In order to counter the incessant threat of rising gas prices, several manufacturers have turned to a new market segment: premium compact SUVs. Pioneered by the Land Rover Freelander in 2001, this type of vehicle remained exclusive to the English brand until BMW introduced the X3 and grabbed the lead. Then, in 2007, Acura jumped to the forefront with the RDX. X3 sales have been freefalling ever since, especially with the growing number of quality alternatives.
Premium compact utes are kind of like sports cars: the moment a new model comes in, the reigning champion falls!
More to choose from
Among the dozen competitors in today's market, three have been introduced over the past few months, including the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and Mercedes-Benz GLK.
All these little Hollywood-style 4x4s are priced in the lower $40K range. The GLK is quite enticing at $41,800. In fact, it's $4,000 cheaper than the X3, XC60 and LR2 (heir to the Freelander).
Sweet baby G!
Don't be fooled, though: the GLK offers an extremely classy and feature-laden interior. Standard equipment includes 10-way power-adjustable heated front seats, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, premium audio and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The GLK also provides generous room for four adults. Of course, you'll definitely want to ride shotgun. These buckets are, in my opinion, among the best in the business. They're very comfortable and their ergonomic design does a great job of supporting the body and reducing long-term fatigue.
The dashboard flows into the door panels and aluminum inserts divide it into three sections which emphasize the wide layout of the cockpit. Personally, I would opt for the high-gloss Burl Walnut wood trim option (available at no extra cost) as it positively enhances this otherwise uninspiring environment.
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| With its boxy styling, the new GLK350 reminds us of the famous G-Class, aka "Geländewagen". |
Premium compact utes are kind of like sports cars: the moment a new model comes in, the reigning champion falls!
More to choose from
Among the dozen competitors in today's market, three have been introduced over the past few months, including the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and Mercedes-Benz GLK.
All these little Hollywood-style 4x4s are priced in the lower $40K range. The GLK is quite enticing at $41,800. In fact, it's $4,000 cheaper than the X3, XC60 and LR2 (heir to the Freelander).
Sweet baby G!
Don't be fooled, though: the GLK offers an extremely classy and feature-laden interior. Standard equipment includes 10-way power-adjustable heated front seats, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, premium audio and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The GLK also provides generous room for four adults. Of course, you'll definitely want to ride shotgun. These buckets are, in my opinion, among the best in the business. They're very comfortable and their ergonomic design does a great job of supporting the body and reducing long-term fatigue.
The dashboard flows into the door panels and aluminum inserts divide it into three sections which emphasize the wide layout of the cockpit. Personally, I would opt for the high-gloss Burl Walnut wood trim option (available at no extra cost) as it positively enhances this otherwise uninspiring environment.
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| The dashboard design is rather conservative and won't excite anyone's senses. |