Test drive Mercedes Benz GLK class X204 since 2008 SUV

Problem of choice. Need compact SUV up to 50,000 euros

Alexey Kozin, 38 years old, manager, driving experience of 17 years, travels to Ford Mondeo. He wants a modern compact SUV. Budget: 50,000
A good car is not the worst investment. Yes, and there is essentially nowhere to go: the summer season is on the nose. Having washed all the past summer with trips around the city on my Ford Mondeo, I realized that it was time to change it for something higher and all-wheel drive. But from the wealth of choice, the head went around!

Image - I would like to have a moderately modern car on which it would not be a shame to appear in a good society!
Style - I do not have tough prejudices regarding automotive style. The machine just should be as organic as possible.
Economics is an important fact that is important, but not decisive today.
Wast qualities are not a racer, and the engine power is not an end in itself, but controllability means a lot.
The interior is ergonomics, the functionality and quality of the finish are primary.
Equipment - without excesses, but I am more pleasant from elements that make life more pleasant.

On the one hand, a new car should allow any weather to get to the family phase. On the other hand, do not bind on hand and feet in the city, providing maximum freedom on Moscow streets. Compact Voro-Room! What could be better! But here there was a snag. The class, in which a year ago, the freedom of choice was very limited, suddenly began to grow like yeast. As if specially for me, leading manufacturers with the rate of fire of the machine gun began to produce new models to the market: Audi Q5, Infiniti EX35, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Volvo XC60 ... Eyes scattered. I liked each new SUV more than the previous one, and I finally got confused. The static test at the Moscow Auto Show of my dilemma in the square did not allow. Now all hope for dynamic trials of your favorite magazine. Go!

 

Audi Q5 40500
Chosen because: attractive price and operational efficiency are favorably distinguished by this car
In appearance, the Q5 design is probably the most conservative of the whole big four. I did not see any frills and bells and whistles here. But most importantly, nothing annoys.
The Q5 salon pleases with volume, not only for the driver, but also for the front passenger. Passengers of the rear seat also received a lot of space space. The volumetric trunk is equipped with the rails of the cargo fixation system. But the conventional doktka is far from it.
The interior is designed in German strictly, practical and efficiently. Good visibility is provided by large external mirrors. Everything is calm in the cabin, maybe even a little ordinary, but in its place. With my modest requirements after Ford Mondeo, everything suits me. Moreover, ergonomics, according to my subjective sensations, is close to the ideal. From the first minutes you feel yourself in the salon as if you had traveled in it all your life: there is no need to configure anything. There is no addiction.
The most modest of the entire four SUV 2? Liter turbocharged engine with a capacity of 211 liters. S., nevertheless, provides good dynamic indicators. 7 Street transmission maintains in tone the entire possible potential of a turbocharged engine. In the dynamics of Q5, it very briskly leaves the stream. Although a little thoughtfulness is still felt when the kikdown is triggered. Audi and the presence of strict collars in the form of ESP with an assistant of emergency braking cools somewhat somewhat. Although good stability and acute control periodically allow you to forget about the annoying operation of electronic passive safety systems.

Style
Unassuming appearance, internal dimensions are much larger than it seems from the outside. Modestly

Shodal qualities
The engine and the box in the pair behave quite reasonably, the acceleration is very living (especially in sports mode). Optimal

Interior
The salon really likes everything in place. Do not get used to it. Sowing places, both a driver and passengers, are comfortable. The review is good! I especially liked the large rear view mirrors. Comfortable

Economy
It is difficult to achieve savings in a turbocharged engine on all -wheel drive with a mass of two tons, but you can: 8.5 liters per 100 km. Excellent

Equipment in the standard
Worthy. The functional equipment of the trunk is especially pleasing: there is an electric drive and a partition, hooks and a mesh for different belongings. Worthy

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Large mirrors, excellent visibility.
- A modest docture, thoughtful kikdown.

