Test drive Mercedes Benz GLK class X204 since 2008 SUV

BMW X3, Mercedes GLK and Infiniti EX: Disassembly at the premium

It is very logical and even predictable to compare cars of a large German three. Yes, they themselves go through marketing expanses to the radiator, offering different models in common classes.


Only now everyone has long known that in reality the philosophy of these brands was determined a hundred years ago, but its followers went on different roads, and fans of these brands will never agree.

Mercedes-Benz GLK and Audi Q5 immediately asked for the appearance of a really new BMW X3 in comparison with it.


The main culprit of this test was the completely new BMW X3. Opponents are not simple - furious Infiniti EX37 and the classic of the Mercedes GLK genre.

Audi Q5 is a rapid phenomenon: it beats the records of sales in the classroom and in popularity has long been bypassed the rest of the brand models. But at the right moment, the crossover from Ingolstad was not at hand, and we decided to replace Ku5 with a young predator from the country of the rising sun in the person of Infiniti Ex37.


Compared to the previous model EX35, the new Infiniti EX37 received a shifted up to 330 hp. engine. This is the most passenger crossover in the class - the declared clearance is only 145 mm.

The comparison began with the sink. Having met at one table in anticipation of clean cars for shooting, we found out that businessmen in rubber boots have already distinguished our cars positioning in the same class in their own categories. It turned out that the bathing of one crossover was estimated at 360 rubles, the second at 400 rubles, and the third is 460 at all!

Having built clean cars in a row, we appreciated the reason for such injustice.


The style of the new BMW X3 is made in the manner of the older model X5. Only angular front headlights are knocked out of the common ensemble.

Outside
The largest looks like the Bavarian crossover, he turned out to be the most expensive. The new X-3 has transformed: absurdities disappeared from its design, and the car itself came close to X5. In it, to the best of unobtrusive aggressiveness and hidden power. Like all new models, Ha-third now fiery rings of angelic eyes burn with white light, not yellow. In general, the issue of backlight was theatrically resolved: when opening the car, the handle lights up white, highlighting the outlines of a powerful body in the darkness.


Like the rest of the Bavarian novelties, the angelic eyes of X-third are burning with cold white light. The basic dimensions of the tires for BMW X3-225/60 R17. Optionally, the crossover can be equipped with 18- or 19-inch wheels.

Mercedes can make a car completely from straight angles like GLK, but still remain elusively stylish and swift. White color is the bearer of the sight is much more common among GLK black. It is slightly smaller in dimensions than X3 4525 mm versus 4648 mm length and 1840 mm versus 1881 mm width, but looks more compact.


It would be logical to compare the top BMW X355i with the Mercerdes GLK350, but we could not find such a copy, and in order not to cancel the test, the Mercedes’s honor was chosen diesel modification GLK 220 CDI.

Infiniti EX37 visually approached the station wagons, its height is 4 cm less than that of Mercedes, and 8 cm than BMW, and the clearance is just more than 14 cm like a car! Apparently, therefore, his bathing was estimated the cheapest. The gaze glides over smooth overflows, not stumbling on anything, and in profile the car seems to be closed with gusts of wind visual aerodynamics!


Now the BMW X3 interior is in no way inferior to the senior X-Fifth. Ergonomics and decoration materials at altitude.

Look from the inside
Due to the chopped forms, the design of the interior Mercedes seems simpler than that of competitors, but all the materials are obviously soft and high -quality, the strict front panel is decorated with fabric inserts, all the keys and buttons are pressed with a typical Stutthard gloss, white devices caress the eyes.


Now, on the space on the rear couch, the new BMW X3 is an indisputable leader in the class.

But this damned lever ... The left -handed steering switch, overloaded with the functions of turn signals, high light and all wipers with washer, remains the main ergonomic miscalculation of the three -beam. Moreover, the miscalculation in which Mercedes continues to persist, forcing their fans to get used to holding his left hand in tension.

The rear places are clearly more spacious than in Infiniti, but are inferior to BMW. As a result, long -legged passengers passengers will rest their knees in the backs of the front seats.


The leader of sales in the class of premium compact crossovers is the Audi Q5, but we were not able to find such a car in Audi.

In terms of decoration of the Ha-third salon, it is in no way inferior to the senior BMW X5 model. Around only soft textured plastic, high -quality skin and stylish wooden inserts.

Optional multi -circuit chairs are adjusted to the bodies of passengers and allow you to change the mass of adjustments, including a change in the degree of lateral support. The chubby steering wheel with protrusions under the natural grip lies in the hands of as a glove, and an electronic selector of automatic transmission appeared on the central console. Despite the fact that the wheelbase of the new BMW X3 grew by only 15 mm (from 2,795 to 2 810 mm), and the width by 28 mm (1,853 to 1,881 mm) in the cabin was significantly added. The main increase in space in the cabin fell on the gallery. Now the BMW X3 is the most spacious car in our trinity.


Like the outside, chopped features prevail in the Mercedes GLK salon. Despite the apparent simplicity, it is not inferior in terms of the quality of decoration either BMW or Infiniti.

