Mercedes-Benz GLK

Photo Comparison: 2011 BMW X3 vs. Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLK

July 15th, 2010 Horatiu B. No comments

Our photo comparison saga is back and the moment we have all been waiting for has come. How will the new BMW X3, the second generation premium compact SAV, stack up against the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK, two of the leaders in this premium segment?

In its second iteration, the 2011 BMW X3 has been redesigned from the ground up. The F25 X3 went through an extensive exterior redesign, aligning the new X3 with the recent designs seen in some of the BMW models. While maintaining the “boxy” look, the 2011 X3 is a half-inch taller, 3.4 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider than the current model.

The design features flared wheel arches and more aggressive design cues. The dynamic side creases around the fenders turn the new X3 into a distinctive model. At the front-end, the corona-ring running lights flanking the twin-kidney grille, and underlined by a fairly sporty bumper, complete the unique look of this X3.

The interior syncs up with the recent design approach transposed in the new BMW models. The driver-oriented dashboard connects the driver to its car and the latest iDrive with the 8.8-inch LCD, create a cozy environment.

Since the performance of the new BMW X3 has yet to be officially determined, we will resume for now at a photo comparison between the previously mentioned contenders. As always, we have captured the vehicles from different angles, including interior snapshots of these luxury sports activity vehicles.

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Categories: 2011 BMW X3, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Featured Posts, Mercedes-Benz GLK Tags:

Comparison: BMW X1 vs. Mercedes GLK vs. Volvo XC60

December 23rd, 2009 Horatiu B. No comments

Another interesting comparison coming out of Germany: BMW X1 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLK and Volvo XC60. To spice up things even more, Autobild went ahead stereotyping the drivers of these three cars: the hunter takes the GLK, the driver goes for the X1 while the self-employed citizen takes the XC60.

The comparison begins with the height of these cars. The X1 measures 1.55 meters high, GLK 1.69 meters and the Volvo 1.71 meters. Despite the lower height, Autobild says that the X1 in-line with the other two models as far as interior space. The X1 interior comes with the driver-oriented dashboard, a different approach from its competitors.

The BMW X1 as tested is powered by a four-cylinder twin-turbo 2.0 liter diesel engine with 204 horsepower and 400Nm torque. The engine is matted to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Mercedes-Benz GLK also comes with a four-cylinder 2.0 liter diesel twin-turbo engine, same power as the BMW (204 hp) and 500Nm of torque; the engine is matted to a seven-speed. Volvo XC60 uses a five-cylinder diesel turbo engine (2400cc), outputting 295 horsepower and 420Nm of torque; transmission used is a six-speed automatic.

All three cars tested are four-wheel drive.

Performance wise, BMW’s entry level SAV takes the first spot, running from 0 to 62 mph (100km/h) in 7.6 seconds, compared to the GLK at 8.2 seconds and the Sweedish counterpart at 9.6 seconds. Braking distance is also where the X1 excels, 35.3 meters from 100 km/h, 36.3 meters for the GLK and 38.1 for XC60.

Another points scored by BMW are in the fuel consumption test where the X1 comes on top: 7.8 liter/100km. Mercedes GLK comes second with 8.6 liter/100km and the XC60 is the least fuel efficient with its 9.0 liter/100km.

Since the exterior design can be very subjective and based on personal preferences, we’re just going to let you comment on the photos below.

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Categories: 2010 BMW X1, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Volvo XC60 Tags:

Comparison: Audi Q5 Vs. BMW X3 Vs. Mercedes-Benz GLK

July 20th, 2009 Horatiu B. 1 comment

One of the most common comparisons in the past few months has been the one between the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLK and of course, the new Audi Q5. In one of our previous articles, we dissected the three cars based on their exterior appearance, interior design, performance and pricing.

Shortly after, we decided to take the Audi Q5 for a test drive and compare it against the current X3, a comparison that will be more accurate when BMW will launch their second generation X3 next year.

The fellows at CarConnection took the same approach of comparing the three vehicles based on similar criteria and it would be interesting to see what their conclusion was.

Which of these three is best for you? First, know that each of these three compact luxury SUVs has been introduced or revamped in the past two years. The BMW X3 was refreshed in 2008 with an improved ride and a smoother shape; the Audi Q5 emerged brand-new in 2009; and the Mercedes-Benz GLK arrived late last year as a 2010 model.They’re state of the art, in the small-luxury-ute segment. They’re similar in size, equipment, and mission, too. Each of these compact utes has a six-cylinder engine, an automatic transmission, and available four-wheel drive (it’s standard on the Q5 and X3, an option on the GLK). Maybe most important to you, each wears a luxury-brand badge that conveys a certain standing in the world far more effectively than the badges on other very pleasant vehicles like the Volvo XC60, Infiniti EX35, even the Acura RDX.

Among them, one tops the TCC ratings by a small margin. Of Germany’s most prestigious, pint-sized SUVs, which one is the most highly rated by TheCarConnection.com?

We’ll compare Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLK shortly. But first, the basics:

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