Question of the Day: 2011 BMW X3, Audi Q5 or Mercedes-Benz GLK

Posted: Oct 15, 2010
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2011 Audi Q5 - 2011 BMW X3 - 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK

Here it is – the 2011 lineup of compact SUVs, Crossovers or whatever you want to call them. BMW yesterday announced official pricing on the new reengineered and redesigned 2011 BMW X3 so we figured it’s finally time to ask a question we’ve been waiting to ask for a long time; which of the following compact SUVs would you buy – the 2011 BMW X3, 2011 Audi Q5 or the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK.

Keep in mind that each automaker offers different powertrains and different price points – so if one seems to cost less than the other – it’s probably because one is offering less power and interior features as standard option. Let’s take a look at pricing vs. power.

The $37,625 2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i is powered by a 3.0L inline 6-clyinder unit making 240-hp and 230 lb-ft of torque. Pricing for the X3 xDrive35i jumps up to $41,925 since you get the 3.0L inline 6-clyinder N55 with direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbo technology and Valvetronic that produces 300-hp and 300 lb-ft of torque.

The 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T, which is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder making 211-hp, starts at $35,3700, so while that’s less than the X3, it also comes with a 4-cylinder turbo making less power. Moving up a notch, the 2011 Audi Q5 3.2 FSI, which is powered by a 3.2L V6 making 270-hp, starts at $42,500. That’s more than the 2011 BMW X3 xDrive35i and once again, offers less power.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK is the only one offered in one variant – the GLK350. Power comes from a 268-hp 3.5L V6 engine with prices starting at $35,500.

However, if power is not your concern then all offer the similar amount of limited utility, all seat 5-passengers, all are German and all offer some good reliable quality along with a solid drive and comfort.

The question is, which one would you buy?

Have your say in the poll below and let us know your thought process in the comments after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana


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  • Ivan Gutierrez

    As big of a bmw fanboy that I am, I’m gonna have to go with the Q5.

  • Ivan Gutierrez

    As big of a bmw fanboy that I am, I’m gonna have to go with the Q5.

  • Ivan Gutierrez

    As big of a bmw fanboy that I am, I’m gonna have to go with the Q5.

  • Anonymous

    I agree… I’m a huge BMW fan too but I really think the Q5 knocks the other two out hahaha

  • churious

    You guys obviously are not BMW fans if you don’t know how poorly engineered the overpriced VWs are.

  • http://twitter.com/jasoncollin Jason Collin

    I have been doing research on these exact same three SUVs, but yet to get into the test drive phase. On paper, the Audi Q5 3.2L stands out in terms of options for a roughly $47k price tag. The interior of the BMW is just so uninspiring. It would depress me every time I sat in it. I want some high-tech wow factor and the Q5 delivers with its 3D navigation system, and instrument panel display of driving stats.

    The BMW may have an edge in handling, and an edge in acceleration, but for this type of vehicle I would gladly trade some performance in exchange for more luxury, features and high tech abilities that would make me feel like I am actually in a 2011 model vehicle, not any BMW for the past 10 years.

  • Ron Gondberg

    Test drive Mercedes Benz GLK350 then get the OTD (out the door) price and you will pick GLK350 over Q5, X3 in a heartbeat. OTD price range of MB GLK 350 (not MSRP) is insanely lower vs Audi and BMW; and you get the same status and excellent drive.

  • Ron Gondberg

    Test drive Mercedes Benz GLK350 then get the OTD (out the door) price and you will pick GLK350 over Q5, X3 in a heartbeat. OTD price range of MB GLK 350 (not MSRP) is insanely lower vs Audi and BMW; and you get the same status and excellent drive.

  • Gard Brook

    Most people shop for spec and MRSP price on paper/online, and not test drive nor get a real price quote. To us 2010 GLK is a balance of both price, build, power and ride comparing to 2010 Q5 and X3.
    2010 Q5 spec looks good on paper, test drive and price it and you will see.
    2010 X3 drive is very choppy, and the design ,for the price range, is very “budget like” from its bumpers to its interior.
    2011 X3 is too new to test drive and compare.