Specifications
Mark and model - Audi Q5
Dimensions - 4629x1880x1653 mm
Engine - gasoline, 1984 cm3, 211 hp/43006000 min -1
Transmission - automatic, 7 -speed KP
Dynamics - 222 km/h; 7.2 s to 100 km/h

 
Infiniti EX35 44000
Chosen because: famous Japanese quality, multiplied by modern technologies, give an amazing attractive effect
In this quartet, Infiniti EX35 is permitted as an Asian in a crowd of Europeans: soft facial features, a specific eye section, modest growth. Thanks to the latter, the car resembles, rather, a composite hatchback. Add to this, ribbed waves flowing along the sidewalls, the roof littered to the stern, the fifth door with a large angle of glass inclination, and the accuracy of the mentioned image will not even cause a shadow of doubt. But I don’t like it in it: the car is too feminine, or something. Let's just say, I see more than myself at the wheel of EX35 than myself. However, there is no just at the wheel of I myself would sit with pleasure. According to the interior, the car will easily give the start to the rest of the Caucasians, demonstrating a reference attitude towards the driver directly! Gorgeous materials, friendly interface, comfortable seats with a bunch of settings, ahead. But behind the place is tight, and the trunk is only in the store for a weekly dose of dietary food to dart in a hearth.
But you can do this in all the frisky 302 horses of 3.5? Liter motor! From the place, the car literally tears, accelerations are easily given to it, the supply of power under the pedal seems inexhaustible. EX35 does all maneuvering at ease, remaining controlled. In general, solid enthusiasm and fun! A little dilutes the picture of the general joy of the automatic, which seemed to me not optimal for transmitting power to the wheels: it happens to be unpleasantly thoughtful during intensive acceleration.

Style
This bright car undoubtedly deserves attention. But for me, his design is too sophisticated to be courageous, and therefore EX is more suitable for the female sex. Manicure

Shodal qualities
The dynamics is so easy, and the behavior on the road is so clear that it seems as if you are driving a machine from your favorite computer game, more than once. Arrusting

Interior
Just class! You can leave the car only under the muzzle of a pistol. However, I already said that. Brilliant

Economy
In the theory, the appetite of Infiniti EX35 is 12.3 liters per 100 km of run, but it is quite difficult to achieve this in practice. Doubtful

Equipment in the standard
Equipment in the standard: Great! So write down in big letters! Atas!

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Stunning dynamic qualities, attractive interior.
- A modest trunk, feminine exterior design.

Specifications
Mark and model - Infiniti Ex35
Dimensions - 4635x1800x1600 mm
Engine - gasoline, 3498 cm3, 302 hp/6800 min -1
Transmission - automatic, 5 -speed KP.
Dynamics - 231 km/h; 6.9 C to 100 km/h


Mercedes-Benz GLK 48000
Chosen because: in terms of prestige and representativeness, Stuttgart cars have always been a standard
The cheeky Aryan appearance of Mercedes-Benz GLK attracts the eye. Sharp, chopped forms make the car as brutal as the Audi Q5. Even in the color of silver metallic, it looks stern. And the three -beam star on the radiator grille adds status. The only thing that is debatable for me in this Mercedes is a low waist line. In terms of security, this is excellent visibility at height. But too large windows create the impression of the aquarium. Therefore, I cannot give a clear answer to the question, how I have his appearance. Everything is fine, but there are nuances.
But there are no complaints about the GLK salon. Everything here is in Medially strict, concise and functional. True, you need to get used to the steering wheel switches. On the right are not at all, but on the left are as many as two. The classic scheme of the steering wheel switches for me is much more convenient.
In motion, even in the most comfortable suspension mode, Mercedes-Benz GLK is very dense. Like the steering wheel, it is short and with good effort. Information is high, as a result, good handling. Fast of quick responses to turn the steering wheel. That's what I would like to add is more sharp brakes. The feeling that they are not enough for a motor of 3.5 liters with a capacity of 272 liters. With. And such a car weight. There are no complaints about controllability, everything is as balanced as possible.
Summarizing, we can say that inside GLK liked more than outside. But with Volvo everything is just the opposite!