Things are better than competitors with a third-third-third, the volume of which is 550 liters. This is 100 liters more than that of Mercedes, and almost twice the size of the cosmetic bag in Infiniti. True, the BMW is the only one in the trio who does not have a reserve. Bavarians still rely on Run Flat tires, while in underground Mercedes, in addition to the dok, we found a practical plastic folding box, and in the 17-inch reconnaissance of the infinity, the Bose audio system subwoofer was located.


In the back row, Mercedes will be crowded only to tall passengers. Of the features, an excessive vertical landing can be noted.

In the interior of Infiniti, the fluid style of external design continues. With the release of the updated EX37 model, the rain sensor finally appeared in the list of crossover equipment, as well as the Russian -language interface of the route computer and navigation system. The landing is convenient, but the lateral support is not a BMWS couple, but the pillow is short. In addition, tall drivers can complain to the range of adjusting the steering column, and the main minus of the interior of Infiniti is still a very close rear sofa. Despite this, the most cozy in the trio is cockpit EX37. Ergonomics is at a height, and even a child will understand the controls.


Infiniti EX37 The most gambling and honest car in the trio. Pronounced rear -wheel drive controllability and hurricane dynamics will undoubtedly delight active drivers.

Of course, in comparison with the BMW XDRIVE 35I and Infiniti EX37 top modifications, it would be logical to take the Mercedes GLK 350, but no matter how we tried, it was not possible to find such a car. As a result, the Mercedes-Benz representative office was not afraid to entrust the honor of the honor of the three-beam star of the GLK 220 CDI diesel modification with a far from the most complete list of possible options.

The maximum equipment of the testing infiniti EX37 was distinguished by the absence of a navigation system with a hard drive, a system of circular review chambers and active cruise control.


Infiniti salon is the most archaic, but at the same time simple and comfortable. With the release of the EX37 model, the crossover finally received the rain sensor and the Russification of navigation and the on -board computer.

The only Bavarian novelty turned out to be the only attached. In addition to leather finishes and all kinds of electric drives of the front seats, Bavaret was equipped with advanced music, a panoramic roof, a projection on the windshield, adaptive bi-ksenon headlights, an electric trigger cover and a mass of other options, including a navigation system with a 3D 3D-painting of the main capital's sights, such as The Kremlin, the high -height of the Kotelnikic, arena and many others.


The main drawback of infinity is an openly close galler. It will like only compact passengers.

Behind the wheel
The dirty streams of water is true to the Moscow Spring, striving to overwhelm the covered sides X3, GLK and EX, as if parting under their wide wheels. The lights of the elegant muscular infiniti flickered ahead, on the right in the stream hooligan into the checkers of the maturating X3, and in the Mercedes salon, absolute isolation reigns from external reality, melodic music and grace, and a huge three -beam star is reflected on the trunk lid.


The lugger volume of the BMW X3 is the largest in the trio. You won’t find spare breaks under the floor. Bavarians still bet on Run Flat tires.

Mercedes floats over weather and city imperfections unsurpassed quietly and smoothly. Even a rapid acceleration, on which, if necessary, it is necessary to rush into the overturning of the flow, does not transform the vacuum of exceptional comfort in the cabin. Despite the fact that the Mercedes modification that has come to us is significantly inferior to its opponents in power supply, a 2.1-liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 170 hp. He practices his factory characteristics one hundred percent! With an almost two -time difference in power in acceleration to 100 km/h, it is inferior to infinity for a little more than two seconds. And due to 400 nm of the maximum torque, which is already available from 1400 rpm, GLK demonstrates perky dynamics and goes out only when the speedometer arrow exceeds the mark of 150 km/h. A seven -speed automatic also plays in favor of comfort: no twigs and shocks when switching. The crossover is clearly on the straight line and, unlike Infiniti, is indifferent to rut. The reactions to the movement of the steering wheel are seduced, but not inhibited. The GLK rotation takes place with a moderate roll, and in the case of a minimum grief of adhesion to the road, an unlotted stabilization system immediately comes into business.


Mercedes and Infiniti cargo compartments are inferior to Bavarz. But each of them with a surprise. The underground Mercedes found a folding plastic box, and in the expense of EX37 a sabwiffer of the audio system was placed.

From the BMW, the world looks different: it challenges the driver’s skill of Bavarz sitting in the cockpit, like a racing track with a bunch of rivals, eyes are automatically looking for a trajectory of overtaking, leading, victory!

Acceleration of the X-third prayer and assertive. The eight -speed automatic clicks the gear on time, without delay. For especially attractive, there is a sports regime, and the gourmets are stored by steering wheel petals, with which you can compete with the ZF box in rate of fire.

Compared to the predecessor, the new BMW X3 has changed dramatically. There is no boy in the ruts in the ruts. Nervous reactions to small deviations of the lamb with a straightforward movement have disappeared, now on a straight Bavar stands like a glove. The system of adaptive changes in the steering force on the steering wheel, depending on the speed of movement, selects the gear ratio clearly in the situation. In Normal, X-third is quite comfortable. He overcomes bedridden policemen with a slight swing, actually completely ignores minor bumps and is a little fragmented in a turn. At the same time, BMW is still stable on the arc, reacts with lightning speed to the movements of the steering wheel and pleases with hurricane dynamics.


