im willing to bet this truck will now become the pinnacle of performance for the segment, and possibly the best for the CUV category (price & appearance withstanding) i think its obvious the price of the GLK will eassssily be in upper 40's

it looks mighty impressive however, 7 spd gearbox w/awd, std 19 inch rims, selective damping system,

gonna be interesting how the GLK stacks up against the EX, X3, and our RDX

will it be worth its sticker....ehhhh is the X3 worth it?

 

It looks like a solid buy, but I can't stand the way germans option their cars. Smart key is standard, but satellite radio isn't. Xenons aren't either. Real leather is a $2500 option in Canada. Want a sunroof? More money. Homelink? Buy the Premium Package. Want Ipod connectivity? Need the nav package. The 19's are kinda ugly, so fork up for the 20's.

And my god can they stop ripping people off for metallic paint? Anything but white/black/red = more money.

Next thing you know, you add 10-15k to the price.

 

In a way I like Acura because the car comes with everything that's offered.....or not...basically Vanilla or Chocolate, there is no other non-sense flavors (options)

 

Exactly. On a luxo level vehicle, the only options should be fairly frivelous things like swivelling headlights, Nav, 20" wheels and double sized sunroof etc.

 

if Acura wants tru tier 1 status, they need to start offering their customers options, and everything under the sun to some extent.

I was a fan of how things are done w/Acura, and Honda, but they need to start offering options that apply to all their vehicles, not just top of the line...
Acura, should AT LEAST offer these things in the RDX (in no particular order)

-RIM DESIGNS (look at Audi, BMW etc)
-Suspension options/upgrades/adjustibility (look at Nissan, BENZ, etc)
-Interior Treatments (look at Infiniti)
-Exterior Treatments (BMW, BENZ, Audi)
-Powerplant Options
-Luxurious Options (panoramic roofs, heated rear seats, rear seat heat/air ducts, 8 way pass seat, mem for pass seat, etc)
-SHAWD should be an available model or option, not standard

I look at cars like the EX, this GLK, and the X3, and I say to myself, wow, imagine what the RDX COULD BE, if it had the available options to even 1/2 the things offered from the germans or even infiniti. Im not saying the RDX is not a good package, but at the very least, I wouldnt feel like im missing out on so many things offered in other brands.

Theres no reason why the buyer should have to be RESTRICTED to a certain set of stuff. Once Acura lets go of this belief, who knows, maybe theyll see increased sales, people like to personalize, I know I would have when buying. But seriously, 2 interior colors? Not even an interior trim option? An exterior cladding package? Different rims (not just the 19 option) but different styles/sizes, how bout breaks? How about grilles/appearance? I dont want to be driving "your" car, i want my own & for it to be as different as possible

One could argue that with a vehicle like the RDX, it would be smart for Acura NOT to dump this kind of stuff into it. but honestly, if that were true, Infiniti would not have the success itd be having, across all its models. What once used to be rebadged Nissans, the company has turned around and made serious vehicles in many categories, they also abandoned what worked for Nissan and took chances, namely, going RWD/AWD in all their vehicles. But they tried, and it works, big time.

But overall, as a BRAND, Acuras gotta get realistic about this 'take it or leave it approach' to their cars. Why cant I have a heated steering wheel? Why cant I get better leather if I want it? etc These are the things Acura needs to offer, and obviously im sure everyone is thinking yea but the price is going to go way up, well,....YEA, that is the bullett Acura needs to bite in order to compete with the GLK or X3 or any other premium cuv, because, the GLK is going to sell no matter what the price is and no matter what happens. That is the benefit that the germans and real upscale cars have, the price is not the road block, to many Acura shoppers, pricing still matters because many come up from Honda and have no problem going back down....how many people on this board cross shopped a CRV? my point exactly. If Acura wants to advance & inspire, give the vehicles the tools & means in order to do it.

Once im set with my RDX, as it stands right now, i am not much of a fan of Acura, at all these days. they have entirely lost me with the designs and innability to offer serious equipment.

[end rambling thoughts] this board has to liven up, been dead around here on all fronts

 

Yea a lux car has to be at a certain level w/certain equipment from the get go, but if its going to be considered 'luxurious', there better be stuff offered for it that i CANT get in a car that costs 1/2 the price. Accessories like a generic running board & froint spoiler is the TIP OF THE ICEBERG if you ask me. Honda has been offering factory underbody kits for their cars forever, theres nothing special in those things. I want unique 'Acura' treatment give me stuff that i can add that sets my car apart from Honda, or from someone elses Acura.

 

if you think about it, its not a bad way to drive the brand image huh? what color do you most frequently see a benz in? White or Black. maybe its just one of those subconsious things to have consumers driving the vehicle in their best colors. Honestly, i cant remember a time where i have not seen a BLACK benz, white is the next popular, the only other color i have seen is silver cuz there are 2 sl's in my neighborhood in the color. Hell, i dont have the slightest idea of what OTHER colors they offer lol

 

I think 90% of Benz's are silver.

