Comments on: Comparison: Mercedes-Benz GLK vs BMW X3

By: Shawn Schroeder

Shawn Schroeder — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:36:01 +0000

We traded our ‘07 X3 on a ‘10 GLK. Our lease was up and looked at the LR2, XC60 and GLK. First of all the X3 still has the best drivetrain, driving dynamics and great space efficiency. We choose (wife) the GLK based on the quietness and ride. While the build qaulity is impecable (as is the X3) with a very nice door “thunk” and is good value, it is not as roomy in the rear as the X3. The GLK is not special when going WOT as the 3.5l 7-speed trans shine better at moderate paces. The X3 also give superior fuel econmy 22 v. 18 all around. Mercedes builds a better luxury vehicle, but BMW is still the engineer’s, and enthusiast’s vehicle of choice – among these 2.

By: Rohit Singal

Rohit Singal — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 05:51:23 +0000

Just signed for a GLK after testing the q5 and x3 as well. There’s no doubt that the q5 had the sportiest handling, impressive for an SUV, with nice interior but the options come in so many whacky and overpriced packages that to get an equivalent vehicle as the GLK we were paying $5,000 more. If this were not the case it would have been a harder decision… the q5 is very nice.

The GLK has uniqueness in the class in terms of its look (but which people will either love or hate), the most luxurious interior and when pushed performed well on the road in terms of acceleration and handling. Again, almost too comfortable but when I started using the manual shifting was able to get more out of the car.

The X3 drives like a beamer which is the best part and that’s it. Interior still feels like it’s out of the 90’s. Price adds up too when you try to match up options and they just don’t offer everything the other two do (power tailgate, integrated screen for navigation etc.).

All in all the GLK brought the most to the table for the best price with the reputation of Mercedes SUVs behind it and that’s why we took it.

By: red-sauerkraut

red-sauerkraut — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:03:31 +0000

The Audi engine is not up to snuff. The gear box is really nice, but the car is noisy, and feels like a rolling couch. If you or paying damn near 50Kusd.

Bring on the n54 powered X3!

BMW better get a move on!!!!

By: Max

Max — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:42:21 +0000

Audi does’t have long term reliability. How many older model are out there? There is probably very little if any at all. It is an insult to compare Audi with veterans like Mercedes and BMW.

By: Horatiu B.

Horatiu B. — Mon, 11 May 2009 04:31:35 +0000

Diana, the new X3 will be available in early 2010.

By: Diana

Diana — Fri, 01 May 2009 09:19:27 +0000

When do you think the new BMX x3 will be in the market? Do you think its worth buying it now?

By: nendo

nendo — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:06:03 +0000

I was keen on getting a mercedes glk until i test drove it. Boy was i underwhelmed. The exterior styling looks pretty good with the 20,s but the interior looked cheap and felt like i was in a subaru. I am coming from a mercedes e55 and this was a huge step down in every way.

Then i test drove the audi Q5 with sline trim and 20 inch wheels. WOW , i was really impressed with it. The styling exterior looked great and interior blew the glk away. Also it felt much zippier and handled better than the glk, less harsh of a ride as well.

I took a bmw x3 out for a spin and it was god awful in almost everyway except the engine and good cargo room, The car reminded me of 1995!!

I have test driven maybe 8 small suvs in the segment and ultimatley the q5 easily won for me.
Now I have a audi 09 s-line sitting in front of my house and couldnt be happier with my desicion

By: Alina

Alina — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 10:45:44 +0000

We should admire GLK for its interior and exterior design,very very nice and robust in the class.
also in term of drivetrain every thing is excellent and can beat rivals easily.

By: Horatiu B.

Horatiu B. — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 01:23:59 +0000

@Babez: I'm not sure what you mean by all look the same....they really don't...maybe the X3 with the first generation X5 but that's about it.

By: BMWDriver

BMWDriver — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:34:43 +0000

They are both ugly vehicles. The only thing going for the GLK is the newness factor.

By: Babez

Babez — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:48:21 +0000

Yep – the Mercedes-Benz looks lot more fun. I am not quite sure – but all Beemers have the same look – there is nothing special… they should think about a new “front-design”. And the interior looks very cheap and not exclusive.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 07:47:23 +0000

@Lance: Oh the audacity of some people. I'm sure you are one swell automotive engineer who can out engineer all 3 of these top luxury brands who stand above the rest of the auto industry. its a shame people like you open your mouth.

By: Lance

Lance — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:52:27 +0000

Q5 is one ugly fat duck! Don’t even try to compare a VW with a BMW or Merc. The Q5 drives like a mini van and the build quality is terrible. At least teh X3 is the most reliable car in Germany. As for the interior, all three cars are terrible, but the X3 is near the end of its life and I expect the same interior standard as the Z4, new 7, X5, x6. As for the GLK interior – YUK- I feel like I’m in the 1980’s with the design of that interior dash. What’s up with merc interior? From the C to the new E and GLK – shame!

By: Gord

Gord — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:45:16 +0000

But these cars (X3, GLK, and Q5) aren’t actually all that off-road worthy are they ?

Now thats fine in all, but BMW will soon release the V series PAS, and they will have the utility of these cars, so I see no point to the X3 unless it is actually off-road worthy.

By: Kodey

Kodey — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:14:17 +0000

Screw Audi, X3 might be a little old, but replacement is on the way, so not to fret, Ugh i hate the stupid mercedes, i hate the Q5, Audi is getting better yes, but STILL not in the same range as BMW..

By: Carlos Perez

Carlos Perez — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:16:12 +0000

Sorry but in terms of interior and exterior gtg with the MB, the x3 is just damn ugly, is rides brilliantly well butt man is just so ugly, and the Q5 well not an audi fan so…

By: Horatiu B.

Horatiu B. — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:14:00 +0000

@Gil: interesting findings! I might just have to go take an extensive Audi Q5 test drive and put it against the X3. I wonder if Mercedes will loan me a GLK to test drive it

By: Horatiu B.

Horatiu B. — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:11:28 +0000

@Bogdan Gheorghe: Yup..drove one for a few minutes...not a fan...but I will try to take one around the track soon.

By: Gil

Gil — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:22:19 +0000

For me, the X3 gets the top spot for excellent driving dynamics. You buy a car to drive it, not to just look at it. The MB is softer and more compliant, so some people might like this better than the X3. It’s a close call.

The Audi Q5… is dead last on my list. Test-drove one last week, and yes, while it handles nicely and wins it hands down on exterior AND interior design, it’s scary to take on tight curves at high speed. The feedback just isn’t there, and I found myself tapping the brakes more often than I’d like. And the noise…. they MUST fix the noise coming from the side view mirrors above 60 mph. It drove me and my passenger nuts. The A5 on the other hand…. now THAT was a fun car! Might buy one.

By: bmw fan

bmw fan — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:27:19 +0000

The BMW x3 is starting to look tired and out dated compared to more modern rivals. Bring on the replacement.