Audi Q5 vs MB GLK 350

[asp integra]

Looking for a new ride for my wife.
She is a big fan of both these suv's. We are probably looking at getting a used one, just wanted to hear peoples impressions on the two and what to look for when shopping for either the Q5 or GLK 350(4matic)

[npham]

Q5 is getting pretty dated but so the GLK, so it depends largely on your budget. But there will be a new redesigned Q5 in 2016, so you should be able to get a great deal on a used one if you go down that route.

[colinxx235]

Q5 Hands down.

Found it was much smoother to drive, quattro > 4matic, and the interface/quality of the Q5 was a step up on the Glk350. The 350 is actually quite hard on gas which shocked me, terrible highway mileage.

The GLK feels sportier in the summer is a big plus but if its for the wife and an all year vehicle the Q5 wins most categories. We did like the GLK as a small SUV/CUV, it handled well, nice turning radius, great to park etc. But little finicky things like how bad the fob sensors on the handles were and other points added up over time to point to the Q5.

But the biggest downfall with the Audi is if you have to deal with the glennmore service department :rofl:

[94boosted]

My wife and I just sold our 2013 GLK 350 so here is my feedback on that car after a few years of ownership:

- Decent fuel mileage (10.XL/100km combined)
- They are decently quick (rated at 0-60 in 5.9 I think), should be quicker than the Q5 2.0T
- 20K/12month service intervals are awesome
- Rather small (us plus dog plus some camping gear for the weekend was very cramped) though I don't know if Q5 is any bigger
- Though the 2013+'s look better they are still a bit girly looking (not a problem if your wife will be driving it all the time I guess haha)
- They are assembled in Germany and the build quality, IMO is excellent, no squeaks, rattles, wind noise etc. after 50K km's
- Stability Control can't be fully defeated, minor pet peeve of mine

My only advice with the GLK is make sure you get the post refresh ones (2013+) the directed injected engine made significantly more power and same/better fuel mileage thanks in part to the 7spd transmission.

We only sold because we needed more room and needed to be able to tow.

[never]

We have a 2010 GLK and my wife really likes it. Bought it in 2012 at 45K km and it now has over 175k km.

The GLK has been great. Decent power and pretty good on gas (I think the long term average is 9.5 l/100k and the computer is pretty accurate). Even with the mileage, it still rides and drives like a brand new vehicle. Have only had to do regular service maintenance and have only replaced rotors and pads once (which was surprisingly cheap thanks to Rock Auto). I did replace the struts/shocks (Rock Auto had the OEM stuff for a good price...translation - you don't have to waste your money at the dealer) because the high speed compression in the original front struts didn't feel right after about 150k km...plus I decided to drop it down a bit with some lowering springs so new dampers all around was a good idea.

My main complaints are the steering feels too twitchy at speed and the rear lift gate doesn't always work. Took it in to Lone Star before it went off warranty and they couldn't replicate so nothing got fixed.

I don't drive it very often (just the occasional highway trip) so I really can't think of anything else. And I haven't ever driven a Q5 so I can't provide a comparison.

[rage2]

If you're looking for new, the GLK is done. It's the GLC now, and the interior is lifted from the new C Class which is bad ass.

http://image.automobilemag.com/f/158636309+w660+h440+q80+cr1+ar0/2016-mercedes-benz-glc300-interior.jpg

Only GLC 300 (241hp) available to start, next model should be the GLC 350e (same motor + electric motor + batteries with 316hp total), which is a plug in hybrid so you can do your daily driving purely in electric mode if you don't drive like a douche. Eventually there will be the top 360hp version, which will either be a GLC 450 AMG Sport, or a GLC43 AMG depending on what Mercedes-Benz/AMG marketing department wants to do.

More on the GLC350e. GF is looking at this in the next 2 years.

http://www.guideautoweb.com/en/articles/30650/2017-mercedes-benz-glc-350-e-4matic-a-first-rechargeable-hybrid/

[Xtrema]

I think Merc is clearing GLK and should have better deal.

Q5 has another year left. Then production will switch to Mexico for the next gen. Not as good deal right now.