What made Acura popular was good cars, with a lot of options without being a ripoff. I don't mind if they get into more optional luxo features, but I hate having things like standard sized sunroofs, bluetooth, satellite radio, homelink, Xenons, real leather being optional on a so called luxury brands and packaged in pricey option packages when a Mazda 6 GT has all the same features without adding more cost.

I hate the nickel and diming of options for things that should be standard on a lot of German cars. I don't mind paying for fancy, luxo options like heated rear seats or Nav or Media interfaces, but to buy an Audi A4 "premium" (4k more than the base) model and still have to pay for metallic paint and add 5k in options to get Homelink and 18" wheels is nuts.

The GLK is the same. 1K for Xenons, 3.5K for homelink, memory seats and a sunroof, $900 for metallic paint, 2.5K for real leather, $500 for satellite radio.

Basically add 7-8k to the base price to get the same features standard on a TSX. I know I'm using Canadian pricing here, but if I can get some of these options on a Nissan Versa - they should be standard on a premium brand.

 

ok well first off...homelink is part of a package, its not $3500 for just homelink, so lets lay the facts out truthfully: edit reread the post and saw that u did lol sorry

I mean, what the german cars do isnt exactly any DIFFERENT from any other manufacturer. Have you looked at the cost of buying a Toyota when compared to even a honda, or an Acura? what about American makes, options are everything. Extra for metallic paint is not a shock, my 95 Maxima for the white met pearl was more $$, many manuf charge more for the metallic mixes as an add on. Acura doesnt charge but alot of the things that come standard are still factored into the overall price, including the stuff that is completely left out of the car and not avail. They can have a lower price than everyone else, by offering a decent amount, and not offering things AT ALL.

Acura/Honda is probably one of the few if not the only brand that decided to do away with options more or less with this buy as is stuff. Nothing wrong with that, but people majorly lose out on equipment that is EASILY available from other brands. thats what pisses me off. I dont want Acura to decide what I should and should not have. If im spending 40k on a car, I DECIDE.

Im not saying i FULLY disagree with that fact that small things should be standard like xenon or homelink, but honestly, after that, some of the packagages make sense, and there is DECENT equipment bundled with them.

No silver Benz's where im from. it black, 99%, especially the newer models.

There is also a huge difference between benz std leather and the "real leather" option. I see no problem in offering a fully premium cabin at the owners expense, at least they can outfit it that way if they chose. And there is a big difference between the std leather and the premium stuff.

 

The problem is the price goes from reasonable to nuts just to get options that are standard in other cars. Most companies don't charge for metallic paint. The GLK is cost comparable with an RDX, but add in the options, it's 7-8k more. Some could argue it's worth it, that's fine. But time and time again when I'm comparing cars, the german cars price themselves WAY out of the league.

I've been looking at G37's. The AWD sport model comes loaded. The only option is Nav. In Canada, MSRP is 46K. A comparably optioned 335xi is 60k. Not even in the same league. An Audi A4 2.0T is over 50K with the same options - not even the V6 model. A C350 is 55K.

When I buy a luxury car for big dollars, I don't expect to have to add leather seats to the option list. The whole point of "premium" brands is they are luxury brands. Not much luxury in standard vinyl (I mean leatherette) seats, halogen headlights, no sunroof etc. When I can buy an Mazda 6 or Altima with the same options and in some cases more standard features as an Audi A4 "premium"...perhaps Audi should include more in their premium package.

 

The 2010 GLK will come standard with a moonroof. The Panorama roof will be an option. Bluetooth will be standard as will dual zone climate control, dual power front seats, a CD changer, and auxillary input. AWD will be standard and the engine is a 3.5 litre V6. Brake dry assist, hill start assist will also be standard.

I've driven the X3, RDX, and the GLK. I do like the dash of the RDX better (GLK a little too 'upright' for me) but I think the GLK drives much better and definitely has a higher level of fit-and-finish. It may be priced too high and the segment may be too crowded to support yet another luxo CUV but time will tell.

 

Indeed. One of the main reasons my mom got her RDX was because of how loaded the base model came, that you could get everything (leather, sunroof, xenons, good engine, decent wheels, etc) in a single package for a set price. The "lack of options" actually does appeal to some people. The other car she was considering was the B200 Turbo, where she would have been nickeled and dimed to the tune of 10k above base to get a comparably optioned vehicle (3k for power seats/climate control/sunroof, 1700 for HID, 900 paint, 1500 for CVT, 1500 for leather and decent wheels, not to mention 4k for the turbo engine to bring it anywhere close to the RDX in terms of performance....)

