

Cars
The Mercedes GLK Test: Day 4
Another day, another scene from The Day After Tomorrow. Lots of snow. Shards of ice. Coldest day in a decade. The wind chill is a balmy negative 32 degrees.
The roads were bad enough yesterday, today they’re terrifying. All we see are wheels spinning, cars sliding and ambulances. Our neighbor made it to the entrance of our subdivision this time only to become stranded again. Another neighbor was digging her out with a shovel. Sounds like the perfect day to drive around in a Mercedes we don’t own!
Despite the absolute chaos on the roads today, the GLK did not falter once. This brings us to an important point about any vehicle you may be considering: safety. I had some reservations about test-driving a Mercedes given the financial crisis. It seemed a bit wrong to be talking about a luxury brand as I practice and preach the live-within-your-means lifestyle. But the thing I’ve been convinced of in the last few days is the value of investing in a quality vehicle that will keep my family safe during days like this.
Sure, on ordinary days our decade-old cars with 100k+ miles would get us where we needed to go just as well as the GLK. But as I watch the car next to me slide into an intersection trying to stop, I am surprised to find I’m not wetting myself in fright. Our cars have airbags, but this one has 6, including protection for the kids. When I put on my turn signal at night, it shines a light around the corner so I can see what or whom I’m going to run over. In the rain or snow, it will dry its brakes off automatically so you can still stop when you need to. Then there’s the all-wheel-drive and traction control which we’ve tested the limits of on our local ice rink today.
You may not need all of this if you live in paradise, but for those of us who settled in the frozen tundra, they’re features that are worth their weight in gold.
************************
Sorry! This giveaway is now closed!
For each day that I take the Mercedes challenge, I get to share a $50 Visa Gift Card to give away to one lucky reader. There will be five gift cards offered up so be sure to enter each day to win (a total of $250 in Visa Gift Cards). To enter, please leave a comment by Wednesday (02/11) at 8PM EST. To enter to win all five of the Visa Gift Cards, you must enter each day for an entry. Sorry, this contest is only open to US Residents and our winner will be drawn at random.
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This is one area that my husband and I have always had the same thoughts on…drive the best you can afford. After I had a wreck with my granddaughter in the card with me, I am even more so in agreement with the statement. We haven’t always been able to afford the nicest cars, but little by little we keep going higher up on the list…and safety doesn’t always mean the most expensive.
Thanks for the review.
pscole3467 at gmail dot com
This vehicle sounds like just what we need up here in Northern NH. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Not feeling safe while riding in your own car through the winter months is a terrible feeling.
negative 32 degrees?!? and I thought it was cold here at 15 above!
Wow. I understand living in that snowy, icy terrain and sounds like I might just need a GLK!
Thanks
You’re right! Being frugal doesn’t mean being cheap. When it comes to vehicles, I look at the quality factor before the price tag!
Our winter here in NW Indiana has been brutal.
Sounds like an awesome vehicle.
Thank you for the offer!
The GLK gets more enticing with every post….how do i sign up to test drive one of these
VERY cool. Great to see you at BlissDom. I totally would have picked up your coffee on my coffee run! @SarahInMI
OMG this car is seriously gorgeous! You are so blessed to drive this! Did you fly or drive this beautiful car to blissdom conference?
Sounds wonderful! All-wheel drive is perfect for this time of year. Thanks for the review!
enjoying your articles!
yea for your Mercedes challenge.
So fun meeting you this weekend.
I love the light shining around the corner. So cool.
It’s interesting to see how wants and needs fluctuate with our surroundings and our priorities – like children. Fascinating!
I cannot believe how cold that is. I definitely would not trust my car in that kind of weather!
Safety is paramount. Lots to think about for our next car.
That is so great. How wonderful it would be to know you can get to wherever you need to be!
What an awesome car! (And I thought my Volvo was awesome…hmmm.)
Great job at blissdom! Thanks for the great advice.
glad the car did so well in the ice. piece of mind is worth almost anything. live3 in PA so I have driven in weather and roads like that with that terrible nervous feeling, will the car and all of us in it make it home
very nice. what more to test its safety capabilities but with the snowy roads …
And it started right up? Sweet!
Safety is a huge selling point.
Yes, I agree– purchasing the safest vehicle within my means is an excellent guideline when buying a new vehicle.
Great car, but I would be terrified to drive it in the snow and ice. Have fun!
Amazing safety features as well as fun features!
This sounds like a wonderful car.
We are getting a weather break in Illinois – 55 degrees. A heatwave!!
We always try to balance safety and cost when thinking of family car purchases. http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx and http://www.safercar.gov/
Sounds like we could use a car like this. It even sounds affordable which is a major plus.
I agree that safety plays a huge role in value, especially when towing around little ones.
