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Thinking about buying a Mercedes-Benz GLK350? Compare it to a BMW X3 first!
The BMW X3 Overview
In 2004, BMW launched the X3, and with it an entirely new segment of vehicle was born – the compact premium SUV. The X3 quickly became a best seller – both in the United States and in Europe – as evidenced by sales of more than 600,000 global units. Not surprisingly, in the seven years since the X3 debuted, nearly every other premium nameplate has entered the now hotly contested segment.
In redesigning the all-new, second-generation X3, no stone was left unturned. Perhaps most noticeably, the presence of the X3 has been updated with modern design language that maintains its familial ties to the original X3, but in a package that is now similar in size to the original X5 (E53) SAV. In the end, both the X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i achieve a seemingly impossible task – delivering the most dynamic acceleration and handling in their categories, while also providing the most favorable fuel consumption and emission levels within their class.
The X3's advantages are not limited strictly to performance. The interior cabin has been upgraded in every way imaginable. Passenger and cargo space have grown considerably, and the use of premium materials is evident throughout. The cabin design language is equal parts modern, sporty and elegant, and the X3 is now available with a host of new creature comforts that place it at the head of the pack.
Does the new X3 have what it takes to reclaim its rightful place as segment leader? Automobile Magazine certainly thinks so, stating, "...we'd say that the new X3 finally has exactly what it needs to be a strong, perhaps dominant player in the expensive compact crossover class."
The Mercedes-Benz GLK350 Overview
The GLK350 debuted in 2009. It is built on a C-class Sedan platform that has been shortened by 4 inches and raised for added ground clearance. In 2009, Car and Driver hosted a five vehicle comparison that included the GLK350 and the previous-generation X3. Despite being all-new, the GLK finished dead last, far behind the second-place, six-year-old X3.
The GLK is powered by an outdated and outgunned 3.5-liter V6 that hasn't received any noticeable improvements in five years. The X3 xDrive35i , however, features a powertrain that earned "2010 International Engine of the Year" honors for its unique blend of world-class acceleration, excellent fuel economy and low emissions.
The GLK350 produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque at 2400 rpm. Mated to a 7-speed automatic, it scoots to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. By comparison, the X3 xDrive35i generates 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft. of torque at an astonishingly low 1300 rpm. Mated to an 8-speed automatic (or optional 8-speed Sport automatic), the X3 sprints to 60 mph more than a second faster than the GLK.
The optional 4MATIC AWD system is available for $2,000. Under normal driving, 4MATIC has a 45:55 rear torque bias, but its mechanically-based set-up limits power transfer to 70% at either axle. By contrast, xDrive can send 100% of the available torque to either set of wheels, for improved grip in poor traction situations. And unlike xDrive, 4MATIC is unable to proactively prevent understeer or oversteer before they occur.
BMW vs. Mercedes-Benz
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What's Hot About The BMW X3…
- 3.0-liter 24-valve inline 6-cylinder engine
- Lightweight magnesium-aluminum engine block with Valvetronic (stepless variable valve lift)
- Peak torque available at 2,600 rpm
- Innovative 8-speed STEPTRONIC automatic improves acceleration while reducing fuel consumption and emissions
- 0 – 60 mph in 6.7 seconds
- xDrive – 40:60 torque split during normal driving. Can send up to 100% of the available power to either axle
- Standard B rake Drying, Brake Stand-by, Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant and Automatic Hold
- Brake Energy Regeneration only charges the battery when coasting or braking, saving 1-2% on fuel consumption
- 49.9 / 50.1 weight bias provides superior handling and braking
- 12.9-inch front brake rotors and 13.0-inch ventilated rear disc brakes provide superior braking
- 110.6-inch wheelbase is 6.3-inches longer than the RDX, despite an overall vehicle length that is nearly identical
- 3,500 pound towing capability
- Standard Hill Descent Control
- Standard LED Adaptive Brake Lights
- Standard run-flat tires and rain-sensing wipers
- Noticeably more front and rear head room
- 63.3 cu-ft. of maximum cargo space
- Standard rear air vents
- Standard iDrive minimizes driver distraction by reducing dash clutter and positioning the controller where the driver's hand would naturally rest . Six Programmable Memory Keys are also included
- Standard Integrated Owner's Manual
- Standard 8-way power passenger seat
- Standard HD Radio
- Standard 12-speaker audio system
- Standard Bluetooth includes full phonebook download capability
- Optional Navigation features an 8.8-inch screen
- 12 year Corrosion Warranty speaks to the high level of detail and quality craftsmanship that goes into every BMW
- Every BMW is supported by the BMW Maintenance Program for 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Maintenance intervals at approximately 15,000 miles or 12 months (whichever occurs first)
- Optional Head-up Display
- Optional Automatic High Beams
- Optional 600-watt premium audio with 16-speakers
- Optional Electronic Damping Control
- Optional Driving Dynamics Control (3 modes)
- Optional sport steering wheel and sport seats
- Optional power tailgate
- Optional Comfort Access
- Optional Adaptive Headlights
- Optional rear side window sunshades
- Heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel , a 40:20:40 split-folding rear seatback and retractable headlight washers are available in the optional Cold Weather Pkg.