As for the GLK, I absolutely love it and would definitely consider one in a few years if I'm looking for a new car. Especially if they sell the CDI in NA, 35-40 mpg in a truck of that torque and weight is insane. I love the styling and reviews so far but definitely wouldnt expect Acura reliability.

 

A diesel is slated but who knows when. As far as reliability the GLK is basically a C Class so:

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class reliability score of 9.0 out of 10 is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS).

The C-Class is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile warranty. While quality issues have plagued Mercedes-Benz in recent years, many reviewers see the 2008 C-Class as a positive step in reclaiming the brand's tarnished reputation.

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com...s/Reliability/

 

Different strokes for different folks. I like the fully optioned route of Acura because then you are not compromising on what you want when you are trying to find your exact car (ie waiting for a blue, manual with nav and bluetooth, etc). I have always said though that if I go the route of BMW or Mercedes and have to option my car all out, I'd do the European delivery since they would basically have to be build the car for me with the option combination I'd choose.

 

Just priced out a GLK online....I must say, they've priced it VERY competitively (at least in Canada). A comparably equipped GLK is about the same price as a base RDX and significantly cheaper than the X3.

 

Do they still do European Delivery?

 

I really like it. I like the sharp lines, and I like the rims. The truck has an overall aggressive look, without getting crazy. Still retains benz class.

AWD starts at around 36...thats pretty friggin decent, especially for a MB, i just priced one outmyself...EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE. If you skip the full leather and stick with the MB-Tex...wow. I added the appearance package, lighting, and some additional addons and under 40k. this is my kind of vehicle.

lets see how reliability pans out....but man, I LIKE IT. you could essentially get a loaded GLK w/FWD for a very reasonable respectable price and this truck is NO JOKE.

 

I think the GLK is a good example of where Acura, as a brand, not just the RDX, comes up short.

The GLK is one of MB's least expensive vehicles, yet, it retains all options and ameneties of other MB's. The avail full premium leather trim, panoramic roof, multimedia center etc etc

the main reason why i dislike Acura is becaues for some reason they operate under the belief that since a customer is buying a lesser-expensive model in the lineup, certain things have to be missing & not offered. So stupid.

the GLK is done RIGHT. Option of FWD/AWD, all the premium options so you can get as involved or basic as you want, and you can get all the things that makes MB an MB without feeling that you bought a cheaper model from the brand and got stuck with limited offerings because of it. If reliability turns out to be solid with this vehicle, it might be time to move on from the RDX....the pricing of the GLK looks like a bitch slap to the RDX. Yes, the Acura comes std with many things we all want, but the GLK blows it away with available options. Say what you want about some of it being w/options, but even with options, the price of the GLK is very, very competitive. One could also say that even the BASE benz...having the 7sp V6, towing capacity and active damping already is enough to sway some buyers.

 

forget the RDX, watch out X3, benz just stole the show....

 

I believe the GLK would be RWD not FWD were you to not select the AWD option.

 

you are right, and i tried to edit but the edit window on this board is 2 SECONDS LONG!

 

I was wrong, too. B/c the GLK is based on C Class technology not E/SLK/CLS the CD changer is not standard but is an option.

GLK is supposed to stand for the "Kleine" or "small" version of the GL. I expect to see cross-shopping between the X3, EX, and RDX. Maybe because of the market right now we have not been getting a lot of interest in the GLK like we did when the C Class launched.

The GLK I'd buy were I in the market priced out at $47,000.00 which is about the price of a C350 (but still pretty expensive).

 

I also love the new GLK!! I might consider trading off my rdx to this car if they offer low financing...

 

For a sticker of 41k, you can get the AWD w/multimedia pkg & lighting package (or take away the mult media & add premium leather and or premium pkg) and that keeps the price right in range...thats presumably an MB loaded in the high 30's when all is said and done w/dealing. that right there is a solid buy stacked up against any cuv out right now. and, the GLK base does come with a solid amount of std equip...also the MB engine has continually variable timing on BOTH intake & exhaust, i believe ours is intake only

you still have a very serious vehicle for a very reasonable, COMPETETIVE price, something i never expected from the GLK quite honestly. id find it hard to justify buying the RDX tech over the GLK when the difference is 2-4k. The powerplant & tranny alone are significant ...if you take out the multi media pkg and add full leather & premium, you now have a GLK that is heads and tails much more impressive than the Acura for a few thousand more. I would need to hear a stiff argument why i should hold onto the Acura. This is of course, pending a reliable model on MB's part.

could the GLK get up to the upper 40's? sure, but at least thats the buyers decision and not set by the company, you can do what you want with the car, and have the options at your disposal....hello Acura

i would HAVE LOVED if the RDX had an avail option of a significant interior upgrade package something along the lines of the MDX, and just more features to select from in general, why there is no factory ipod solution yet still mystifies me

 

Is GLK much bigger and wider than RDX?

 

IIRC its slightly narrower, shorter, and taller.