Mercerdes GLK 220 CDI, equipped with a 170-horsepower turbodiesel has good dynamics. Automatic transmission works smoothly, without jerking, trying to keep comfort in the cabin at the maximum level.

And it is worth switching to Sport, as the BMW X3 turns into a real devil. Clutching electronic shock absorbers and exposing each nerve of all 306 hp. A 3.0-liter turbo engine, the Bavarian crossover in the ringing twists each of the eight steps of the automatic transmission. Now there is no question of validity, and suspensions count each petty irregularity. In return, BMW literally sticks to the road, and many cars with the prefix sport will envy the reactions on the steering wheel. But there is also Sport+, when the fully disconnected stabilization system and the perfectly configured system of all -wheel drive XDRive allow you to get the treasured dose of adrenaline from the controlled skid on the snow track.


The panel of devices with traditional amber backlight, as always, is the standard of ergonomics. The optional navigation system works clearly. To the left of the electronic selector of an 8-speed automatic box, there are keys of the modes of electronically controlled shock absorbers, on the right-IDRive controller.

Infiniti EX37 The most sports car in the trio. From the bowels of the exhaust system, a branded rolled rumble of a wiped up to 3.7 liters of the V6 motor is heard. After the upgrade from the EX35 index to EX37, the Japanese crossover added 28 hp. Now its power is impressive 330 hp. At the same time, with the crossing of the motor, a five -speed automatic was replaced by a transmission with seven speeds: there is not a good delay, especially when the passage is a few steps down.


Having ordered an optional package of lamps (11,623 rubles), the owner of the BMW X3 will receive not only the backlight in the rear of the cabin and the individual lighting lamp, but also the spectacular illumination of the door handles.

From the first meters, the rebel demonstrates a powerful acceleration. Is there a joke of 6.4 to hundreds for an all -wheel drive crossover weighing almost 2 tons! The power reserve is enough for a jerk from any speed, as a result of overtaking, a pass of any caliber and status EX37 performs playful, without hesitation and compromises, if only this is not the BMW X3. Giving infinity in power, 306-horsepower X3 brings the Japanese 0.7 seconds.


The central console Mercedes is simple and convenient. The dashboard is no less ergonomic than that of BMW.

It is worth a little stomping the accelerator pedal in the bend, and the EX37 immediately responds, vilying the stern restlessly. A barely noticeable roll on the turn, a pronounced rear -wheel drive controllability and passenger clearance endow the crossover with passenger habits. The stabilization system, which is configured in a sports way, allows you to put a crossover into a skid, with the development of which ESP comes into business and returns the car to the trajectory.


Undoubtedly, Mercedes GLK has the best smoothness not only in our trinity, but also in the classroom.

The main thing in the car is those emotions that cover the driver in motion. And the sensations give all three indigenous troika similar ones: you become easy to climb, you are happy to rush to the other end of the city. It seems that everything is barely crawling around, and on the speedometer it is already 100 km/h, and while everyone around the speed is maintained, you have to restrain the agility of the car. Only these common sensations are realized in machines in different ways.


Infiniti tidy is beautiful and understandable. The central console is well familiar from other Nissan and Infiniti models. In the rear headrest, a sliding hanger for clothes is hidden.

It seems that we have a new leader in the class. With the advent of the new generation, the BMW X3 not only matured and buried, he lost his main shortcomings. Munich carried out excellent work on mistakes. Having urged the level of controllability, from now on, the X-third is pleasing with a spacious salon that has grown up comfort and a huge selection of additional equipment. The question is only in price. After all, the cost to the eyeballs of a packaged test car with more than exceeded a mark of 3.3 million rubles! The price of empty basic modification BMW X3 XDRIVE20D with 184 strong diesel and mechanics also bites 1,795,000 rubles.


The 306-horsepower BMW X3 turbo engine demonstrates the best acceleration dynamics. The new generation of the crossover got rid of the flaws of the controllability of its predecessor, the salon became more spacious, and the equipment improved. However, now the BMW X3 is one of the most expensive in the classroom.


Mercedes GLK is still the standard of comfort and smoothness. Fans of reliable controllability and price will be appreciated: after the emergence of new generations of crossovers from Bavaria and Ingolstad, Mercedes models have long been not the most expensive. Test Mercedes GLK with a leather salon, bi-ksenon headlights, partial e-supplying front seats and a two-zone climate control cost cost 1,668,131 rubles cheaper than the basic BMW X3.


Cons of Infiniti Passenger clearance and cramped interior. Despite this, the Japanese is the most honest and uncompromising in our trinity. And its main advantage is the ratio of price-power. After all, only Infiniti EX37 allows you to become the owner of 330 hp. Under the hood for the amount, only a little exceeding 2 million rubles.


Ruslan Galimov, Svetlana Aleeva
 

Source: Carclub.ru