The Spies Want To Know: Which Would You Have? Audi Q5, Lexus RX, MB GLK?

Mercedes-Benz’s GLK-class is doing extremely well year-to-date with sales, as of May, hitting 9,444 units.  Known for its angular design, inside and out, the GLK seems to be a relatively adaptable design, which can be made more manly with wise options and packaging.  Seemingly a direct X3 competitor, it is arguably the most interesting new offering brought to this market. 

The perennial safe bet and favorite in the small SUV realm is the Lexus RX.  Although it has been revamped inside and out, the average consumer will not be able to tell the difference from a 2009 on the road.  YTD sales, for 2010 models, have tacked on an impressive 6,997 units slotting just under Benz’s.  While you gain reliability and easy-to-use ergonomics, you lose some soul. 

Audi’s sporty and squat Q5 is the latest newcomer to the game.  After battling the competition with brutal advertising that hammers away at Lexus’ RX, it has made some progress.  YTD sales for the newbie registered in at a respectable 4,377 units.  Taking a surprising first place in Car and Driver’s battle, it is clear the Q5 has brought its “A” game. 

Looking around the New York City metro area, it has become evident that the Q5 is beginning to make a strong presence.  I nearly see a new, dealer temp tag Q5 daily.

So, my question for AutoSpies readers is which would you have?  Discuss.

Willis - 6/26/2009 11:21:27 AM

+15 Boost

The Spies Want To See: How Can We Start Another FLAME WAR...

pacotacolol - 6/26/2009 11:27:42 AM

+1 Boost

GLK, for sure. Although it looks a bit out of proportion at certain angles, it is the driver-oriented SUV. RX- is popular and boring. Q5- too big and expensive. Yeah, the TDI is nice, but its not what I would want to drive.

aarononymous - 6/26/2009 11:31:42 AM

-8 Boost

are you thinking Q7? no TDI here in US and the Q5 is about the size of an A4 Avant, very roomy for the size. I'd say the Q5, nice all around package, not a fan of the GLK exterior or RX interior at all...

JustaCar - 6/26/2009 12:27:22 PM

-6 Boost

Interesting you say that the GLK is the most diver oriented. The comparison tests I've seen place it at or near the bottom of the group because of lack of steering feel and excessive body roll.

Wimmer - 6/26/2009 8:27:53 PM

+7 Boost

Seriously. Who cares where these magazines place these cars.

I've driven the GLK320 CDI 4Matic here in Germany and I couldn't understand this bullshit about vague steering or excessive body roll. Obviously this thing doesn't handle like a sports car but it handled well enough and the steering feedback was tight and responsive. But maybe that's because I drove a Euro-spec model which feature more direct steering than the US-spec Benzes.

Anyway...WHO CARES!?

And why are people attacking others here for their choices!?

bfghemicuda - 6/26/2009 7:16:16 PM

-6 Boost

Wouldn't want any of them. Not my style

lock - 6/26/2009 2:32:04 PM

+4 Boost

Not on the list, but my choice as well.

JustaCar - 6/26/2009 11:46:48 AM

-6 Boost

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfmAZVNaMq8

inspirion7 - 6/26/2009 11:49:37 AM

-7 Boost

Please, we don't need a "my car is better than your car" war.

For the most part, the Q5 is an aggressive alternative to the RX. For the Euro fans, this is a solid looking, "I don't want to drive my wife's CUV" statement. Depending on what you are looking for or need. The RX obviously is very fuel effecient with a new, more upscale feel to the interior, exterior is subjective of course.

I really don't like the pitting aspect of this type of comparisons.

LexusKindaGuy12 - 6/26/2009 12:09:19 PM

-8 Boost

sorry, a bit biased because i have owned the first and second generation RX, but it would be a close call between the RX and the Q5.

The RX because it is a reliable family hauler with everything you can ask for. Specifically the hybrid catches my eye with the third gen. And it comes at a cheap price, with the base RX350 starting at $36,xxx. Its a lot of car for that price.