This is too cool! You rarely get to find someone who test drives a car in ‘real’ weather conditions! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Amazing features!
Sounds like Mercedes has included everything you want in a family vehicle.
The anticipatory turn light? That’s an awesome gadget! How cool!
Cool vehicle–good safety features!
Sounds like a good car!
I feel for you in that awful weather! How nice to have a quality vehicle to get through it.
Wow, sounds like the GLK is just the car for you!!
Wow! I agree. You need to “drive the best that you can afford.”
The Lord has blessed us unexpectedly with a stipend bonus for a temporary job assignment for the last 18 months. We have been able to buy 2 almost-new vehicles and pay them off — well, the truck will be paid off next month! We will now put the money we were spending on car payments into a savings account. Hopefully, the next time we need to buy a vehicle, we will have the money to pay in cash! We are soooo excited! God is ooooooo good!
Melissa
I didn’t even know such cool safety features existed. Nice.
Snowy and ice roads are an evryday thing here in WI. We need shorter winters or better cars!
Mercedes
I think feeling safe is a necessity. Especially with kids in tow.
thanks for the reviews- you are such a tease with this and making us all jealous
I like the idea of a turn signal shining a light around the corner!
I am so sorry for your bad weather. I’m glad you have a safe car to drive.
Wow. I’m very impressed. Safety ranks very high for us, so your review hits home. Thanks!
btw, -32 degrees? BRRRRR!
I’ve really never thought of Mercedes as a luxury brand, but as a QUALITY brand. I think there’s a big difference. Thanks for the generous giveaway!
My husband’s SUV died and we bought a small AWD car. It’s a good car and great on gas but in the bad weather I worry about him driving it. I hope they can keep the price down on this car. If it’s the same price as other SUVs I would now consider it.
Reading your reviews is enough to make me want to start car shopping!
Wow, the weather you’re having is really putting this car to the test!
I really like the brake crying feature…Looks like it has a TON of great safety features!
sblilly14(@)yahoo(.)com
I guess you picked a good week to test drive the car, right? Glad the GLK is keeping you family safe. 6 air bags, huh? Pretty impressive how Mercedes is focusing so much on the family segment of the buyers out here.
Turning on a corner light when you activate the turn signal is an awesome idea. Of course, it would do nothing for those annoying people who turn and change lanes without signaling.
Thanks!
I was unaware brakes could auto dry themselves, how neat! Thanks for taking the time to review this vehicle in detail for all of us!
Those features are awesome. Still not convinced to splurge?
Real nice.
What a great giveaway! I agree that purchasing a quality car that’s focused on safety is a good investment. Less repair and maintenance costs would factor in too! Thanks for the great reviews and for the chance to enter a great giveaway!
We don’t get a whole lot of snow here, but I truly believe in the value of buying a quality car. I would rather spend for a better car that will potentially last me a lifetime than something inexpensive that will have to be replaced in a few years.
What a gorgeous car!
Kimba
This car sounds better and better every day. I think you are right that sometimes it is important to invest in a car that may cost a little more but is safe for your family.
Man I’m glad I don’t live in the north…
I’m really impressed – it seems to be performing so well!
What a great car!!
Wow…sounds like the safety features alone are well worth the price. So glad to hear all the good comments!
I am so glad I will never have to go through what you have been experiencing the past few days, but it’s a good to know they make cars to help you deal with it and keep you safe!
The brakes dry themselves? Never heard of a car doing this before.
Sure is something I would trust
There was a review of the GLK in the Sunday edition of the Washington Post. The reviewer said that he was impressed enough by the car that he would consider buying one himself. But he did say it was a little pricey.
Sounds like some awesome safety features…I’d never heard of brakes drying themselves off before!
My Mercedes, the C230 sport, was purchased new in 1999 & has run like a dream ever since. If I ever decided to get a new car, it will definitel be Mercedes!
I never thought about test driving in the ice and snow! What a novel idea! Talk about being able to really find out how the vehicle is going to react!
As much as I would love to drive one for a week, I’d really hate it when they came to take it away. I’m afraid I’d have to handcuff myself to the steering wheel.
It sounds like a terrible day their! I remember those days in Ohio!
familyfirst76(at)hotmail(dot)com
I totally agree with you about the safety issue. It’s a factor when buying any vehicle and I worry about my grandchildren because they can’t afford the cars with all the safety features so they settle for the cheapest that don’t have many of these important accessories that the Mercedes GLK has. You just can’t put a price on safety!
6 air bags! WOW! Also drys brakes. Neat vehicle. I wish I could have gotten to test it out.
Thanks for the review. It’s cool to read a “real person’s account” of driving the car. Love all the safety features you’ve mentioned.
