Purchasing GLK for wife have some questions
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Infiniti FX 50S
Purchasing GLK for wife have some questions
I am currently working abroad and my wife is going to school in Philly....
We have decided to buy a GLK 350 4matic for her and I have a couple of questions
1. I personally love the look of both the AMG package and the Appearance package, however I am worried that the ride quality will suffer with either of these, especially given my wife would prefer a softer ride and being in PA the winters could be potentially harsh....so is there a huge difference in ride quality between the stock rims and the rims from these packages and is winter handling compromised significantly or at all
2. I have noticed on this board that no one has opted for the leather seats is that because the MB TEX is that good, or is it more due to cost
3. Does the rear seat entertainment system have speakers inbuilt or does it purely utilise the wireless headphones, (if no speakers may go for the iPad dock as this option will be for our 3 year old) and can anybody comment on either the RES or iPad dock
3. Finally pricing on Edmunds indicates I should be paying approx 500 over invoice, would that be what I should be aiming for
TIA
We have decided to buy a GLK 350 4matic for her and I have a couple of questions
1. I personally love the look of both the AMG package and the Appearance package, however I am worried that the ride quality will suffer with either of these, especially given my wife would prefer a softer ride and being in PA the winters could be potentially harsh....so is there a huge difference in ride quality between the stock rims and the rims from these packages and is winter handling compromised significantly or at all
2. I have noticed on this board that no one has opted for the leather seats is that because the MB TEX is that good, or is it more due to cost
3. Does the rear seat entertainment system have speakers inbuilt or does it purely utilise the wireless headphones, (if no speakers may go for the iPad dock as this option will be for our 3 year old) and can anybody comment on either the RES or iPad dock
3. Finally pricing on Edmunds indicates I should be paying approx 500 over invoice, would that be what I should be aiming for
TIA
Last edited by nabzy555; Sep 20, 2012 at 06:07 PM. Reason: spelling
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 60
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From: Vancouver, BC
2010 GLK 350 4MATIC
I haven't ridden on both to confirm but I doubt there will be much of a ride difference between the 19 and 20 inch wheel setups. If the winters are harsh over there you might want to consider getting a set of proper snow tires on 17 or 18 inch wheels for winter use anyways.
Hopefully someone who has tried both can chime in.
Hopefully someone who has tried both can chime in.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 265
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From: New York
2015 GLA250 4MATIC
If you care about the ride then don't get the AMG or Appearance Package. I would get the lighting and premium packages.
I didn't get leather because I felt $2000 was not worth it and after checking out the MB Tex, I new I wouldn't miss the leather.
I didn't get leather because I felt $2000 was not worth it and after checking out the MB Tex, I new I wouldn't miss the leather.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2011
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GLK350, G55, AMG GTS, C63 507
I chose looks over comfort going with the AMG package, it depends on what your priority is and I haven't tried the standard wheels so I don't actually know the difference. I chose the MB tex because of price but I must admit that I regret it a little bit because of my black interior slowly turning to lighter grey. I'm not sure why that is happening or maybe it's normal. I might just be a perfectionist. Lol.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
The 2013s we tested handled crisply with standard 19" rims and tires. The sales manager joked that he loves 20" rims because he sells a lot of "insurance" on them.
Having lived in Philly, I think you'll have fewer headaches with the 19" rims and tires.
Having lived in Philly, I think you'll have fewer headaches with the 19" rims and tires.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 378
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From: Boston and SWFlorida
2025 GLC300 white, 2023 Taycan RWD black
I bought the car for its looks and find that the Appearance Package enhances them. I live in the city but don't find a noticeable difference in ride between the 19" and 20". I didn't get leather because I bought off the lot- I don't think that they had one with leather. Leather is nice but it doesn't look that different. I had 17" wheels on my 2010 C300. On my last three cars I had wheel insurance and it paid for itself every time. Highly recommended.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
The Minister of Finance & Keeper of the Purse Strings (a.k.a. - SWMBO) has a few requirements in a vehicle. Leather is a given. Case closed. 'Nuff said.
As for the Appearance Package: That was one of my requirements.
We are both pleased. However, we drive mostly in Texas. Texas takes care of it's roads.
YMMV.