The Q5 because sometimes you just want some change and the audi has style. Looks good inside and out, but at the end of a long days work, do i really want to ride on sport suspension?

LexusKindaGuy12 - 6/26/2009 12:18:29 PM

-4 Boost

p.s. THe RX has sold more units than 6997 YTD

Im not going to count february even though it started selling on the 19th

March: 6,177
April: 6,237
May: 7,462

Uh, yeah its more like 20K year to date, and the last time i checked, the GLK wasnt a great seller

Agent00R - 6/26/2009 2:39:26 PM

+6 Boost

PS -- Your data is incorrect.

We're looking at the newest versions. Your number includes LAST generation's RX.

LexusKindaGuy12 - 6/26/2009 4:11:10 PM

-7 Boost

p.s. so you are telling me that of the 20K sold in the past 3 months, only 6 thousand are of the new ones? that seems a little skeptical

Agent00R - 6/26/2009 4:49:42 PM

+6 Boost

My numbers are coming directly from Toyota.

Bottom line.

ChiAutoGuy - 6/26/2009 12:21:20 PM

-5 Boost

Q5 for sure - The GLK is one of the most fugly cars to come along in a while - it may be engineered well but I think ultimately dealers will be paying to give it away much like the R class. The lexus is good - but it seems as though every other person has one. The Audi is new, fresh and easily its equal if not superior

0to60 - 6/26/2009 12:39:26 PM

-9 Boost

Audi
Lexus
MB

schnell330i - 6/26/2009 12:40:23 PM

-6 Boost

Q5 hands down. I might have said GLK if all the reviews havent put the Q5 first place, the RX close to the bottom and the GLK at dead last

answer - 6/26/2009 12:48:33 PM

-2 Boost

Black on black fully loaded RX hybrid.

But the others are damn nice too.

_43LE - 6/26/2009 1:20:58 PM

-2 Boost

Q5

No Rx - Too soft for my tastes
No GLK - Don't want to be confused for driving a last generation Subaru Forrester.

Brembo - 6/26/2009 1:22:58 PM

-7 Boost

+1

inspirion7 - 6/26/2009 7:09:13 PM

-2 Boost

And you don't see yourself coming and going all day long, like the commercials. Why would you?

ucla95 - 6/26/2009 2:00:07 PM

-4 Boost

Land Rover LR2, which I own and love. Have taken it out off-roading and it's a blast.

cs4444 - 6/26/2009 2:09:19 PM

-5 Boost

rx

pennfootball - 6/26/2009 2:48:19 PM

+3 Boost

The Q5 is the ugliest, the Mercedes is best looking has the most stingy back seat but drives the nicest, The RX is the second ugliest but has more room for adults and the coolest nav system ever with the track pointer joystick.

The winner goes to Lexus by a thin margin.

JUGNU - 6/26/2009 4:29:47 PM

-3 Boost

Audi Q5 S line package in blue. Lexus RX350 in red would be close second.

JUGNU

Shogun - 6/26/2009 4:33:19 PM

-4 Boost

Lexus RX 450h is the best, and with hybrid. No one else have that yet, and they need it and very soon ! But the Q5 looks nice, but it's not so good as the Rx with hybrid.

topneuro - 6/26/2009 4:44:48 PM

-1 Boost

2009 Audi Q5 but give me one that does not burn oil from day 1.

porsche911 - 6/26/2009 4:49:35 PM

-3 Boost

None of these. X5 4.8 and the MDX are more appealing to me.

porsche911 - 6/26/2009 4:50:53 PM

-1 Boost

In this price range, the new volvo xc 60, is it? that one.

Agent00R - 6/26/2009 5:32:40 PM

-1 Boost

The all-new SRX has not even launched yet.

The point is to observe how these SUVS have sold YTD and debate which you would have.

