It’s post harvest time and space is plentiful in Santa Barbara, California, for the winter season. It’s the perfect time to find a cut-rate room amongst the vineyards and ostrich ranches to accommodate a bunch of slovenly media types to see the latest in niche SUVs from Mercedes-Benz . Is it a smaller, over-contented version of an M or GL-Class, or does it really fill the bill for a smaller package?
We’ll find out.
What is it?
A sharply creased, angularly shaped mid-sized SUV, it is a five-place model that, to our eyes, is right-sized for a family of four plus a medium-sized pet. It is one based on the new architecture seen in the recently introduced C-Class sedans. It’s available in a two-wheel, rear-drive configuration as well as full-time 4Matic all-wheel drive.
Mercedes officials call it a pathway into the brand, as well as a vehicle to catch “downsizers†leaving larger SUVs on their dealer’s used car lot.
What’s it up against?
The GLK’s natural adversaries includes the Acura RDX, Infiniti EX35, Lexus RX350, from Japan, and the BMW X3, and Land Rover LR2 from Europe. In various option and trim packages, the GLK has the ability to price in under, as well as over some of its competition.
Any breakthroughs?
The inclusion of all-wheel-drive seems to be the trend today as far as luxury utes are concerned, and in this case, the GLK does not disappoint. Using the same 4Matic drive as that found in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class flagship, the GLK finds itself right in the center of the fray.
To the computerized assists throughout, add the seven-speed automatic transmission, and all the other gee-whiz features like 4ETS traction control with brake and throttle intervention and stabilizer bars with Agility Control, and you have a package that would definitely tax even a well-sorted version of Windows Vista, if such an animal existed.
How does it look?
Squint from a distance, and you’ll see design cues from the big, burly Geländewagen (aka G-Wagen). Riding on a wheelbase that is a half-inch shorter than the C-class, it is suitably compressed but still able to impart a feeling that is anything but “squeezed.†From the M-B star placed front and center of the chevron shapes in the grille to the power bulge in the hood, to the character cutlines on the sides, the GLK is crisp in not quite a “ Jeep Cherokee†sort of way, but crisp, nonetheless. Overall, though, we have to say that the GLK looks much better in person than in photos.
With 7.9-inches of ground clearance, the GLK rides not quite as high as some of its SUV brethren, but it’s not dragging its undercarriage either. Let’s just call this an “occasional†off-roader. Our test vehicle was equipped with optional running boards, further limiting off road ability. Were we to order the GLK ourselves, we would skip this option, as chances are good that you’ll encounter many cases of dirty pant legs from brushing against the boards during entry and egress.
And inside?
Interior is very clean – a nice, modern, dark layout (with the charcoal-colored leather), which is somewhat of a departure in contemporary Mercedes design. A minimal amount of buttons on the center stack and head unit lead to a clean design overall, the COMAND controller gets easier to use every time we encounter it in a new M-B vehicle. Our test vehicle was equipped with M-B’s navigation system and the now ubiquitous iPod connectivity package.
The gauge binnacle directly in front of the driver features white numerals over a black field, and a floating speedometer needle which frees up the speedo’s center info screen that tells your next move when using the GLK’s navigation system.
The steering wheel is typical M-B fare. The control dial for climate, audio, and navigation is now located to the rear of the gear selector, which works just fine for us.
But does it go?
Powered by Mercedes-Benz ’s tried and true 3.5-liter V6, the GLK feels adequately powered for its size. The 3,498cc engine supplies an advertised 268 horsepower, and 258 lb-ft of torque, which results in a superb, very satisfying exhaust note, if not gobs of stump pulling power. But it will be sufficient for most needs that its owners will encounter. The seven-speed automatic transmission has the ability to skip gears as it goes up and down through the range in an effort to maximize acceleration and fuel economy. It also features a lock-up clutch mechanism that can “lock up in any gear for maximum fuel efficiency.†More on that in a moment.
The GLK’s handling is surprisingly good considering the impression that it possibly is top heavy, by appearance if not in reality. Displaying a great road feel, the GLK offers understeer that is controllable and enables fun runs through the twisties of wine country in the central California coast. The handling is well controlled for most styles of driving, but could be stiffer, if say, for instance AMG decided to massage the GLK into a smallish ‘bahn-burning SUV. The 4Matic all-wheel-drive with 4ETS traction control pushes the right amount of power out to each individual corner. The result is a vehicle that has a direct connection that eliminates slippage when engaged.
Back to the mileage: Moderate mileage is the Achille’s heel of the GLK: It boasts mileage figures that belong on a midsize SUV more than this 4,036-pound compact-sized SUV. The EPA says the GLK averages 16 mpg around town and 21 on the highway.
With Mercedes’ C-Class success in the compact sedan segment, it’s clear that the size is striking a note with consumers. That the GLK is sharing various platform parts and many similar dimensions should make it attractive to new and downsizing buyers alike. It is a size that we have grown to appreciate and one that should do fine in the marketplace.
There is talk of Mercedes-Benz USA making a case for a four-cylinder version of the BlueTec diesel engine. Having spent a considerable amount of time in the ML320 BlueTEC big brother, we can heartily say, “bring it onâ€
Why you would buy it:
The rugrats are off in college now and your soccer mom needs are no longer so, uh, soccer mom-ish. Besides, gas is back down to the price of a bottle of Trader Joe’s “Two-Buck Chuck.â€
Why you wouldn’t:
As far as mileage ratings and fuel prices, you are a firm believer of the saying that “those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it.
2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 4Matic base price, $35,900. As tested, $44,015.
Premium 1 package, $3,150; Multimedia Package, $3,350; Heated front seats, $740; Destination, $875.
Words and photos by Mark Elias.