Wayne
As for the Appearance Package: That was one of my requirements.
We are both pleased. However, we drive mostly in Texas. Texas takes care of it's roads.
YMMV.
Wayne
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Los Angeles
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe; 2011 GLK 350 w/ Premium 1, Multimedia & Sport Appearance; I LOVE IT!
Leather is not commonly found in this model... not sure if it is the price point or the off-road sporting aspect, but you just don't see GLKs with that option.
Fortunately yes, MB Tex is that good, so you won't really miss it.
Fortunately yes, MB Tex is that good, so you won't really miss it.
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Joined: Jan 2010
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From: North Carolina - Research Triangle
2025 C300W4 AMG, 2023 GLC300 / previous 17 GLC300, 15 BMW 228i, 13 C300, 12 C350 Coupe
I am on my third MB TEX car and am very satisfied. It is not suppe but loos like the other enty level leather pkgs in Acuras, BMW 3 series and Volvos. My passengers don't know it is man made unless on tell hem.
I suggest you use the money for a set of wintr wheels and tires. Especially if you buy used OEM wheels. This gives you an extra set in case of damage. Instead of wheel insurance I bought a second set of used wheels. Much better value!
I suggest you use the money for a set of wintr wheels and tires. Especially if you buy used OEM wheels. This gives you an extra set in case of damage. Instead of wheel insurance I bought a second set of used wheels. Much better value!
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 296
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From: Central coast California
2024 GLC300, 2014 BMW M235i
I am currently working abroad and my wife is going to school in Philly....
We have decided to buy a GLK 350 4matic for her and I have a couple of questions
1. I personally love the look of both the AMG package and the Appearance package, however I am worried that the ride quality will suffer with either of these, especially given my wife would prefer a softer ride and being in PA the winters could be potentially harsh....so is there a huge difference in ride quality between the stock rims and the rims from these packages and is winter handling compromised significantly or at all
2. I have noticed on this board that no one has opted for the leather seats is that because the MB TEX is that good, or is it more due to cost
TIA
We have decided to buy a GLK 350 4matic for her and I have a couple of questions
1. I personally love the look of both the AMG package and the Appearance package, however I am worried that the ride quality will suffer with either of these, especially given my wife would prefer a softer ride and being in PA the winters could be potentially harsh....so is there a huge difference in ride quality between the stock rims and the rims from these packages and is winter handling compromised significantly or at all
2. I have noticed on this board that no one has opted for the leather seats is that because the MB TEX is that good, or is it more due to cost
TIA
I've never owned a vehicle with leather, but the MB in my GLK is very nice; no complaints, even with the heated seat option.
3.5L
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 342
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From: SOUTHWEST OHIO
2016 E350 2015 ML250 2002 Z06 CORVETTE
I have two cars with MB Tex and live in Florida where the heat and humidity in the summer can be extreme. Never a problem with the Tex even on a black interior. Your wife will thank you when she finds how easy it is to clean and care for.
I was a Cadillac dealer for twenty years and looked at thousands of older Mercedes with both leather and Tex over the years. The Tex cars always had a great interior even when the rest of the car was totally beat. Leather not so much.
I was a Cadillac dealer for twenty years and looked at thousands of older Mercedes with both leather and Tex over the years. The Tex cars always had a great interior even when the rest of the car was totally beat. Leather not so much.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,051
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From: Toronto
my wife bananas! :D
my c63 is all leather... while i like the smell and the softness, my wife's glk with tex is perfect. durable and comfortable. plus it is a suv after all, we use it as our grocery shopper so it needs to be able to handle some abuse.
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Los Angeles
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe; 2011 GLK 350 w/ Premium 1, Multimedia & Sport Appearance; I LOVE IT!
We actually bought our GLK for the dog (really!) so leather was not a big priority.
The MB Tex is still slippery so I ended up putting a fabric seat cover on the back seat... now everone's happy!
The MB Tex is still slippery so I ended up putting a fabric seat cover on the back seat... now everone's happy!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,339
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From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
She'll like the leather, too
The leather on the 13 GLK is more like a designo package. We love it. (We've owned MB Tex cars in the past and like those too.)
Many dealers have a hard time comprehending and selling designo in the higher end cars.