009load - 6/26/2009 5:31:51 PM

-6 Boost

The perception that a Japanese automobile is without "soul" is a myth that non-enthusiasts and lethargic blog submitters perpetuate. Japanese cars have a "quiet-calm" which is diametrically different from the "straight-forward" ideology. Why is it that a car with sudden torque and oversteer is car with emotion? Just admit your racially biased and your only argument of "soul-less" has no basis. BTW Agent009 likes cheeseburgers with extra mayo!

inspirion7 - 6/26/2009 7:22:46 PM

+1 Boost

— 009load, what a load. Nothing racist about saying that a car has soul. Some prefer Italian vehicles, other prefer Domestic, but don't try having this victocrat weak racism spin. It is pointless and ridiculous. Agent009 didn't make up the statement, it has been around before most of us were born. Just because someone says "white men can't jump" is and over exaggerated assumption, but not racist.

Agent00R - 6/26/2009 7:47:35 PM

+2 Boost

If you notice, the sentence says "some soul."

And, I am not 009 just to clear that up.

aspenzdad - 6/26/2009 8:08:33 PM

-5 Boost

JUST A GENERAL OBSERVATION OF DRIVERS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND/OR MY ADVICE TO THEM

Q5: FOR THAT PRICE, YOU GOT A LOT OF OPTIONS. HOW COULD ANYONE PASS ON AN MDX FOR
$48K?
GLK:I ONCE SAW A BUNCH OF CLOWNS RUN OUT OF ONE OF THOSE
RX: DRIVEN ONLY BY WIVES OF DOUCHEBAGS OR THE DOUCHEBAGS THEMSELVES. THIS IS A
GIRL'S CAR. WHY NOT JUST GET ONE IN PINK?

IF YOU GOTTA HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS JUST GET A SANTA FE AND SAVE THE MONEY!
PAYING UP ISN'T GOING TO MAKE YOU COOL, YOU'LL JUST BE A DORK WITH LESS CASH

Wimmer - 6/26/2009 8:24:57 PM

+9 Boost

Wow. What a stupid thread and topic and what stupid replies I see here.

People basing their placings on a bunch of stupid reviews. How intelligent. I don't give a shit what any magazine says about any of these cars. I know what suits my needs and which car can take care of those needs. Very friggin simple.

aznstuart - 6/26/2009 9:06:57 PM

+1 Boost

Acura RDX

Willis - 6/27/2009 2:18:01 PM

+1 Boost

"For the environment and mileage, RX450h."


LMAO

Epik - 6/27/2009 5:41:22 AM

+3 Boost

Often overlooked due to the Hyundai Genesis, but the Hyundai Veracruz is a very nice SUV in this segment.

ThierryHenry14 - 6/27/2009 10:04:29 AM

0 Boost

I would take the Q5, simply by default.

I do not like the Lexus' "bland" looks. There's something about the styling that makes it looks cheaper than what it actually is.

I just think that the GLK is very watered down, not to mention the very funky styling cues.

DoctorC - 6/28/2009 7:01:27 AM

+3 Boost

Infinity FX, Acura ZDX, BMW X6/5.

M53R - 6/28/2009 12:53:26 PM

+2 Boost

Q5 for me. The other 2 are simply ugly.

Jordanski - 6/29/2009 4:16:40 AM

+1 Boost

I'll take an RX450h. The Q5 just seems to slab sided in person and the GLK is lacking in "groundbreaking" features. Realistically, you don't need to feel the SPORT in (Luxury) Sport Utility Vehicle. SUV/Crossovers tend to have a bumpier ride, but Lexus knows how to smooth it out.

The RX is smoothly engineered and easy to drive. If I wanted to have extra space and something fun to drive... I'd buy a Grand Tourer.

Even if the Lexus costs more, you really do get what you pay for... seriously. The GLK looks nice and all, but that specs/features list is almost depressing.

M0T0RH3AD - 6/29/2009 3:52:10 PM

+2 Boost

I certainly prefer the Lexus' build quality over the other two, but would have to choose the Q5 because of its style. Really looks good in the upper trim level in person. The RX is for the wifey.

Jordanski - 6/30/2009 1:59:32 AM

-1 Boost

It's okay. It's quite clear, we all know what HyundaiSmoke has been smoking.

Krazeeddd - 7/24/2009 11:01:39 AM

+1 Boost

This will really bring out the hate - MKT