If I were ever going to own an SUV, it would be something like the all-new Mercedes Benz GLK350.
It’s got a lengthy list of standards at a base level. It drives incredibly well. It’s small enough for comfortable city driving, yet large enough to have usable cargo space. And it’s attractive. Not to mention the Mercedes cachet. Oh, and the base price? It rings in at $34,775.
The five-passenger GLK-Class launches as a 2010 model, but the 4MATIC model is available now, and the base rear-wheel drive GLK350 appears at dealers in April. The GLK is slotted as the new compact entry-level SUV for Mercedes, with a price point to match. Upgrading to the M-Class increases the MSRP by $13K, and the GL-Class adds $24K over the GLK.
Without spending any extra money on options, a buyer is looking at standard features such as 19-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires, dual chrome exhaust tips, roof rails, Bluetooth, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control adaptive brakes, six airbags and Agility Control suspension.
What isn’t included are some fairly basic features I’d expect at a luxury level. However, this à la cart menu is typical of a Mercedes. Here’s a heads up for you on some of those items you’ll have to pay extra for: an iPod integration kit ($375), park assist ($790), heated front seats ($740) and any color of exterior paint other than red, white or black ($720).
The test vehicle was the 4MATIC version, which was greatly appreciated in this hideous weather we’ve been having. Base price with the all-wheel drive is $36,775, and believe me, for an extra $2K over the base model, it’s so worth it.
The test vehicle didn’t stop there, and it added a slew of options that quickly hurtled the price out of the realm of entry level luxury. Because this car is so new, I didn’t get a sticker sheet with the test vehicle, but based on the survey of options, I put the as-tested price at $48,435. This includes the Premium Package ($3,150), the Full Leather Seating Package ($1,750), the Multimedia Package ($3,350), park assist ($790), rear-seat entertainment ($1,880) and heated front seats ($740).
Other than heated seats, all-wheel drive and iPod adapter, I could be pretty happy without the multitude of options on the GLK test vehicle. Especially because the rear-seat entertainment system is ugly and the COMAND system (included in the Multimedia Package) is a bit over the top.
While I’m a recent convert to the necessity of a rear-seat entertainment system for families, I really didn’t like the presentation of the particular system in the GLK. Rather than a screen that pops down from the ceiling, this system has individual screens that are attached to the rear of the driver and front-passenger seats. Visually, the screens look tacked on in an inexpensive aftermarket kind of way. I didn’t spend any time in the back seat, but every time I looked back there I cringed. Ick. This is not something I’d expect from a vehicle carrying the Mercedes name.
Though I wouldn’t opt for the COMAND system personally, I do have to admit it is actually getting better. The COMAND control dial is in an easier-to-reach position at the front of the armrest, and you don’t have to glide through an infinite number of confusing screens to get to your radio stations or navigation system. It does still require some eyes-off-the-road time, which is a no-no, but once you get your preferences and presets entered, it does get easier.
Powering the GLK is a 3.5-liter V-6, and this engine is superb. It delivers 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Mated to the seven-speed transmission, the power is smooth seamless and fast. Fast to the tune of 6.5 seconds for a 0-to-60-mph time. Not bad for a 4,036-pound vehicle.
Whether I was navigating through the mounds of snow in my alley or zipping down the highway, the GLK was perfectly acclimated to both situations. From the engine power to the actual ride-and-handling, I have zero complaints with how the test vehicle drove. It did exactly what I needed in every situation, and I couldn’t have been more pleased.
I was also pleased with the looks of Mercedes’ newest SUV. The GLK has strong straight lines and the bold Mercedes grille. It’s more than just a sawed-off version of the ML-Class and GL-Class SUVs. It has a more angular profile, and, in my opinion, it’s more attractive. The long nose combined with the chiseled hood lines and fender flares are distinct and modern.
The interior is what you’d expect from Mercedes with clean simple lines and monochromatic color scheme. All the touch points are solid and easy to reach. Gauges and controls are simple yet attractive, and I particularly appreciate the digital info screen housed within the speedometer. I also had an excellent driving position with an excellent view of the road.
Overall, I liked the GLK. Ditch most of the options, and you’ve got an excellent all-wheel drive vehicle that’s both stylish and relatively affordable …for a luxury vehicle.
