German Car Zone

:: Have to post here since there's a technical problem posting reviews in the Member Car Reviews & More section ::

As I stated in the Mercedes GLK thread I had a test drive with a Q5 yesterday. Drove the GLK 320 CDI before and I have to say that I was impressed by the Mercers build quality and its agility. The GLK felt old school and solid - at this time the Q5 was a honey-coated wannabe-SA/UV for me.

What a mistake!

The Q5 gave me something the GLK wasn't able to give - a prickling feeling in my tummy.

Both cars, the GLK and the Q5 cost nearly the same - the GLK is better equipped (bluetooth handsfree) and some of the options (wonder, wonder) are cheaper. But Q5 plays in another league - interiorwise and exteriorwise. Don't get me wrong - the GLK is kinda cool. But compared to the Q5 it looks like a B-class on steroids.

First of all I noticed the new MMI system. The graphics and features (e.g. POI handling) of the navigation system are great. The new (common rail) 2.0 TDI engine is very silent but the car felt underpowered. Unfortunately automatic transmission (S-tronic) is not available at the moment for the 2.0 TDI. Next week i'll drive the 2.0 TFSI engine with AT and S-line suspension. But also the 2.0 TDI with standard suspension handled well.

Ok, just my two cents. Sry for my bad english but I just wanted to give you some first impressions. Sry for the lousy quality of the pictures - only had my iPhone with me.

BTW - my personal rating (German perspective):

GLK / Q5
Build quality: + / ++
Agility: ++ / ++
Luggabe space: + / ++
Knee room (rear): - / +
Price (Germany): + / -
Leasing conditions: - / +
Fuel consumption: - / -
Insurance classification: -- / -

Can't compare the engines since I drove two totally different power plants (V6 320 CDI vs. I4 2.0 TDI).

Audi Q5:










Top speed:


Mercedes GLK:



Comparisaion GLK vs. Q5:

Now go & drive X3 as well, and then write a proper "Comparison test" in the "Member car reviews & more". I'm dead serious.

No need for this since I drove several X3 3.0ds' between

2004


and 2008




The X3 is still good and much sportier than Q5 / GLK. No question. Don't get me wrong, but when I see all the old (navigation system without i-drive, 100% plastic door panels) or E46 (seats, air conditioning, trip computer) stuff I can only say that it is time for something new, fresh. At least for me...

BTW - the Audi dealership had a Mercedes GLK and a X3 for comparison.

Ooo..that dog looks dangerous. I could never sit in front of his teeth like that.


Seriously though, why would he need to drive an X3? Its easily outdone here by either the Audi or the Benz.

M

I didn't quite ubderstand that part..What did you mena by "What a mstake"? That the Q5 was not a "honey coated wannable SUV"?

No worries. She's totally harmless and playful - but she has a bad breath (I'm talking about the dog - not about the girl)

Yes, exactly. Okay, most lifestyle SUVs / SAVs are placebo-offroader. When I saw the first pics, the Q5 looked very mushy to me. IRL it's much more masculine, elegant and sporty.

IMO the Q5 looks classless whilst the GLK implies something like "oh, the small Mercer SUV".

Nice review.

I see you had fun with the Q5 on the Autobahn.