Mercedes Crossover

Mercedes Benz is a name that practically defines luxury and refinement, and you can expect that from any Mercedes crossover you research or test drive. While each will have their cons as well as their pros, you can be sure the final result will exude class and come as close to perfecting performance as mechanically and technically possible.

The two that get a mention here are the R350 BlueTEC Crossover and the GLK Class Sport Utility Crossover.

R350 BlueTEC Mercedes Crossover

Think of this as a way to kick the tires and pop the hood without leaving your house. The R350 BlueTEC Mercedes is powered by a 3.0 liter, Turbodiesel, V6 powerhouse. There are a few things to know about the engine for this vehicle however. With the design of this TEC turbodiesel engine, you get less noise, smell and emissions due to the injection of AdBlue. By putting this in the exhaust the BlueTEC is able to reduce smog causing agents. All in all you are helping be greener.

The transmission is a seven speed, and you get 210 horsepower to top it all off. For fuel economy, there is a modest but not the worst in its class 18 miles per gallon for city streets and 23 for the interstate. With this crossover, you can accommodate up to seven passengers.

Safety Features of the R350 BlueTEC Crossover

One of the drawbacks of this vehicle is that some of the more impressive safety features are not available with the standard package. So you get brake assist, hill start assist and the advanced tire pressure monitoring features with the standard trim package, but there’s more. For instance, the upgrade includes options such as blind spot assist and rear view camera. These are features that are standard on a good majority of other types of competing SUVs.

GLK Class Sport Utility Crossover

The 2012 version of this vehicle is powered by a 3.5 liter, V6 engine. This in turn generates 268 horsepower. You also get a seven speed automatic transmission. The fuel economy is not as good for the GLK as it is for the R350. The GLK only gets 16 city miles per gallon and 22 for the highway. Some of the features include a 4MATIC system that is an all wheel drive function that assists the vehicles in handling corners.

The rave reviews are that the GLK rides like a car but has the capabilities of an SUV. Also, for a Mercedes Benz this particular crossover has a low starting MSRP. Experts and consumers agree the performance is up to par with what you would expect from this car manufacturer. The main drawbacks are limited space for the third row seating and for cargo space. Otherwise, the GLK passes with flying colors.

Safety for the GLK

The safety testing for the 2011 version of this vehicle had the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) award, making the GLK a Top Safety Pick. The results for 2012 should be the same as there have not been any major changes made. These tests were for the front, rear, side and even roof crash tests. The GLK’s standard electronic stability control helped with the rating as well. Of the two Mercedes crossovers, the GLK comes standard with more safety features.

Feedback for Both Mercedes

One of the main complaints that consumers have had about the R-Class is that it does not fare well in tight spaces such as parking situations. Although the rear doors are meant to give passengers a wide space to get out, this only makes it difficult to use these doors in compact spaces. On the plus side, the R350 is noted for being spacious and having a luxurious interior with the highest quality interior materials. Of course, consumers and experts agree the outside look is sleek and classy, as is the standard with Mercedes.

The GLK also got high marks for the look of the interior and exterior. Drivers felt this had a sturdy feel and offers good handling and balance. Reviews also cite Mercedes for crafting the GLK to have plenty of impressive standard safety features. On the downside, reviews noted the GLK offered far less passenger and cargo space than much of the competition on the market today. As if opposite of the R-Class, drivers did not like the small size of the rear doors and also felt the fuel economy wasn’t as efficient as it should be.

The bottom line is that either of these would still make an excellent choice if the price tag isn’t too much for your budget. A Mercedes crossover could be the perfect addition to your family.

Category: Crossover SUV Review, Mercedes Benz GLK Class, Mercedes R350 BlueTEC