Ride and handling of GLK vs C Sedan ???
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From: North Scottsdale
06 C 350 2014 GLK350
Ride and handling of GLK vs C Sedan ???
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/>
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/>
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2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
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
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
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From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
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.
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.
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Nissan GT-R BE / '12 Ducati-1199 Panigale S / '12 C300-4M Loaded/GLK350-4M Loaded
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.
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From: Jacksonville, FL
2012 GL550, 2016 C300, 2005 Mustang
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.
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From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
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.
Something else to consider if it is within your realm.
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'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
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.
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.
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From: Charlotte, NC
2003 BMW 540iT, 2019 BMW X3m40i, 2001 BMW 325i, 1999 C230K Sport
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.
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.
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From: ON, Canada
2014 ML550 4MATIC
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.....
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.....
Thread Starter
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From: North Scottsdale
06 C 350 2014 GLK350
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.
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.
Thread Starter
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From: North Scottsdale
06 C 350 2014 GLK350
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.
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.
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From: Toronto
my wife bananas! :D
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.
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.
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!
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
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
Massive doesn't come to mind when I drive the GLK. However, we have a different vehicle history.
Good luck.
Wayne
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2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe; 2011 GLK 350 w/ Premium 1, Multimedia & Sport Appearance; I LOVE IT!
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.
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.
"Massiveness"?
Maybe you should have driven a GL first for a little perspective...
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GLK massive? Maybe he should have tried this on for size first!
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So, there you have it. Almost "fact".
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
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".
So, there you have it. Almost "fact".
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
