With a budget of €14,000 we’re looking for a premium brand SUV. Requirement: a six-cylinder. We’re examining a sporty BMW X3, an angular Mercedes-Benz GLK, and as a third candidate an unknown: the Infiniti EX37.
Crossovers, SUVs, high-riders… whatever you want to call them, this body style has completely made it and is indispensable from the automotive landscape. From compact to full-size and from budget brand to premium stable; the choice is huge. Moreover, many people have a reason to purchase such a model. If it’s not the rugged appearance, then it’s the high seating position. They also remain popular as used vehicles.
BMW X3 3.0i High Executive – 2006 – 178,556 kilometers – €13,450
After the surprisingly taut-driving X5, BMW introduced the X3 in late 2003. It was somewhat more compact and lighter, and therefore perhaps drove even better. This appealed to consumers, as it sold like hotcakes, despite the downright firm chassis. This BMW X3 is from that first generation and is a sight to behold. Black metallic on the outside and a cognac-colored leather interior that’s packed with luxury features, with the famous three-liter inline six-cylinder engine under the hood, coupled to an automatic transmission.
The driving position behind the wheel is excellent, and both headroom and legroom are generous front and rear. The trunk measures 480 liters (expandable to 1,560 liters), the braked towing capacity is 2 tons, so this Bavarian is practical. And sporty, because it excels in driving characteristics. The drive forces of the 3.0 are electronically distributed between the front and rear axles. The result is extremely stable and controllable road behavior, partly thanks to the steering that provides excellent feedback. In addition to that all-wheel drive, you’ll also manage well off-road with features like a locking differential and hill assist.
On board the X-711-HK we find features such as bi-xenon lighting, electrically operated panoramic roof, seat heating, automatically folding side mirrors, parking sensors all around, navigation system and beautiful light alloy wheels. All together, this makes the X3 a fine companion, a true driver’s car. At least, if you value sportiness higher than comfort. If the latter is the case, then it might be wiser to look at the next showroom.
Type X3 3.0i High Executive
Model year May 2006
Mileage 178,556
Asking price €13,450
Technical specifications
Engine 6-cyl. inline, 2,979 cc
Max. power 170 kW/231 hp at 5,900 rpm
Max. torque 300 Nm at 3,500 rpm
Curb weight 1,740 kg
Cargo space 480 l/1,560 l
Max. braked trailer 2,000 kg
Average consumption 1:8.3 (NEDC)
0-100 km/h 8.1 s
Top speed 210 km/h
Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4Matic – 2012 – 231,448 kilometers – €13,600
A full 6.5 years younger is this Mercedes-Benz GLK, which however has done more errands. The asking price seems slightly higher, but this is an all-inclusive price including warranty (unfortunately also only three months). Under the hood is a V6 that is significantly more powerful and more economical than the BMW engine. So the Benz seems to have won the first round, but then you have to be able to live with its chunky appearance – the GLK somewhat resembles a Tonka truck. That has always been an obstacle to more success, because in our country it never reached the sales numbers of the Q5 and X3.
The N-275-DB is therefore an import car that has been on our roads since 2021 and has had two owners. This used car is the facelift model that can be recognized externally by, among other things, the lighting with LED elements. Inside, nicer materials were used and that shows: light beige leather finish, a brown(!) steering wheel, dark wood panels… The best part is that age and experience don’t show. In the front it offers more space than the X3, in the rear less. In any case, comfort takes precedence. The electric power steering is meaty enough, but only communicates limitedly with the driver about what’s happening under the wheels and seems to have difficulty handling rapid successive steering movements. But given the lean tendencies of the high body (you also sit quite ‘on the perch’), maybe you shouldn’t want that. Calm cruising is more its thing, but off-road it holds its own just like the X3. Electrically adjustable front seats with memory system, tow hitch (braked towing weight 2,400 kg), electric tailgate, 20-inch wheels and a start-stop system are some aspects that distinguish it from its countryman. The X3 counters with its sporty accents and the dual glass roof.
Brand Mercedes-Benz
Type GLK 350 4Matic
Model year December 2012
Mileage 231,448
Asking price €13,600
Technical specifications
Engine V6, 3,498 cc
Max. power 225 kW/306 hp at 6,500 rpm
Max. torque 370 Nm at 3,500 rpm
Curb weight 1,745 kg
Cargo space 450 l/1,550 l
Max. braked trailer 2,400 kg
Average consumption 1:12.3 (NEDC)
0-100 km/h 6.5 s
Top speed 238 km/h
Infiniti EX37 – 2010 – 189,079 kilometers – €12,950
Japanese luxury brands don’t have it easy here because of – mainly – German competition. Xedos (from Mazda) threatens to fall into oblivion, Honda’s Acura was never delivered, Lexus (Toyota) is the only one holding on, because Infiniti has also disappeared by now. For those who want to keep Nissan’s premium branch alive, this Infiniti EX 37 is ready in Almere. In terms of age and mileage, it sits between the Germans, the price is slightly lower, while Bovag delivery service and three months warranty are included. The 29-KRF-9 is originally Dutch and has had two owners. This seems to give the Japanese an advantage, as does its exclusivity.
But then the downside: what is the trade-in value in the long term? What about parts and bodywork? Mechanically, there doesn’t seem to be much wrong, because the hefty 3.7 also resides in the Nissan 370Z, for example. It’s a true high-revving machine, but also quiet and refined, the seven-speed automatic suits it well. However, the chassis can’t always keep up with all the power. Short irregularities are not really its thing. You notice that the suspension and damping have to give them all, which sometimes makes the car somewhat nervous. The seats covered in smooth leather don’t excel in lateral support (incidentally, you sit less ‘on the perch’ than in the GLK), so fast cornering isn’t much fun either. Comfortable cruising is what the EX loves. You do that in a very luxurious interior that does offer somewhat less interior space than both Germans, with the – admittedly beautiful – sloping roofline contributing to rear passengers not being too tall. The cargo space for such a large car can only be described as ‘reasonable’.
Electric adjustment of the front seats including memory system, 360-degree camera, Bose audio, navigation system, electric tailgate… the first owner checked almost all options back then in addition to the already extensive standard equipment of this exotic.
Brand Infiniti
Model year January 2010
Mileage 189,079
Asking price €12,950
Technical specifications
Engine V6, 3,696 cc
Max. power 235 kW/320 hp at 7,000 rpm
Max. torque 360 Nm at 5,200 rpm
Curb weight 1,776 kg
Cargo space 340 l/1,175 l
Max. braked trailer 1,500 kg
Average consumption 1:8.9 (NEDC)
0-100 km/h 6.4 s
Top speed 240 km/h
Three used cars that stand out from the crowd. Which one should it be?
Three used cars that literally (because high-riders) and figuratively (because premium) stand out from the crowd. The BMW X3 is built on sporty principles, but may be too hard for many. Comfort seekers prefer the GLK. Adventurers enter into a relationship with the Infiniti EX37. It offers slightly less interior and cargo space and chassis refinement, but its operating costs will be cheaper, although the GLK is relatively economical. Maintenance and later trade-in could become an issue. Which used car may quickly hit the paved and unpaved roads again?