GLK vs Q5, Q5 wins hands down just from interior alone.

That new GLC tho, winner all around. I don't like the new Audi interior direction so far and Mercedes finally looks like a premium brand.

[Jonathanl10]

Is that black open pore wood worth the premium cost compared to the standard gloss stuff or aluminum trim?

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by Jonathanl10
Is that black open pore wood worth the premium cost compared to the standard gloss stuff or aluminum trim?

$250, more for the carbon weave.

But the configurator on Mercedes.ca is constantly is being screwed with. Sometimes it's just $250 but other time you will need to add other packages before you can add open pore.

Mobile site and normal website can quote different things on the exact same car.

I think the open pore class up the interior by a lot. I hate glossy interior pieces.

[max_boost]

I have a 2011 GLK350 4matic and while it's decent all around, I'm driving it right now strictly for the badge.

[rage2]

The black open pore wood is definitely worth it. It's my favorite interior, even above CF.

The guys doing the web configurator are on crack sometimes with the options. You can ask the dealer for an order guide, which details every option what the requirements are (if any), what it can and cannot mix with, and what options they delete, along with price.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[theken]

I was also in this dilemma. I really wanted a glk. Decided against it for now. But please share when u decide

[Jlude]

I just went through the same situation 2 years ago when I bought my Q5, I test drove the GLK350 and Q5 and both were nearing the end of their life cycle, so I knew there would be updates soon. When it came to make a decision, Audi gave me a huge discount, which is the only reason I chose the Q5. I liked both cars, but the boxy lines of the GLK turned me off also.

My only regret with my purchase is that I wish I didn't buy the SQ5, I bought a 2.0T with S-Line package, it's really nice to drive, the gas mileage is good and going from an M3 to this mid-size SUV, I find it really comfortable, but I wish it had more GO.

When the new body style comes out in 2017, I'll be picking up a SQ5, provided nothing else gets my attention before then.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak
I wrestled with the SQ5 question too, but I've been reading they have a lot of reliability issues and the gas mileage is disgusting. In a few cases the steering has died and sent people careening of the road.

I do find the 2.0t quick with the 8spd transmission, quicker than most cars for that matter. But yeah, it is no M3. There is a slight power bump in the 2013 models, and I have heard you can chip it though for better performance in the low 6s for 0-60.

When mine hits 100K I will probably grab an SQ5. They should have the bugs worked out in it by then.

All 2015 Audi Q5 and Porsche Macan had dead steering when temp hit under -30c. Only affects 2014 and early 2015 builts.

I debate SQ5 as well but what I don't like are:
a) Ride height stay tall unlike European version, handling sucks (for a S model).
b) No sport diff, probably because of a)

The next Q5 will be on light MLB Evo platform but if it's anything like the Q7, I don't know if I can get behind it.

SQ5 will probably at least another year or 2 behind the new Q5.

[rage2]

Originally posted by Xtrema
I debate SQ5 as well but what I don't like are:
a) Ride height stay tall unlike European version, handling sucks (for a S model).
b) No sport diff, probably because of a)
I ran a SQ5 with the GLA in the summer, and it's identical in a straight line, but yea, in the corners it wasn't even a contest. The thing looked like it was going to tip over around a turn, while I wasn't anywhere near the limit.

Is it easy to factory lower the SQ5? Is it different springs vs Europe or shims?

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by rage2
Is it easy to factory lower the SQ5? Is it different springs vs Europe or shims?

Yes it's different and many want to swap with European but was told it doesn't work since European SQ5 is a TDI.

There are aftermarket lowering options but kills the ride.

[rage2]

Here's the Canadian GLC300 order guide if you want to see option choices. Older one without prices.

http://virgeweb.com/rage2/misc/MBCanada-2016GLCProductProfile.pdf

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by rage2
Here's the Canadian GLC300 order guide if you want to see option choices. Older one without prices.

http://virgeweb.com/rage2/misc/MBCanada-2016GLCProductProfile.pdf

http://www.mercedes-benz.ca/content/canada/mpc/mpc_canada_website/en/home_mpc/passengercars/home/new_cars/models/glc/x253/configurator/configurator_x253.html#/p3501

GLC configurator is also up.

