2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic Review

Undeniably destined to become the darling of debutante's driveways across the nation, it was inevitable that Daimler-Benz would introduce a crossover based on the Mercedes-Benz C Class platform.

Drawing design cues and inspiration from the rugged Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen G-Class, but suitably softened and rendered in an approachably tidy size, the GLK350’s pugnacious good looks and relatively affordable starting price fairly guarantee its success in the marketplace.

 Inside, anyone familiar with a contemporary Mercedes-Benz automobile will feel right at home in the GLK. Angular themes predominate. All of the comfort and convenience features found in the C-Class sedans are found in the GLK350 as well. This, of course includes the COMAND system, which integrates audio, telephone, navigation and certain aspects of the climate control system into one device. Steering wheel-mounted buttons can also be used to control the telephone and audio. 

Eight-way power seats, dual-zone climate control, a gapingly large sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity, full control over an iPod, and an eight-speaker audio system are among the interior’s other embellishments. The COMAND system also features a new voice control function as an option, which provides hands-free operation of navigation, telephone, and audio.

A particularly trick feature of the dual-zone automatic climate control system-- is the way any open windows as well as the sunroof will close automatically if the recirculate button is depressed and held for two seconds. Pressing the button again for two seconds will reopen them. Rear seat passengers get two central air vents mounted in the back of the center console, enabling both the airflow rate and direction to be adjusted separately.

 

The cargo area features some nice touches as well. In addition to the de rigueur 12-Volt DC outlet, you’ll find a flat load surface nearly 66 inches long with the rear seat folded. With the seat in place you still have about 55 inches to work with. That’s a split folding rear seat by the way. Underneath the load floor is a hidden storage compartment that can be divided into smaller portions via the use of a removable storage tub. A safety partition net and a power-operated rear hatch are available as optional equipment.

As its nomenclature suggests, the GLK350 is powered by Mercedes “American” 3.5-liter gasoline fired V6. Found in the majority of product Mercedes-Benz offers in the United States, the engine supplies 268 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque to give the GLK a pleasing exhaust note, more than adequate acceleration, and the ability to run quietly and smoothly at highway speeds. Zero to 60 is estimated at just over six seconds, while top speed is limited to 143 miles per hour.

According to Mercedes spokespeople, the GLK350 will be delivered initially with one drivetrain configuration. That said, Mercedes-Benz’s excellent 4Matic all-wheel drive is standard along with the V6. A seven-speed automatic transmission will route power from the 3.5 to all four wheels. There is however a possibility the U.S. will get a clean diesel version of the crossover in the near future. With the 3.5's fuel economy quoted at 16-city and 21-highway, and given the deep well of diesel technology at MBZ, it’s surprising the company missed the opportunity to offer a 40-mpg Mercedes-Benz SUV at launch. That would definitely have turned some heads.

Still, other interesting tech abounds, the seven-speed automatic is designed to decouple from the engine at rest, much as depressing the clutch pedal in a manual transmission equipped car separates the engine and transmission. This allows for smoother idling, reduces wear on the engine and makes the GLK quieter at traffic signals and in other situations where the engine is operating but the vehicle is stationary.

As you’d expect from a Mercedes-Benz product, the GLK350’s highway manners are impeccable. Despite the relatively high center of gravity, the crossover is also remarkably maneuverable, taking to winding roads and crowded parking lots with similar alacrity. Much gratitude for this goes to the fact that the GLK essentially co-opts the new C-Class suspension system. Anyone who’s driven a C-Class car has come away duly impressed with the handling and ride comfort. Happily, this transfers directly to the GLK as well.

Posing on standard 19-inch tires and wheels (20’s optional) the GLK has a nicely aggressive stance that should hold near universal appeal. That dinner-plate sized three-pointed star in the grille doesn’t hurt either. At the SEMA show in November, MBUSA showed a few customized GLKs in an effort to get the aftermarket community primed. The lines of the GLK respond clean to a bit of bling, as the accompanying photos show.

 

With a starting price in the middle 30s, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic should prove to be a pretty popular addition to your friendly neighborhood MBZ store when it goes on sale this month (January).