- Optional Panoramic moonroof provides a more spacious, premium interior ambiance
- Optional auto-dimming, power-folding exterior mirrors
- Optional Park Distance Control (front & rear)
- Optional Top View Camera
- Optional Navigation includes Real Time Traffic Information at no charge
- Optional 12GB Music Collection
- Optional BMW Assist
What's Not Hot About Mercedes-Benz GLK350…
- A legacy engine that lacks turbocharging, variable valve lift or direct fuel injection, instead relying on a larger 3.5-liter displacement to produce its power
- Powered by an outdated (2006) and outclassed V-6 that fails to match the X3's power and acceleration
- V-6 engine creates more noise and vibration while contributing to a 52.1 / 47.9 nose-heavy weight bias
- 268 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
- 258 lb-ft of torque @ 2,400 rpm
- 0 – 60 mph in 6.5 seconds
- 18 / 24 mpg
- Standard 7-speed Touch Shift automatic
- An optional transmission is not available, nor are paddle shifters
- 4MATIC – 45:55 torque split during normal driving. Can only send up to 70% of the power to either axle. 4MATIC cannot proactively dial-out understeer or oversteer
- Brake Fade Compensation is not available
- Automatic Hold is not available
- Electric Power Steering is not available
- The ML350's alternator constantly charges the battery, thereby wasting fuel
- 11.8-inch rear ventilated disc brakes result in longer stopping distances
- Hill Descent Control is not available
- Optional Xenon Adaptive headlights
- Optional Cornering lights
- Optional LED brake lights
- Adaptive Brake Lights are not available
- Run-flat tires are not available
- Optional rain-sensing wipers
- Limited front head room leads to a cramped feeling
- 35.1 in. rear seat leg room
- Tight shoulder room adds to the claustrophobic feel
- 23.3 cu-ft. of cargo space behind the 2nd row seats
- 54.7 cu-ft. of maximum cargo space
- Optional Start/Stop button with keyless start
- Standard COMAND with 5.0-inch monitor. Programmable Memory Keys are not available
- An Integrated Owner's Manual is not available
- A sport steering wheel is not available
- Optional driver's seat and mirror memory
- HD Radio is not available
- Standard 8-speaker audio system
- Optional iPod/USB adapter
- 4 year Corrosion Warranty speaks to a paint process that is substandard compared to BMW
- Edmunds.com estimates it costs $59/month to maintain the GLK350 during the first 3 years of ownership
- Maintenance intervals at 10,000 miles or 12 months (whichever occurs first)
- Head-up Display is not available
- Optional premium audio with 11-speakers
- Automatic High Beams are not available
- Variable sport steering is not available
- Electronic Damping Control is not available
- Performance Control is not available
- Driving Dynamics Control is not available
- Sport seats are not available
- Side window sunshades are not available
- Heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and 40:20:40 rear seatbacks are not available
- Power-folding exterior mirrors are not available
- A Top View Cameras is not available
- Optional Navigation features a 40GB hard drive and 7.0-inch monitor
- Optional Navigation includes traffic information that requires a SIRIUS subscription
- Optional 6GB music jukebox
- Optional mbrace® only includes 6 months of service free of charge. TeleService is not available, nor is Bluetooth wireless audio streaming
"It rode calmly, steered neatly, accelerated briskly, shifted gears with decisive subtlety,
and generally did all the things that inspire driver pleasure." - Motor Trend
Irvine BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, East Irvine, El Toro, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, San Clemente, Lake Elsinore, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Silverado and Trabuco Canyon.
We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.
Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.
Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
