Your point is well taken. First of all, the MB GLK cannot be seriously considered as a competitor to the others (I almost ordered a GLK until I drove the X5 diesel and 3.0, and of course the X6). Nice vehicle, but it has too many compromises for what appears to be visual effect rather than the BMW philosophy of "form follows function". The SRX is indeed a nice looking vehicle (although the feel of all exterior and interior surfaces and controls are still out of the GM dark ages mentality), but it is NOT a car for someone who will expect it to be able to keep out of its own way, and be safe at high speeds during evasive maneuvers. Detroit still doesn't know how to design a vehicle that is a direct extension of the driver's input (be it good or bad). Still like driving an appliance down the boulevard rather than a true dynamic motor vehicle.

I think it all boils down to the fact of Detroit building vehicles catering to the lowest common denominator of driving abilities and training of the majority of drivers in the US. Most people on our roads really have nowhere near the skill required to operate those vehicles at the speeds that they do everyday. Thus, Detroit continues to put out crap that will appease the masses, and will be loose enough to work in traffic without causing many wrecks by dismally uneducated, arrogant, and plain stupid US drivers.