better, I didn't drive in snow and didn't need a parctical car.

Baby G

+1 Well said