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.

The well crafted GLK 350 Class ranks right up there with the most powerful crossovers in 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

The 2011 BMW X3 boasts changes inside and out; from the height and weight to mechanical and interior upgrades.  The X3 is powered by two new engines: a 240-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder, and a 300-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six.  Both are mated to an eight-speed transmission with 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 amount of power sent to the front or rear wheels based on driving conditions.  

Comparizon Tit 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 standard  8 airbags of which 5 will protect the driver. On the GLK, these include:

• High-strength passenger cell with 67% of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA)/ultra high-strength alloy (UHSLA) steel construction
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• 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
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• NECK-PRO head restraints for the front seats to help reduce the chance of whiplash injuries
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• 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 yo a total of 10 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) 
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• 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)
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• Advanced telematics: NTG4 telematics generation with optional MNP-COMAND Navigation Package including 7" screen HDD Navigation and speech-optimized LINGUATRONIC offers state-of-the art convenience at the touch of the COMAND controller wheel.
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• Innovative safety: Comprehensive equipment including 6 airbags (addtional rear side airbags available as a special request option), dual-stage beltfoceHSLA and UHLSA steel monocoque chassis construction for superior strength and protection in all accident situations.