Great car for yourself and family!. Mercedes is known for quality! Would love to own one
holy cow ! minus 32 ! I’m glad I live in Florida -but we could give that Mercedes a real ride in a hurricane ! jtrophy at aol dot com
i think we will seriouly consider this vehicle! thanks for the review!!
I so want one of these!
You’re so right! Frugal is so much more than being ‘cheap.’ Frugal is about using your money wisely, being a good steward and getting a product that will serve your needs and stand the test of time. Being cheap will only last so long–so a good product, even if it costs more, is often the more frugal choice in the long run!
Wow! You’re reviews of this vehicle are so great! You’d think the manufacturer would take notice and somehow make a way for you to get this car.
I’m so jealous of you. I wish my car had all those bells and whistles. Do you have to give back…. Hope you get to keep it..
Oh, this is such a tough one…for now, we live in Florida, so it’s not an issue, but we moved from Kentucky where we got some bad weather every year. It is a delicate balance between frugality and paying more for higher quality.
I know what you mean about the bad weather. We’ve had our share of it. I like the idea of the light when making a turn at night.
Frozen tundra may not be bad if I had that vehicle. Our car is great, but it won’t fit our family when we’re ready for child #3. Sounds like you’re enjoying it so far!!
I am sharing your experience with DH. I was impressed w/ the brake drying feature as well. What a blessing to have a safe car to drive in the “tundra”. Stay safe!!
The GLK sounds like an awesome machine. It is one of those things you fantasize about. Would love to take it for a test run
That is one beautiful car, it is great that it handles just as well! If I were single with no kiddos I would totally live in that car! Love it!
I love the airbags and safety features. Thanks for the info!
I can’t even imagine. Our weather yesterday was a balmy 78.
I love cold and snow, but I’m not sure I love it that much!
This is just the car I could have used when I was a Virginia girl working in Buffalo, NY a couple years back. I was a terror on those snowy roads.
We could really use this in Upstate NY. It sounds really reliable and comfortable.
Oooohh. I can’t imagine driving such a fancy car!
I live on Southern California so I don’t need a car like this on a regular basis, but if I lived in the kind of weather you do, you’ve sold me on the value of the car. Now I understand why Mercedes wanted you to do this test drive! I want to take the kids to see snow soon, but I was worried about driving in those conditions. I think I’ll rent one of these for the trip, it’ll give me such peace of mind. Thank you for the giveaway!
Love the wheels!!!
Once again…couldnt agree with you more about the safety of a vehicle…just wish I could afford the GSK right now…THANKS for the opportunity to win!
Melissa
Wow I can imagine what we could do with that car here. We are now in our January thaw a little late. We have had so much snow and ice this year that Mercedes would have had a real work out here. Any thing to help in the ice and snow can be a real treat. Would love to win a gift card.
We’re in Florida so it’s pretty balmy here… I am originally from Canada and was really missing the snow (my family back home got WAY more snow this year than usual) but, hearing you describe it, maybe I’m not quite as jealous now!
How incredible that you don’t have to worry when driving this vehicle! I can’t imagine that weather–I won’t tell you what temperature it is in South Texas right now.
It sounds like just what we need for N.E. Ohio!
Sounds like a great family car. Loving your reviews. Thanks for sharing.
Somehow I usually get old cars, the PT Cruiser I’m driving now tends to do great in the weather. Granted, we haven’t had much snow this season, but we have had a few nights that were icy and wet. The car did fine for me. Have fun in the GLK!
I’m sure that car is pretty safe especially on the icy roads.
Nothing negative to report so far. I’m impressed.
I’ve never heard of a car with a light that shines around the corner when you flip on your turn signal, that is the coolest feature I’ve ever heard of. There are so many scares I could have avoided if my car had that.
I agree safety in a vehicle is important. Thanks for sharing this vehicle with us. I currently have a Honda Odyssey we purchased because of the safety ratings. It was more expensive than other vans but the safety factor could not be ignored.
I love the extra safety features!
You are having some great adventures.
Our roads are covered in snow now. I’m glad my husband takes the bus to work. Although he’d probably reconsider if we had that vehicle.
What a great opportunity this is -thanks for sharing!
That light around the corner feature – man, I wish our car had it! It’s one of the things I’m always worrying about. While we don’t live in the frozen tundra like you, this car’s got some great features that make me appreciate it more.
Thanks! callmeabookworm at gmail dot com
I totally want this car. Gonna have to stick to my 10 year old Pontiac for now. It’s paid for!
Nothing like this weather to put that Mercedes to the test…it should be good, my husband helped make it.
Thanks for the giveaway.
I have really enjoyed reading about this car. There is no way we could afford one now, but it’s tempting! I didn’t know it had all of those cool safety features, and the fact that you didn’t have any control issues out in the snow if pretty amazing. Thanks!