[redline]

The Q5 rides like shit, if the choice is between these two I would take the Benz. In fact I would take the Benz over the X3.

[redblack]

Q5 is way better than a GLK. Get the audi

[asp integra]

I have driven a few of these now, a few Q5's and some various GLKs including a 2012, 2013 and 2013 diesel. Hard to decide which I like more. Q5 has the most power out of all the vehicles I drove. I like the fuel economy of the Q5 over the 2012 and older GLKs. The 2013+ GLK is better on gas though and I do like the badge. I was impressed by the 2013 GLK 250 bluetec diesel, had some good power and really good on gas. Now I just need to see which one the wife likes best and who can give us the best deal.

[Mitsu3000gt]

I drove them back to back and preferred the Q5. That being said they are always in crazy high demand and can be hard to find exactly what you want on the used market. I bet there's some good deals on the GLK right now with the GLC being out.

[rage2]

The GLC43 is coming too.

http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/16C105_006-copy-980x420.jpg

http://gtspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Mercedes-AMG-GLC-43-3.jpg

http://www.beyond.ca/all-new-mercedes-glc43-amg-revealed/55762.html

[Sugarphreak]

...

[asp integra]

I drove another Q5 yesterday and I have to admit, the Audi just drives and feels better than any Merc I have driven. I think we have decided on the Q5, now to find the right one!

[asp integra]

Well I have been searching for a new ride for the wife for a few months now. We really liked the Glk 350 and the Q5.
After driving a few of each, we kept coming back to the Audi. There are so many things that just make it better than the Merc.

Yesterday we pulled the trigger on this Ibis White 2012 Q5 with only 80k on it (which seems to be pretty low compared to other Q5's).
It came with 2 sets of rims with summers and winters, roof bars, winter mats etc. Really nice and clean, can;t wait to go on some trips in this thing!

I threw the Thule on it last night and it looks killer! I am officially jelly of my Wife's new ride!

https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtl1/v/t1.0-9/12717893_698211339642_7846963788798866884_n.jpg?oh=2e761a35e80ec5a176e70ccf97bbe876&oe=5776C0CB
https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12472727_698240685832_430815069776007183_n.jpg?oh=f264268d128826fbbc8cb5c6caa76d2f&oe=5782C366
https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/12108093_698240675852_8320122190887879995_n.jpg?oh=cbc24400e4b3dd0d3afb0301e07383d7&oe=578F2726

[redblack]

Good choice. We love our 2010 Q5

[Xtrema]

GLK350 vs Q5, Q5 wins.

GLC vs Q5, Q5's electronics would be way too old.

2017 Q5 should be brand new and may be updated to fight the GLC.

That said, I'm not so sure about Merc's new 2 screen system that's coming to the C and GLC. Audi's LCD dash implementation looks slightly better.

[Buster]

One thing I can never get over with Audi, is that they are ultimately a badge engineer job.

VAG is turning into GM with their badge engineering.

How many SUVs do they make now built on the Touareg platform?

At least with a Merc, you know you are getting some pure luxury DNA.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by Buster
How many SUVs do they make now built on the Touareg platform?

At least with a Merc, you know you are getting some pure luxury DNA.

Everything in Audi is based on MLB, except last gen Q7 and A3/Q3/TT (MQB).

Merc is doing the same badge engineering now. All 3 Germans are basically copying each other's strategy. FWD bias chassis for low end. RWD bias for mid to high end. Jack them all up and turn them into SUV. Then cut the SUV's roof a bit can call it a coupe.

That said, the VW group is going skim on R&D money going forward to pay for dieselgate so I don't see them advancing much in the coming years.

[lilmira]

May as well throw the Cayenne and Macan in there.

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by lilmira
May as well throw the Cayenne and Macan in there.

Those are special snowflakes even tho they are based on MLB and whatever Toureg was on.

[Jlude]

I've been looking at the Macan lately as a possible replacement for the Q5, but also considering the GLE AMG, I'll wait and see what the 2017 Q5 looks like, then decide.

Anyone have experience with the Macan turbo?