Quadcammer

So MB corporate in northern NJ provided me with a brand new GLK suv to test over the weekend. They wanted me to do a survey on it and give my general impressions:

Here is a short version:

Outside= awesome
inside design= very nice
inside materials= left something to be desired
driving experience= great


Overall, a very nice small SUV that could be a great daily driver.



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David A

I agree but it needs the diesel motor. I love the low-end torque of diesels.

Paul K

Thinking of replacing the FJ with one. Sat in one but haven't driven one yet. How does it handle in the corners?

Quadcammer

well, its certainly not a porsche. It has some roll, but the ride is quite good. I think with the 20" rim package, handling is not bad.

I wouldn't feel terribly comfortable pitching it sideways into a decreasing radius bend, but to get around its not bad at all.

Paul K

I'm sure it'll handle better than the FJ! I'll be interested to see how it performs- I really like everything about the GLK thus far. Would you buy one?

Scott Lenger

I've been thinking about test driving the GLK as a replacement for the wife's LR Disco II - which I detest unless there's either very rugged terrain or 2 ft + of snow where it is unstoppable! Will you post a review? Compare to ML?

chris walrod

We had a deposit on one right before they arrived in the states. After looking at productions cars in inventory, we opted away from the GLK.

We really like the styling of the GLK but found the interior to be lacking. They seem to be a challenge to get in and out of with the seats 'back'. The B and C pillars get in the way. The clincher was the fact that they dont lease well. ML is the same money.

Quadcammer

I have a five page review if you're interested. I can either post it or email it.

I would buy one, if I needed such a car, which I don't.

I would also, without question, get the black/almond/burlwood trim over the black/silver.

I've had MLs as loaners, and I hated them.

I like the GLK much better than the ML.

chsu74

You can pick up a used GL 320CDI for a few grand more and it is so much more of a truck than this baby GL. Too bad that the US do not get the 420CDI.

Quadcammer

I can say only 2 things on the subject:

1. Not every has the need, nor the space for a GL

2. MB's have awful resale value. I can get a 2006 CL65 that listed for $185k for $60 right now. You can get a whole lot of nice stuff used. If you want a small, sporty SUV, a GL diesel isn't really the answer.

Mark Harris

Well two actually if you count the G55 AMG.

chsu74

That's a funny comment considering that a new GLK would have a faster depreciation curve than a used GL320CDI. As for a "sporty" SUV, Porsche came up with that answer.

chsu74

I agree the G55s are excellent trucks. I was in a G300D in Indonesia and totally love it.

nile13

It's all subjective, of course, but I don't like super-busy exterior design with too many lines on the sides, don't dig the 90s plastic aluminum interior (what's an MB without wood?) and don't understand the idea of a small SUV.

Othert than that, a fine upstanding vehicle.

Quadcammer

Sadly, not everyone wants a G-wagen. I really dig the styling, but the interior is far too upright for me. A cool truck to me sure, and an absolute beast offroad, but not a real big seller in the suburban jungle (except to the very well heeled)

sigh...

My point was not that the GLK would depreciate slower. My point was that once you start considering used vehicles, it sort of ceases to be a fair or reasonable comparison, given the ridiculous depreciation that higher end MB vehicles have.

Some people don't want a used car, or prefer to lease. Neither of which can be done with a used GL>


Furthermore, the GLK has a base price of $35k. Not everyone wants a new $75k SUV, nor do they want a $35k used Cayenne.

If you don't like it, fine, but there is no reason to bash a fine vehicle from a german manufacturer.