Test drive Mercedes GLK vs Mercedes C-Class T-Model: Fashion vs. design
The test of car motor and sport brings clarity to the meaning of nostalgic-angular design, but is absolutely relevant for soft-road vehicles like the GLK. For comparison, a more solid alternative is the C-Class 4Matic station wagon.
For the Swabians from Stuttgart, the time has come to defend their wounded ambitions, which have apparently been successful for several years now. The BMW X3 rubs the nose of Mercedes with an irrevocable reservation to one of the first places in the market statistics. The VW Tiguan has also been doing well on the SUV charts of late, and the menacing trap of another Bavarian championship-claiming SUV, the Audi Q5, is already looming around the corner. It is clear to everyone that if Daimler does not catch the dance even now, the concern will lick its wounds due to losses from the other two competing models.
Reputation has expired
The godfather of GLK (who should find a huge fan base in show business) is actually a 30-year-old G-Model who is deeply stuck in the hearts of orthodox off-road fans. With its arrogant masculine demeanor and swollen muscles, the "Cube" has long been the optimal choice for modern urban conditions, at least not for everyone; however, the pearl nanolacquer of his almost sharp-angled heir shone seductively in the neon lights of the big city, where life continues to boil in full force even at night.
Permanent dual transmission, 20 cm ground clearance, the ability to mount a two-ton trailer and a well-organized trunk are some of the main features of the GLK, which already rushes freely along the boulevards. The six-cylinder engines, which also offer the Q5 and X3, are expected to be ordered more frequently due to their hierarchical symbology. The most affordable way to purchase this model is to pay about BGN 77 for a new four-cylinder diesel engine that will be delivered next spring. The small four-cylinder petrol engine that powers the VW Tiguan (500 TSI) is only on Mercedes' long-term plans.
By relying on units under the sheets, the GLK demonstrates the potential of a tempter, which is also an eye for C-Class aficionados. It can also be ordered with a dual transmission, but at a surprisingly high price. For example, the mid-size C 320 CDI 4Matic station wagon will set you back at least 90 leva, which is roughly the price of a new GLK with the same engine under the hood.
After the last generation change in the station wagon, the designers of Stuttgart have abandoned the current trend for a sleek roof finish, which is also missing in the presented compact SUV. Of course, the best-selling Mercedes model isn't nearly as cut off as the GLK, whose windshield forms a 50-degree angle with a powerful torpedo. In the soft-road interior, the same technique is evident from the relatively short dashboard, which, in addition to resembling the legendary G-Class, has a purely pragmatic goal of more passenger space and a better view of the driver's seat.
The world inside
The impressions of the interiors of the two cars are similar, but the minimalism in the GLK's interior design, with its different colors, materials and curves, radiates more tightness and pedantry. According to Mercedes, the GLK's styling symbolizes the short, shortened moves we expect from a virtuoso street break dancer. The designers deserve credit for resisting the temptation to follow the recently popular trend of creating a gently sloping roof silhouette - thanks to this solution, the freedom of movement in the rear is simply magnificent.
Another advantage of the cubic body is visibility. If you tilt your neck, the corners of the front become visible - only the rear end pillars limit the view when parking. There is one more thing: from the inside of the case, everything looks a little different, because the usable area of the windows is actually less than one would estimate by observing the glazing only from the outside. However, despite the high window line, the GLK is undoubtedly among the most visible representatives of the SUV segment. In this area, it gains an advantage even compared to the C-Class - the extra seat height cannot be ignored either when driving in the city or on winding serpentines of rural roads.
Getting into the GLK is a little easier than getting into the mid-size wagon. Thanks to a wide range of steering wheel and seat settings, people of almost any body size can comfortably sit in both cars, getting a pleasant feeling of security and almost home comfort. Seat adjustment is carried out using a logical system of buttons in the doors. Commendable ergonomics extend to the depths of the optional infotainment system with superior voice control. The GLK also captures valuable moments thanks to the standard knee airbag and the optional Presafe package, which tightens the seat belts and moves the seats to the optimal position in an emergency. In addition, both models can be ordered with an intelligent ILS headlight system.
On the road
It is also extremely appropriate to hang an SUV, the shock absorbers of which are the same as those of a car. Their work takes into account the conditions and topography of the road surface, skillfully absorbing short bumps, while eliminating the vertical movement of the body in the longer wavy baboons. The result is a confident offensive even on unkempt streets with numerous spots, for example, on Bulgarian ones. Combined with the smooth and precise operation of the optional Adaptive Steering System (standard on the six-cylinder variant), the chassis retains impressive agility even when the steering wheel is hard, rally championship style.
The operation of the 1,9-ton SUV looks smart and stable, on an absolutely equal level with the lighter one hundred kilograms of the C-Class - especially when under the hood is a three-liter six-cylinder diesel engine, whose torque exceeds its station wagon version by 30 seconds. Nm (540 vs 510 Nm). As soon as it overcomes the coveted 1500 rpm, the self-igniting engine starts into a triumphant gallop, completely meaningless both entering the red sector of the tachometer and using the steering wheel plates (part of the optional interior sports package) - 7 - The automatic transmission shifts gears so masterfully that the buttons on the side of the steering wheel can become a non-standard decoration of the cabin.
The off-road package, which includes enhanced underbody protection in addition to electronic assistants, is an impressive combination of pragmatic modern technology. However, his help is only significant if the GLK decides to use all of its capabilities, including 20cm ground clearance, to get away from a station wagon like the C-Class and the entire SUV fleet it will face in its quest for market share. ...
In Focus
For an additional fee, you can improve the flotation of your GLK. In addition to the standard dual transmission with 45/55 constant torque distribution in favor of the rear axle and a special clutch in the center differential capable of creating a blocking effect of 50 Nm, the off-road package offers several "magic" mechanisms. These include, for example, the Ascent Assistant (DSR), which operates at speeds between 4 and 18 km / h. After pressing the G button, the car electronics changes the accelerator pedal settings, switches the gear change points and regulates the ABS, ESP and brake lock. This package also includes reinforced underbody protection.
text: Jorn Thomas
a photo: Hans-Dieter Zeufert
Home " Articles " Blanks » Mercedes GLK vs. Mercedes C-Class T-Model: Fashion vs. design
