2011 BMW X3 (XDrive) Vs 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class (350 4matic)


Comparing cars is always going to be difficult but here is my take.

The GLK 350 Class successfully combines luxury, sophistication, power and performance at a reasonable price.


After having been developed from the highly successful and prestigious G CLASS & GL CLASS, the well crafted GLK 350 Class ranks right up there with the most powerful crossovers on the market.



The GLK350 boasts a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 and is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, which gives the driver an unparalleled fluent smooth drive devoid of any gear shift shocks. The GLK350 Class is available in all-wheel drive affectionately referred to as 4MATIC. Its a joy to drive this car in winter as it transfers power on a 55/45 split from the rear to the front. GLK has a leading maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

The 2011 BMW X3 has been fully redesigned for the first time since its debut in 2004



Auto-manual mode and all-wheel drive is now standard. The xDrive system normally sends 60 percent of........
the torque to the rear wheels for a balanced, rear-wheel-drive feel, and can change the mount of power sent to the front or rear wheels based on driving conditions.

Comparizon Tid Bits.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The BMW X3 is somewhat more expensive than the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class. Another consideration is the Destination Charge, which is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle to the dealer from where it's built. Both the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class have similar Destination Charges.

Dimensions 
Since the BMW X3 is much wider than the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. For some people, bigger is better. If that's the case for you, then you'll be happier with the BMW X3, which is slightly longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.

Drivetrain
With its lower torque engine, the BMW X3 doesn't do as good a job transmitting power to its wheels as the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.

Handling 
The BMW X3 has a larger turning radius than the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, making it slightly more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Incomparable Safety on the GLK



In the event of an accident, the integrated safety concept provides a high level of occupant protection. Numerous components are carefully coordinated so as to minimize the risk of injury including the first in class 9 standard airbags of which an amazing 5 airbags (Dual two stage front, knee, pelvic, curtain and thorax airbags will protect the driver. Compare this with only six you will get on a BMW X3. 

Other safety concepts are on the GLK, these include:
  • High-strength passenger cell with 67% of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA)/ultra high-strength alloy (UHSLA) steel construction 
  • Three-point seat belts at all 5 seats, including inertia-reel ETR tensioners and belt force limiters for the front seats and the outer seats in the rear 
  • NECK-PRO head restraints for the front seats to help reduce the chance of whiplash injuries 
  • Air Bags. Driver and front passenger airbags with two-stage, adaptive deployment function 
  • Front side airbags front (rear side airbags can only be ordered as a special order item, this will then give you a total of 11 airbags) Head protection curtain airbags that cover the side windows from the A-pillar to the C-pillar 
  • Crash-responsive emergency lighting (4-way hazard lighting and interior lighting comes on when vehicle is involved in a serious accident and ETR unit or airbag is deployed) 
  • ARAMIS airbag deploy system features crash sensors to sense impacts and g-force throughout the vehicle's structure for precise deployment of the airbags and ETR/beltforce limiter function of the seatbelts (front seatbelts and rear outboard seatbelts) 
  • Crash sensors included in the ARAMIS system include: two front crash sensors inboard of each front headlamp, a crash sensor in each B-pillar, a crash sensor in each front door, a rollover sensor and a main crash sensor in the transmission console area. 


Design statement: The strongly expressive, angular SUV design and the interior with its high-class details and emphasis on modern interior styling, the latest telematics NTG4 technology, individuality and the highest quality.
Outstanding traction:
The latest 4MATIC 4th generation with 4ETS/4ESP and the PRE-LOCK function from 0-20 km/h makes the GLK superior on the road in all-weather performance.
Impressive driving behaviour: AGILITY CONTROL suspension with Selective Damping system and direct 2.8 turns lock-to-lock steering system allow the GLK 350 to have a high degree of ride comfort and handle well in any cornering situation.

Very spacious:
Seating comfort with standard 10-way power front seats, good headroom front and rear and the overall space available make the GLK a comfortable long-distance SUV.

Powerful when transporting goods: 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission, high 3,500 lb towing capacity and best-in-class 1,435 lb payload make the GLK 350 an ideal towing vehicle.

Advanced telematics:
NTG4 telematics generation with optional MNP-COMAND Navigation Package including 7" screen HDDLINGUATRONICCOMAND controller wheel.

Innovative safety:
Comprehensive equipment including 9 airbags, dual-stage beltfoceHSLA and UHLSA steel monocoque chassis construction for superior strength and protection in all accident situation.

Summary Specs.

                                 GLK 350                          BMW X3

0/100KMS/HR          6.7 sec                             7.1 sec

Horsepower               268@6000                       240@6600

Torque                       258@240                        221@2750

STD wheels                20"                                  18"
Trim                           Free choice of 3                Payable option

All wheel drive           4MATIC (55/45)              XDRIVE (60/40)

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