Test Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic

[DrJay]

I got a chance to drive a GLK350 last year at the auto show in TO, it was a blast! The thing that struck me most was the turning radius, it's better than my compact car, and made even the E350 they had on the course feel like the Bismark. Acceleration was strong and the engine note was aggressive. The meaty steering inspired confidence in the corners, as did the competent suspension. But as I pulled up to a stop and parked, I noticed how refined and quiet it was - the GLK really has two personalities, which makes driving more fun. I don't feel the B200 is vying for the same market. It's the Baby Benz, aimed at keeping the price low more than prestigious transportation. The B200 felt as though it was going to tip over at any minute, the dynamic limits of the vehicle were much lower when compared to the athletic nature of the GLK. If I was merely looking to get room out of a small package I'd skip the B-class and buy a Honda Fit!

Thanks dood ........ because of your intelligent reasoning its back on my list of possibilities .... just when I thought I had dismissed it for good .... thank you so much .... I can't win 

Oh and BTW stay far far away from the fit I have one ...and now wish that I didn't ...

[Canada Stig]

The Fit?  Really?  It gets rave reviews from just about everyone - including even jeremy Clarkson (as the Jazz, of course), which is saying something.  Unless it says Ferrari on it he is usually not impressed.  I drove the previous generation as a loaner and found it to be above par for an economy car (although revs VERY high at highway speeds)

And yes, the B and GLK are aimed at totally different markets - but they do manage to offer virtually identical passenger and cargo room, which is why I brought it up to begin with.  The B competes more with the Mazda 5, albeit at a more "luxury" oriented price point.

[G0dspd]

I'll would go for an Audi Q5 instead.  I've seen many GLKs on the road but the Q5s are supposedly hard to find. 

[safristi]

..well ain't a "Q" car by definition a SLEEPER walker!!!???

[DrJay]

  Pretty much

[Benhaze]

..well ain't a "Q" car by definition a SLEEPER walker!!!???

Indeed I find Q5 exterior design rather.... boring       and it's even pricier than the GLK. Audi makes you pair dearly for options that should be standard considering the starting price of this model.