Style
On the one hand, Mercedes-Benz GLK looks strictly and brutally thanks to the abundance of straight lines. On the other hand, I do not like the low window line, the impression of the aquarium is created. Weird

Shodal qualities
The steering is acute and informative. I like. Acute

Interior
The appearance caused double feelings, and the salon immediately liked. Everything is strict, concise and functional. Strictly

Economy
The manufacturer promises a very moderate consumption of 10.4 liters per 100 km, but with our traffic jams you can forget, especially with such a motor of 3.5 liters. Decent

Equipment in the standard
It costs a lot, but the basic equipment pleases with a long list of existing options selected in terms of essential necessity. Worthy

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Excellent dynamic and logic characteristics, representative appearance.
- A somewhat angular design, hinged monitors on the backs of the seats I want to tear off.

Specifications
Mark and model - Mercedes -Benz GLK
Dimensions - 4525x1840x1689 mm
Engine - gasoline, 3498 cm3, 272 hp/6000 min -1
Transmission - automatic, 7 -speed KP
Dynamics - 230 km/h; 6.7 s to 100 km/h


Volvo XC60 45000
Chosen because: attracts with its rapid design and intriguers that have no analogues with electronic systems
Volvo XC60 attracts attention even before you get behind the wheel. Contrary to my ideas about the calm and discreet of the Scandinavian design Volvo, XC60, of course, the most extravagant and attractive model from the entire large four of the little SUV. It is impossible not to fall in love with her!
The salon is very modern and ergonomic. I adapted quickly enough. The only thing that I did not like: the leg rests on a wide beard of the central console. Spearly disappointed slippery skin and weak lateral support for the front seats: the impression that you are more behind the wheel.
Having tested three modes of the variable suspension settings, I honestly did not feel much difference in the comfort of the car. But in controllability yes: in the Sport and Advanced modes, the car is much more clearly in the turns. The box works softly, delayed at Kikdown is much shorter than the Q5. As a result, Volvo, as befits cars of this brand, goes smoothly, like a sea liner.
A rich electronic filling, which includes adaptive cruise control with the automatic braking function and the unique City Safety system, are impressive at the first acquaintance. However, in order to truly start trusting these systems, you need to get used to the car. And do it along the way
short introductory test drive practically
maybe.

Style
The brightest and youth appearance from the entire big four of small SUVs. Bright

Shodal qualities
The variability of steering and suspension settings is simply amazing. I will not say that the difference in modes is so great. But there was no need to see such a set of functions of setting up a car. Together with excellent basic settings of the chassis, there is practically nothing to complain about. Variably

Interior
Everything is in place: worthy and ergonomically. But for me personally, the salon is too colorful and slippery. Too

Economy
11.9 liters per 100 km for a car with 3? Liter turbo engine is quite acceptable. Fine

Equipment in the standard
City Safety and a full -sized dock favorably distinguish a car from competitors. Good

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Stunning equipment of the basic version of an auxiliary electronics.
- slippery upholstery of seats, weak lateral support, pale navigation.

Specifications
Mark and model - Volvo XC60
Dimensions - 4628x1891x1713 mm
Engine - gasoline, 2953 cm3, 285 hp/5600 min -1
Transmission - automatic, 6 -speed KP
Dynamics - 209 km/h; 7.5 s to 100 km/h


Editor's Choice
All four cars can equally claim the championship. The choice of the editorial office in favor of the Volvo XC60 today predetermined two factors: a more fresh and rapid design and the richest equipment with innovative auxiliary electronics systems, including the City Safety base.

My choice
In terms of design, GLK seemed too glass and angular, feminine. Q5 and XC60, albeit cheaper than competitors, but I like much more. Moreover, each in their own way. Audi has a more brutal design, Volvo has a rapidly flying, most catchy of all. Both approaches are modern and have the right to exist. But XC60 is nevertheless designed for a slightly more youth audience. I am already old for him. The design of Audi, for a person more calm and in no hurry, is more suitable for me. In addition, Q5 seemed to me much more functional, ergonomic and economical.

Photo: Sergey Krestov

 
   
   
  

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [July 2009]