Category Archives: GLK

Mercedes-Benz UMI Interface Review

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UMI interface

Mercedes-Benz has given us the ability to add Navigation, A2DP, and a full media interface to Mercedes owners who purchased a C-Class or GLK that doesn’t have the multimedia package installed.  I finally got the opportunity to sit down and go through the UMI Interface.  It is great and easy to use.  I wasn’t sure how it would be since the vehicle has the smaller screen.  What I found was no problems at all with the display.

Accessing the various functions is done differently than a vehicle with the Multimedia package…

COMMAND Controller

UMI Navigation Menu

Navigation ScreenFor navigation you press and hold the “CLR” button next to the COMMAND knob.

From the menu you have all the normal functions/features you find on a vehicle factory equipped with the Multimedia Package.

To access the media functions of the device press the “DISC” key.

CD Menu

AUX Menu

Media Interface MenuThis brings up the CD interface.  With your COMMAND knob go down one level and select “CD”, this will bring up AUX Menu.  Select “AUX” and you are then given the option for “DISC, AUX, USB, Audio Streaming, and iPod”.

 

A2DP Streaming Audio

Here is a shot of me streaming audio from my Nokia phone to the vehicle.  For this function to work, your audio device has to have A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile).  You have to pair up your device with the car just like you did with bluetooth phone.   It will create a separate profile called UMI.

The last thing to mention is real time traffic assistance for the lifetime of the vehicle.

MSRP is $1500 plus installation.  I think you should find it to be under $2000 installed.

Let me know if you have any questions on how it works or the interface it’s self.

Adam

www.mybenzguy.com

 

GLK Release Date and Lease Special

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Just got the word from Mercedes-Benz.  The GLK is set to launch tomorrow, Janurary 6th.  The 2wd variant will follow in April.  Timing couldn’t be better for a more compact, more fuel efficient and most importantly, a more affordable SUV. The GLK-Class completes and compliments our award winning family of SUVs, providing Mercedes-Benz with the most diversified product portfolio of any Luxury Brand.

   Steel Grey GLK

 

Base MSRP:   

GLK350 2-wheel drive MSRP $33,900

GLK350 4matic MSRP $35,900


I have a few available GLK’s for delivery once they arrive.  Contact me for details.


Adam

www.mybenzguy.com


GLK Hands On 2.0

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In “GLK Hands On 1.0” I gave an overall of my experience in the GLK vs the RDX and X3.  A couple of things I will touch on is under the hood, driver and passenger layout, cup holders, and the trunk.

Lets start under the hood…

X3 under hoodRDX under hood

GLK under hoodGLK hood latches

 

A few things to point out to you.  First off on the GLK and X3 no battery to be seen.  The RDX has it upfront on the drivers side…anyone want to guess where the #1 spot that is impacted when a front impact occurs?  Well if you guessed front left you guessed correctly.  With the battery placed there you could potentially have some problems if the front is compromised.  First battery acid leaking out?  Second there could be a potential for a spark?  Lastly what happens if your vehicle looses power from the battery…cant unlock power door locks, hazard lights don’t operate, can’t roll down power windows, I can go on and on.  I am sure you get the idea.

Next thing we are looking at is the hood pins or latches.  The RDX has one (that’s required by law).  The X3 has 3 like us, the difference is ours are spaced a little further out to the edges of the hood.  It gives us a little better hold when the hood is closed.

Thirdly I will point out our use of dual bulkheads.  The X3 and RDX have a single bulkhead.  To simplify it even more, if you look around our engines you see weather stripping to help with aerodynamics (less air under the hood) and it seals off the engine from dirt and debris.  Also, it reduces engine noise and any potential odor from under the hood.

The last item I will mention here that you can’t see here is the finish of the under belly of the vehicle.  The only reason I am mentioning it here is if you were to look down through the engine bay on the RDX you will see the asphalt the X3 for the most part is finished from front to rear of the vehicle, just not to the extent of the GLK.

Moving on…

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GLK Hands On 1.0

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Wow, where do I start? Well I guess if you want the short story so you can go about your business then think new C350 (204 chassis) in SUV format.  For details continue reading.

The event started with a very in depth walk around of the GLK, starting at the front and working our way around and into the GLK.  I have to say this lines, wheels, and styling ques were amazing.  You see the press photos and it doesn’t do it any justice.  We had 3 different colors today; white, steel gray, and capri blue.  All optioned out differently.  Appearance package, Muti-Media package, Lighting package, Rear Seat Entertainment, and Premium 1 package.  I was able to see the upgraded wheels and the upgraded body kit(front/rear bumper and rear spoiler).

After the walk around was complete we went on to the competitive comparison.  On hand we had the Acura RDX and the BMW X3.  Looking at both of them side by side and comparing them we had a lot of laughs.  The Acura RDX is considered in the same class, I guess because it is considered a luxury car (see my post luxury vs premium luxury).  I think of it as more of a CRV in a dress suit.  The BMW…well it’s out dated.  I have had experience with the X3 in the past and just don’t remember it being so dated? 

The last part of the event was the ride and drive, as if the GLK wasn’t already shining brightly this was the icing on the cake.  The first vehicle I drove was the GLK, followed by the RDX and lastly the X3.  I really thought the X3 would give a similar or better ride due to BMW’s sporty design philosophy, it did, but the GLK out shined it.  The RDX, well it’s Japanese.  Not a bad thing just not in the same ball park as a Mercedes-Benz (German engineering).  Think of it as driving a in can vs driving a tank.

Here is the best part…what we have all been awaiting for.  Is that a drum roll I hear?  PRICING: Base MSRP $35900 for the GLK350w4.  That means you can have a very nicely equipped GLK for right at $40k or just a bit more depending on options.  Late spring/early summer 2009 we will see a GLK350w2 for about $2k less.

Summary of the 3 vehicles today.

GLK- 3.5L V6 engine, 268hp, 7 speed transmission, estimated fuel should be around 17/22.  Base MSRP $35900

X3- 3.0L I6 engine, 260hp, 6 speed transmission, est. fuel 17/24.  Base MSRP $39400

RDX- Turbocharged 2.3L I4, 240hp, 5 speed transmission, fuel 17/33.  Base MSRP $33695.

Without getting into more details tonight (I am exhausted), If you are looking at a base MSRP vehicle doesn’t it make since to get the GLK?  $2k more than the RDX and $4k less than the X3.  Please check back for GLK Hands On 2.0 for a little bit more in depth review.

Did I mention we are now taking orders? Please contact me at here for availability

www.mybenzguy.com