Such a nice luxury. But it’s great how they are tailoring this car to be more affordable and just as nice. I would love to have one of these.
Sounds like a great vehicle!
I LOVE gift cards and you cannot beat a gift card you can use anywhere Visa is accepted.
Thanks for the opportunity!
Sounds like a great car.
That would be so comforting to know the kiddos had air bag protection, too!
I can’t imagine -32 degrees.
Great giveaway. Love reading all about your extended test drive.
Sounds fantastic–safety is so much more important to me now with kids.
such awesome features on this thing!
I will not ‘knock’ a particular brand of car, but after having driven a wide variety of both American made and “foreign” made vehicles, our next purchase will definitely be the “more expensive, but better quality in the long run” kind of car. And sadly, that is often not American made:-(
It sounds like it has good value!
We don’t have snow, but this would be great car for Texas rain!
I need to show these reviews to my folks (they are looking for something for my Mom).
How will you go back to your old vehicle after driving that all week? Enjoy one more day.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I’d love to test drive that car! Thanks for entering me.
Sounds like a winner!
Wow, that’s great that it has 6 airbags. Safety is important when you’re hauling such precious cargo!!
To me the most important quality in any vehicle is safety! Unless you don’t ever go out on the road, I can’t imagine being any safer than when you are in this Mercedes GLK. The next day after a big snow is always the worst – the ice makes it so dangerous if you are driving a “regular” vehicle!
Love that it has 6 airbags. @independentmami
Wow those safety features are impressive!
car still sounds great…getting a little jealous
Amazing how well it handles in the snow!
Sounds like a great vehicle.
I just want to know what color is it?
How fun for you and the fam!
blessings…lylah
Sounds nice!
another fun post! thanks!
I have to tell my hubby about this. Thanks.
So jealous! I bet it is great to be able to drive such a beautiful car! Wish I could afford one!
You obviously had a good time on your test drives!
this sounds better and better each day
Sounds great!
the all wheel drive safety feature is what i think is missing most in the of the minivan market. it’s nice to see that Mercedes has kept this important feature front and center.
You are so brave to live in negative 32 degree weather!!! Thanks you for the giveaway!
I really love the safety features that most German cars have. Quite amazing!
This Mercedes sound like an amazing car and a lot of fun to drive. Thanks!
You are so right about investing in safety. Sometimes, if we ONLY look at the price tag, we are not thinking about the overall worth of something. Thanks for giving your very valued perspective.
I could really use one of these! Sounds so nice!
Wow, safety comes first, right? But with a Mercedes, what a ride!
I hate driving in the snow…but I guess this car would make it a bit better!
thanks
You have been so lucky and I’m sure the experience has been fun!
WOW, six airbags..that’s some safety loaded into that fine-looking vehicle.
With a four year old daughter, safety is all the more crucial to my family. Driving in areas with lots of little ones around it’s important to be extremely safe while Driving a car.
Safety is HUGE! Thank you for sharing your experience with us! It’s kind of a good thing that you are getting a chance to test this in such challenging conditions.
Wow, I could use a car like that in the frozen tundra of West Michigan where we get the lake effect snows off Lake Michigan!
How fun to get to drive for a week!
This looks a great vehicle for the conditions you’ve been experiencing!
It is so nice to feel safe when driving!
What a blessing you had the car for that lovely day of snow!
Thanks for the review!
Beautiful car!
Very cool!
You are blessed!
Great vehicle!
Oh wintry weather, can’t wait for the Spring.
This sounds like a great car for bad weather, but Im still scared to drive much in snow.
I am totally impressed.
im sold. Thanks for your story.
I also live in the midwest, and love my 4wheel drive.
If I got to have a Mercedes I’d feel like I have “finally arrived.”
No snow here in Florida!
That is one pretty vehicle!
Nice!
thanks for the reviews
What a great car for snow!
Practical and cute!
Wendy
I’ve been following the Mercedes GLK online and waiting for it’s debut for months and looking forward to seeing one up close. I finally got my chance at our local Auto Show this past week. Can you say “IMPRESSED”, I can.
Love this. Great for the snow
All the things you have mentioned have made me rethink my options when I get ready to buy another car. This one sounds top of the line.
I am completely blown away by the brakes that dry themselves off automatically. Now that is smart engineering! Only a lot of self-control is keeping me from bowing and chanting “I am not worthy!”
6 air bags is great! All cars should have that many.
Safety is #1 in the engineering of Mercedes. I drive a newer C class and the brake system is phenomenal. Count me in! Thanks.
I would like the air drying brakes and the lights around the corner feature! Especially for deer in the country.
i live far from paradise, so the features and safety of this vehicle is very important to my family.