I suspect this is the wrong forum but since we own a 2014 250 BT, I thought I might ask.


My wife loves the GLK but is all in on a 14 BMW X3 35i. We're not looking to trade the GLK but just wondered how those that have driven both a GLK and an X3 feel they compare. I'd prefer she goes for an ML, but I have to say the BMWs seem to be a decent alternative. The nav, lighting package, 6 and the HUD display are pretty nice.


Any thoughts on anything we're missing or hidden BS to consider is much appreciated.


David

 

I have a 2013 GLK 350 and my wife has a 2013 X3 28i. I drive the X3 quite a bit on the weekends. I would give the X3 the nod on both 2nd row leg room and rear storage space, but that's about it. I prefer the GLK's ride and engine (the X3 28i has a turbo 4 cylinder - haven't driven the 35i). I also prefer the MB Command system over BMW's iDrive. I also hate the run flats that came standard on the X3. Both cars have about 20,000 miles on them, neither has had any significant issues.

 

I had 2011 X3 35i for 3 years until I traded it in for 14 GLK 350.
Straight acceleration, no competition, X3 hands down would circle around GLK. Handling, X3 feels flatter. Comfort, GLK rides smoother. Technology, X3 has more options. Rear seat, X3 has much more room. Reliability, no problems on both.

I assume X3 should get it's mid cycle refresh soon? It's been out since 2011 in US, so perhaps by next year? If so, purchasing 14 now may not be good idea vs purchasing at the end of 14 when they will be more eager to make deals with refreshed 15 coming out?

I like GLK. I wish it has all-around-view (Top View) as my X3 did, but other than that, GLK does everything it needs to do every well.

 

Thanks for the replies, that was the info I was looking for.

 

Such as? When I was shopping last year, the GLK had more technology. Adaptive cruise, collision prevention, active blind spot assist, active lane departure assist, automatic parallel parking... none of those are available on the X3.

"Surround View," as Mercedes calls it, is available on the GLK. I have it and it is very nice.

 

My wife went with the X3 35i with the tech and winter package. She really likes it and I appreciate the feedback from the forum. Its actually quite nice. For me, so far its way more fun to drive, though we haven't pushed it too hard yet. It has some nice features that I wish my GLK had. I feel the GLK is more 'refined' but does have a bit of a dated feel (just my opinion). All that lane assist/park assist/blind spot assist is all stuff I didn't want on the GLK. I'm pretty sure I've learned how to change lanes and park my car in the last 22 years of driving I have the tech and appearance package on mine. Seems to me the BMW multimedia interface is way more up to date than what I have.


Both are quite nice. I do like the HUD on the x3. Kinda wish the GLK had that.


Anyway, its mostly personal preference. Both are very nice vehicles and have their pros/cons.


David

 

I personally just find BMW styling very bland and unappealing. I had a 2006 Z4 M Coupe and their 2014 models still have the same basic interior design... in fact, if you go back as far as (say) an E46 3 series (15-16 years), they're still very much the same today.

The exteriors certainly are not quite as dated looking, but still very boring - I don't think they make any attractive vehicles right now.

 

X3 got a refresh this year (MY2015).

 

I'm with you.
Have same M like you & that was the last time they made cars that stir the blood.

Really only one car in their lineup that I could remotely be interested in: M6 Gran Elan Coupe.

Otherwise, BMW ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