My lease on my Audi Q5 will be up shortly, and I have narrowed it down to 3 replacements. They are a BMW X3, Mercedes GLK and an E350. As with the Q5, the new vehicle is meant to be the more practical selection, being able to cart a car full kids and their gear once or twice a month as well as frequent highway trips out of state.

GLK
+ seems very solid and refined
+ well balanced ride; feels engaging, but not as nimble as the X3
+ nice feel of the controls (steering, brakes). It's more engaging than my Q5, but not as lively as the X3
+ richer looking interior
+ hitch is much more reasonably priced (bike rack)
- back seat and storage space is okay; it's definitely tighter than the X3 (It's fine for a 13yo, but in a year or two?)
- has a very nice feel to it, but it's not sporty
- dealer is less convenient

I was surprised I liked it as much as I did. It seems like a nice step-up from the earlier version. While it wasn't as engaging as the X3, it did everything well without some of the X3's nuances (vibrations, interior quality). The main negative is its size. It's noticeably smaller than the X3. While that would be great for city driving (Boston), it won't be ideal the one or two times a month when I have car full of kids and their gear. It can work, but it will definitely be tight. Anyone switch from a larger car down to a GLK? Any regrets about its size?

X3
+ ideal size, offering a nice balance between space and cargo
+ most athletic of the group, feel lighter and more nimble
+ feels quick and braking is reassuring
+ comfortable interior and electronics I am familiar with
- doesn't seem as refined as or as solid as the MB
- steering is a bit light and feedback is okay
- run flats & no spare (I have changed them out on my last BMW & Mini)

I am also thinking about the E350. While it's not comparable to either the X3 or GLK, I still like the look and feel of the car. It's an unlikely choice. I am just not sure its worth giving up the versatility of having a hatch with a teenager and his gear. It definitely would be the most comfortable for longer rides, offering the nicest highway ride while still being engaging to drive. I also drove the new 5 series and it seems too soft compared to my old 5 series. Anyone cross shop the GLK with the E350? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

I shopped the X3 vs. the GLK & noticed that cargo room wise, the X3 wasn't that much better. At the time, 2 things bothered me about the BMW - they didn't quote their cargo room & their MPG in their advert or brochure.

& once I turned on the "S" mode in the GLK, the BMW wasn't too far away in the driving experience.
The Q5 IMO was just too "feminine" even for my wife.

If you are hauling active kids in cache vehicle you go to a midsize or bigger vehicle like the X5, ML or GL IMO.

Otherwise, to me these cross-overs are simply coupe like square footage with some little utility.
I think you can't really miss choosing either the X3 or the GLK if that's what you are looking for.

Your comparison was very fair & spot on.

Pricing wise, I think you can get the GLK for a couple of thousand less & get more equipment on. Good luck.

 

BMW's insistence on run-flat tires is reason enough by itself to choose a GLK. But for me there was another reason:

I had been a BMW-only owner since 1968 (except for 1 Volvo), very active in the BMW Club and the original BMW Club webmaster. But it was the $10,000 BMW radiator failure that turned me to Mercedes which you can read about at

http://home.earthlink.net/~hainesinutah/radiator/ (sorry for the missing photos)

My 4 Mercedes have been trouble free and I suggest you factor reliability strongly into your decision.

 

I have a Q5. Back in late 2010, the GLK had the older interior which I wasnt a fan of compared to the Q5s beautiful interior. With the face lifted model, the GLK looks nicer and the interior now fits the price point. The old X3 was such a piece of garbage I dont even want to mention it. The new one Im sure has the same ****ty BMW ride and annoying high revving engine.

 

I was able to test drive the 6 cylinder X3 an it was notably more refined than the 4 cylinder n20 version. While 4 cylinder seems a bit harsh in comparison, the performance is very competitive, making it hard to justify the 6 cylinder. I still think the GLK is quieter and more refined. The smaller backseat and cargo area are my main concerns. I thought about an M, but feel its too big for most of my daily driving.

PS - I agree on the BMW runflats. I much rather have normal tires.

 

Ive got a 2010 GLK350 and like it a lot. Came off a G35 so the transition was tough but the Merc is a very solid vehicle. I don't like the new GLK AMG pkg chrome kangaroo lower bumper thingie on the front end at all. And if I had the cash I'd do the E class over an SUV anyway. The E is very nice. IMO

 

I actually went from 2010 GLK350 to a 2012 E550 4matic after the lease expired. You don't get the headroom like with the SUVs but am enjoying all the gadgets, ventilated seats, Distronic, smooth ride. The trunk is quite roomy and you get far more room in the front and back (except headroom).

Mind you, there will be a minor E-class facelift in 2014.

 

Honestly, I find the back seat of the GLK to be very small (in terms of legroom). Getting in and out of the car is also a hassle because the opening is so small. With your kids getting bigger I think the car will soon grow too small to fit your needs.


If you're OK with the price point of the E350, an ML might actually seem like a better fit for your needs or the E350 Wagon. They're both much bigger in terms of back seat space and you'll have a bigger trunk.

 

I picked up a 2013 GLK350 Friday. I think it is Mercedes' best value. I traded a 2010 C300 4Matic, and the difference is considerable. I also was concerned about the space in back, but the seats fold flat so there is a reasonable bit of utility. I love the new interior appointments.

 

My neighbor got the X3 with the base engine.

Upgrading to the 2.8 base engine. She said the 3.5 was a $6K upgrade!