  • Moto Osikusi

    We would vote for Q5 if it is not that pricey. With the Q5 price range it goes way into X5 territory.

  • Steve

    M-B GLK looks like a Subaru Wagon. Weird proportions along with cheap plastics inside… not my cup of tea. Also the base price is for a rear wheel drive model. When comparably equipped it is actually about $1000 more than a Q5.
    Q5 – Great looks, proportions, interior quality is still a benchmark – good materials, layout easy to use features. Drives like a charm, would take over a GLK any day. The new 2.0T is impressive and unexpectedly good. Feels quicker than the 3.2 in around town driving. makes it that much better of a value

    X3 – the old model has absolutely nothing going for it… none, the new one I have to say I have not seen in person or driven, but it better be a massive improvement, otherwise unless they offer cheap subsidized leases that they lose money on no one would buy it… I hope it is a good vehicle for the brand’s sake. BMW need to do better to retain what their brand represents.

  • http://jasoncollinphotography.com Jason

    UPDATE:

    I sat in a 2010 BMW X3 last week and immediately it was a fail. The center console offers ZERO space for your right leg. None. Never been in a car like that. Your right leg is wedged against the console. You cannot move it at all to the right to adjust your foot on the accelerator. Your right leg is just stuck there, an incredibly claustrophobic feeling.

    The dealer was having a show and tell for the new 2011 X3 today, but I could not be bothered going. I am curious to see the updated model and especially if the center console problem is fixed, but mostly because of the reported 0-60 speed of 5.5 seconds in the xDrive35i and improved fuel economy. I can wait until December though when actual models for test driving are on the lot.

  • Vnaar

    had the x3 08 for 2years absolutely loved the driving experience but would have to agree with the others that interior was a little bland. wating on the new x3 to compare to the q5. if thethe q5 doesnt drive as well as the x3 im gonna stay w bmw even if the interior doenst match up.Mercedez looks like a rav4.

  • Vnaar

    had the x3 08 for 2years absolutely loved the driving experience but would have to agree with the others that interior was a little bland. wating on the new x3 to compare to the q5. if thethe q5 doesnt drive as well as the x3 im gonna stay w bmw even if the interior doenst match up.Mercedez looks like a rav4.

  • Lori

    Before buying an Audi Q5 or 2011 BMW X3 see this video :
    it has some interesting test done on both SUVs.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvqQuC_8VrM&list=QL&playnext=1

  • Hridaygoku@yahoo.com

    I like the glk

  • Hridaygoku@yahoo.com

    Don’t just take a look of the over formatted online pics , go take a look at the real car

  • Hridaygoku@yahoo.com

    After the previously mentioned processes ,the glk stands out

  • Jay

    Hi – BMW is known for its engineering, for sure. However, the current lineup of Audi’s more than matches it for engineering quality (and according to many surpasses BMW in this regard). BMW has lost it’s lead and is in danger of falling way behind. That’s just the reality. I’m sure the new X3 is a great car, and I’ll be shopping for a vehicle in this segment within the next month. I would have to consider the Q5 the frontrunner until I have a chance to test drive them out and compare similarly equipped vehicles price-wise.

  • Jay

    Incidentally, the “over-priced VW’s” have better reliability ratings than BMW. And VW itself has even BETTER ratings with it’s current lineup. So would that mean that the less-reliable BMW’s are the over-priced vehicles? I think so.

  • Joeur1

    I plan on buying either a Q5, BMW X3 and may look at a Volvo X60. Mercedes is out. Bad part about all of these is when you get the safety items that should be standard equipment the price goes through the roof.

  • Gpoohl

    X3 3.5 is a good balance between pricing and performancr

  • Matilvajingz

    X3 Xdrive 2.8 with a better price tag compare to the 3.5 delivers excellent performance & options

  • Shahi

    This is the most uninformative article ever…

  • TK

    I’m going to get GLK