MB-JIM

I have been planning on buying a C350 sedan but in reading about the 2013 GLK, I wonder if I should instead consider the 2013 GLK?
My wife insists on a good ride so I'm interested in what experience some of you have had in the GLK.
This is the latest I received today from MBUSA regarding the GLK.
<http://www5.mercedes-benz.com/en/tv/the-GLK-2012/>

venchka

1. The interior of the GLK wins. You sit UP in the GLK. Not folded up in the C-Sedan. The rear seat is WAY better than a C-Sedan.
2. The "trunk" of the GLK wins. It's small, but it is still much more useful than a small sedan. Folding down the rear seat adds a lot of cargo space.
3. Ride is smooth, quiet, comfortable, quiet. Did I mention that the ride is quiet and smooth?
The comparison is really an apples & oranges things. No comparison in my mind.

Wayne

dgiturbo

The few loaner C Classes I have driven felt "choppy" over the road. Not for me. And they sit too low for my liking. I am always on the highway.
The GLK sits up, and has a heavier feel in the ride. Feels more confident and controlled.
I guess if I wanted a "racer feel" and something I could throw around exit ramps, then I would say the C Class.
But when I get that feeling, I break out my turbo Mustang.

MBRedux

If you're having trouble between a Sedan and a Junior SUV, only you must decide by taking both for a long test drive. Good luck.

JesusV

We looked at the GLK and C-class at the MB Dealer. My wife and I both agreed that the C-class was a small car and there was very little head room, we have a 3 year old and the rear was very cramped. I'm 6ft and she's 5'5, the GLK on the other hand felt just right. Good head room, lots of room in the front and back, great rear cargo space and it sits at the perfect height. The ride is very sedan like and the suspension absorbs the bump excellently. It has great pickup and the cabin is very quite. Just my two cents.

MB-JIM

We are planning on a test drive next Wednesday with both the GLK and C Class sedan;
Thanks for the encouraging inputs. I will report my findings.

MBNA109

We have both & I prefer the GLK.
Like wayne said: higher seating position with athletic pretenses.

MBRedux

If you decide to go for the GLK, I'd wait for the new one coming in s few months! It will have a lot of new refinements apparently.

dgiturbo

Oh, 2013 GLK is also rumored to be available with a Bluetec (Clean diesel) motor that should push over 30 MPG.
Something else to consider if it is within your realm.

N91K

I dont think you can compare these cars, each one is different! You should test drive both but i would go for the GLK.

shotgun_banjo

this is my take:

C-Class (c350)
1. very soft, feather like steering on a car and turning radius is smaller than a GLK (wife loves it way too much that she insist of getting one)
2. very very fast for a average driver specially if you floor the gas pedal
3. only good for 2 midsize adults as back seat legroom dissapears if the person sitting on the front seat is around 5'8" to 6'0" tall
4. more nimble, you feel the roads more because of the thinner tires and sporty suspension.
5. looks very nice and classy specially if you get the tenorite gray or black colors.
6. I recommend getting the 4matic as I drove all the trims from C230 to C350 with and without 4matics as loaners and drove them long enough 3-4 days for each car (longest is a fully pimped-out C350 4matic for 1 month) and I can tell the difference between the car with the 4matic and the car without as the 4matic has more control over slippery roads.
7. Interior is nice on the 2012s not the 2011s
8. Somehow I like driving the C350 more than the GLK just because I feel the speed than on a GLK

GLK
1. UTILITARIAN nuff said
2. rides high
3. manly looking (not in red)
4. more usefull space inside and headroom is plenty
5. poor steering wheel feedback (like driving a boat)
6. has a real presence on the road specially with the 20" wheels
7. nice interior (get the black liner)
8. cheaper than a C350
9. very safe
10. insurance is cheaper than a C350
11. eats more petrol than the C350

Both are great vehicles it is only a matter of what your needs are. If you will be carrying more than 2 people or a lot of cargo everytime then the GLK is the vehicle.

Goldeni245

You can't really compare ride and handling of an SUV to that of a sport sedan...unless it's a Porsche Cayenne Turbo now that thing handles like a sports car.

The C sedan (even without the sport package) sits much lower to the ground and by nature will have better and flatter handling compared to the taller GLK.

You can compare functionality and looks, but that's about it. A sedan and SUV are two different things.

MB-JIM

My Wednesday test is delayed. My dealer is going to let me have a GLK to drive from Friday night until Monday. This will give me time for a good test.

PharmMB

We currently have both and I like them for different reasons. Ultimately the test drives will decide it for you.

The C350 is great on the highway with great pick-up and a sportier feel. The GLK350 definitely feels more truck-like, but the higher ride is nice and it's more utilitarian, especially if you have kids.

Happy decision making.....

MB-JIM

I have a GLK loaner for the weekend. So far, my wife and I are both very pleased with the car. She is 5'1" and had no trouble getting in and out, The car is comfortable, quiet and seems to ride as good as my 2012 E350. In fact, driving over tar strips, it seems noticeably quieter than in the E.
The utility of the GLK seems great. I have missed my E Wagon and the GLK can mostly fill that void.
We are going to spend the weekend doing a lot of driving around Scottsdale and Phoenix and if we both feel as positive by Monday morning, as we to tonight, I'm sure we will order a 2013 model in white with black leather.
Then, the big question will be how soon we can get delivery.
If I have any changes in my feelings about the car by Monday I will let you know.

MB-JIM

Thanks for all the help. We did a lot of driving this weekend and came to the conclusion that we really aren't SUV people. The GLK drove great but the massiveness overwhelmed us. We were underwhelmed by the interior that didn't come close to our E and that may have influenced our decision.
Of course, the 2013 should overcome that issue but we simply didn't feel that confident in the GLK.
Thanks again for all the inputs. These forums are really great.

Fung63

cool glad you guys came to a conclusion.

I was going to say, go for a C63 and sell the idea of a suv to the wife. that way you have a fun car and a car to go to walmart with

that's my setup atm, and we love it!

venchka

A long test drive is the best way to find out if you like or dislike a car. That worked twice for us with previous purchases.
Massive doesn't come to mind when I drive the GLK. However, we have a different vehicle history.
Good luck.

Wayne

rmfnla

"Massiveness"?

Maybe you should have driven a GL first for a little perspective...

MBRedux

No more rumore... fact!

MBRedux

"Massive".... GLK massive? Maybe he should have tried this on for size first!



or even the new Maserati SUV!

MKenM

C Class only this one

venchka

Fact someday. When they are on the dealer's lot. Maybe this year. Maybe next. It depends.

Wayne

MBRedux

Agreed... however when we picked up our new C a few weeks ago, I commented to a Corporate Rep (with a super-thick German accent) who flew in to present the very first SL-AMG to a high buying customer in our region.. (Alex Ovechkin) "What engines will be in the newly refreshened GLK?"... he said, and I quote.. "Next year our Bluetec Clean Diesel will be in the GLK for the USA, that I know for sure along with the newly developed direct injected 3.5L. The clean-diesel will be our marketing thrust for your country!"

So, there you have it. Almost "fact".

venchka

Very good. "Next year"? Model year? Calendar year? These things are always cloaked in mystery.
The big question: Where will the AdBlue tank go? In the spare well a la E-Class sedans thereby removing the spare tire and forcing the dreaded run flat tires on an unwilling public? Or in a properly designed location outside the spare well thus preserving the spare tire? Inquiring minds want to know.

Wayne