Topic: Test Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic

[Trainman]

"a new rear wheel drive version"

I didn't realize there was a cuv besides the Grand Vitara that has a longitudinal engine.  Are there others?

The Forester for one (all Subaru's in fact).  And I am sure there are others like the Liberty.

[X-Traction]

Hmm, you're right.  Though I consider the Liberty to be a mid-size suv.  Are the BMW X3's transverse engines?  The baby Volvo and Audi cuvs?

[johngenx]

This is a fairly important point.  The longitudinal engine has the transmission located near the center of the vehicle.  Along with the rear drive hardware, this means better weight distribution.  FWD-style layouts suffer from horrible front heaviness.

More even weight distribution means better handling and braking.  Subaru's advertising about the low CG of the boxer driveline isn't all hype.  A fairly even weight distribution combined with a low CG despite good ground clearance is why a Forester feels very car-like.

[JSCC]

If the diesel version makes its way to Canada this will be my next car.   My local dealer has said 'yes it will' and 'no it won't' so I am not sure now.

RET

How does GLK250 BlueTec AND C250 BlueTec sound?

[JSCC]

It probably has more room the Tiguan

Leave that to the up-coming SUV based on the next generation B-Class.

[JSCC]

I believe that the 15 cu.ft. is measured up to the window/rear seatback level. Usually this is how the cargo is measured in Euro. I believe in NA the cargo is measured to the ceiling.
By the look of it and from my recollection the cargo is not smaller than in other SUVs and hatches that post higher numbers.

Agreed.  Those numbers are definitely out of whack.  This thing would hold similar amounts to the other baby utes out there...

...and no more than a small sportwagon.  Which leads me to question why anyone would choose this over an A4 avant or 328xiT?  Though, sadly, money talks - and I see tons of GLKs out there and very few of the wagons. 

Mercedes-Benz Canada sold almost 6000 GLks in 2010.
Back when the C-Class wagon was available in Canada, not even 600 a year.

[JSCC]

I just priced out a '11 BMW X3 with similar options but with the 300 hp engine, for only $1K more. Plus it has a longer wheel base, an 8 speed auto transmission and 27.6 cu ft of cargo space with the seats up!

The 2011 X3 is definately an improvement over the last generation X3.
It will be interesting to see, how X3 vs GLK sales figures unfold in 2011.

It will be a big battle between BMW and MB, as BMW will try to recapture the "Best Selling Luxury Brand in Canada" title for 2011.

[JSCC]

Hmm, you're right.  Though I consider the Liberty to be a mid-size suv.  Are the BMW X3's transverse engines?  The baby Volvo and Audi cuvs?

The Q5, X3 and GLK should all be north-south configuration.
XC60 and Tiguan should be east-west.

[vdk]

If the diesel version makes its way to Canada this will be my next car.   My local dealer has said 'yes it will' and 'no it won't' so I am not sure now.

RET

How does GLK250 BlueTec AND C250 BlueTec sound?

Finally. A more pedestrian diesel. 

[tpl]

A c250  diesel is a great idea... but if it is only 2 to 2.5 litres they hopefully they can do it without "exhaust fluid".     I would like a diesel but unless the exhaust fluid is dead cheap( like the same price as washer fluid) and can be bought as a generic bottle from Cdn Tire so that I can top up at home  then It would have to be a VW.

[CatsEye68]

This is the vehicle that a MB owner hubby buys for his wife. Small, easy to drive and park, high driving position with the MB star on the grill. I don't believe I have seen one on the road yet with a male driver.

Lots of truth in that, I think. I see a lot of these in the moneyed areas. Yet I find it odd, as it has squarish, almost utilitarian styling that you would not think would appeal to the ladies who lunch. Yet apparently it does.

But $51K as tested and no available real leather seats!?
I just priced out a '11 BMW X3 with similar options but with the 300 hp engine, for only $1K more. Plus it has a longer wheel base, an 8 speed auto transmission and 27.6 cu ft of cargo space with the seats up!

Has the X3 ever gotten a good review though?

Clearly I don't understand this category, as none of these sort of vehicles make any sense to me. I keep thinking of the Bronco II and why anyone would want one.

[JSCC]

A c250  diesel is a great idea... but if it is only 2 to 2.5 litres they hopefully they can do it without "exhaust fluid".     I would like a diesel but unless the exhaust fluid is dead cheap( like the same price as washer fluid) and can be bought as a generic bottle from Cdn Tire so that I can top up at home  then It would have to be a VW.

Blame North American emission standards, if it were not of them, we should have had MB CDIs a long time ago.
It is not cheap to put the BlueTEC hardware in vehicles.

Rumors say S350 BlueTEC may be heading to North America.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-06/mercedes-audi-court-cher-with-diesel-challenging-lexus-hybrids.html

[tpl]

As I said, as long as the fluid is cheap and does not require a trip to the dealer to top up. I accept that the hardware costs money, meaning the car with Bluetec will cost more. 

[safristi]

..................I just met a car called UREA....
                  The most beautiful car in the world
                  But if she no runs Mamma Mia
                  Unless i make a BIG PEE Aaaaahhh,
                  Then i sell it and invest in Depends for me huh...