They also see the GLK as sort of an entry level car in price competition with the pretenders so they order many without MB amenities.
Many dealers have a hard time comprehending and selling designo in the higher end cars.
They also see the GLK as sort of an entry level car in price competition with the pretenders so they order many without MB amenities.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,780
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From: Northern NJ
GLK 350 / Porsche 993
1. I have 20s and when I get loaner with 19s the ride is better. Also 20s are VERY easy to scuff. I only have 2 scuffs but I don't drive a lot and very careful and still managed 2.
2. MB Tex holds up great with minimal maintenance, leather has to be taken care off. Unless you order it's hard to find real leather in any C/GLK/ML.
3. Don't know
4. I paid invoice 4 years ago, some paid less. I read MB gives up to 3500 for new GLK, so you might be able to get it under invoice.
2. MB Tex holds up great with minimal maintenance, leather has to be taken care off. Unless you order it's hard to find real leather in any C/GLK/ML.
3. Don't know
4. I paid invoice 4 years ago, some paid less. I read MB gives up to 3500 for new GLK, so you might be able to get it under invoice.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
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Infiniti FX 50S
Thanks Guys for all your feedback
However (and this pains me as a Benz fan) after test driving the GLK, Q5, and x3 my wife and I both rated the GLK last out of the 3 vehicles. Sadly the GLK felt rather cramped and as someone who sat in back seat in all 3 drives it gave me a rather cheap feeling in terms of quality of materials and fit and finish compared with the other two.
For those who maybe interested we had a tough time deciding between the other 2, we thought the X3 was the best overall deal dollar for dollar given the price with incentives, plus free maintenance while the Q5 was more of a desirable car given new engine, quality feel, overall looks/shape. However the wife really wants blind spot assist option which the X3 does not offer, sadly the only Q5 model to offer this is the priciest prestige model with new 6 cylinder engine so that's the one we shall ultimately order.
Thanks again.
For those who maybe interested we had a tough time deciding between the other 2, we thought the X3 was the best overall deal dollar for dollar given the price with incentives, plus free maintenance while the Q5 was more of a desirable car given new engine, quality feel, overall looks/shape. However the wife really wants blind spot assist option which the X3 does not offer, sadly the only Q5 model to offer this is the priciest prestige model with new 6 cylinder engine so that's the one we shall ultimately order.
Thanks again.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 11
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From: Mississauga, Ontario
2012 GLK 350
Choices to include X3, Q5, and GLK. X3 out because have 335i. Q5 looks very nice inside and great panoramic sunroof and sliding shade, but GLK exterior looks nicer and more aggressive/ sporty.
Got Mtex. Their man leather is much much better than other's man leather.
Wife has the 20". Ride is still smooth and quiet (probably more because of MB sound proofing) and looks nicer than 19".
Got Mtex. Their man leather is much much better than other's man leather.
Wife has the 20". Ride is still smooth and quiet (probably more because of MB sound proofing) and looks nicer than 19".
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe; 2011 GLK 350 w/ Premium 1, Multimedia & Sport Appearance; I LOVE IT!
However (and this pains me as a Benz fan) after test driving the GLK, Q5, and x3 my wife and I both rated the GLK last out of the 3 vehicles. Sadly the GLK felt rather cramped and as someone who sat in back seat in all 3 drives it gave me a rather cheap feeling in terms of quality of materials and fit and finish compared with the other two.
For those who maybe interested we had a tough time deciding between the other 2, we thought the X3 was the best overall deal dollar for dollar given the price with incentives, plus free maintenance while the Q5 was more of a desirable car given new engine, quality feel, overall looks/shape. However the wife really wants blind spot assist option which the X3 does not offer, sadly the only Q5 model to offer this is the priciest prestige model with new 6 cylinder engine so that's the one we shall ultimately order.
Thanks again.
For those who maybe interested we had a tough time deciding between the other 2, we thought the X3 was the best overall deal dollar for dollar given the price with incentives, plus free maintenance while the Q5 was more of a desirable car given new engine, quality feel, overall looks/shape. However the wife really wants blind spot assist option which the X3 does not offer, sadly the only Q5 model to offer this is the priciest prestige model with new 6 cylinder engine so that's the one we shall ultimately order.
Thanks again.
