2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK: The C Class SUV

It came as no surprise in the industry when the GLK arrived at Mercedes. The competition already had a strong presence in this market and that was all the Mercedes brass needed to put their latest creation in the ring. Small luxury compact sport vehicles are finding more and more takers among avid luxury and all-wheel drive buyers. Vehicles like the BMW X3 or the Audi Q5 have nothing else to prove. They’re solid, well made and rather easy on the eyes. The GLK joins the group with a little more angular look, which is reminiscent of the imposing G-Class.

Original design

In fact, the brand’s designers wanted to give the GLK a different style than what is currently offered in this category, and there’s no doubt that they succeeded. The GLK is low and stocky, with high and large windows. Like the cabin, the fenders have angular lines. Unfortunately, people are divided on the design, and some even rank it in the same category as the now defunct Pontiac Aztek. However, others swear without hesitation that it’s a style masterpiece. So, as was the case with the PT Cruiser, the die is cast, so love it or hate it, it leaves no one indifferent.

In familiar territory

Inside the GLK, the presentation will make you feel right at home. The Mercedes label is everywhere, starting with the classic, plain and unpretentious styling of the dashboard. The controls are generally well placed, though sometimes the buttons are too small. Learning to use all of the commands efficiently takes some time, but it ends up being very ergonomical. The finish is excellent and there are no major flaws in the layout of the materials.

The buttons on the door help you find a driving position easily and comfortably. The seats offer sufficient lateral support and a long seat cushion. The front bucket seats are quite comfortable despite the firmness of the cushions. High quality leather helps create a hushed ambiance in the passenger compartment in both the front and in back, and with such a high roof line, everyone benefits from generous head room too.

A real Mercedes

Once behind the wheel of the GLK, its Mercedes-Benz DNA will be immediately recognizable. The ride is smooth, solid and reassuring. The soundproofing is excellent and the body noises are totally non-existent since the GLK shares the ultra-rigid platform of the C-Class. The shocks work wonders and gaps in the road seem to repair themselves thanks to the adaptive suspensions that Mercedes baptized Agility Control. The system is so efficient that you almost get the impression that you’re driving a concrete block on rails. The large rims help make the ride smooth and limit the roll considerably. The steering is heavy at high speed (which is good) and generously assisted at low speed in order to aid parking.

Solid performances

The GLK comes in only one version, the 350. Unlike other Mercedes models, equipping the GLK with a more powerful engine is out of the question. So we’ll never see a GLK450 or a GLK550 AMG, but that’s a wise decision since this type of vehicle isn’t made for a sportier ride or a more prestigious engine. The “little” 3.5-litre six-cylinder is more than up to the task of powering the GLK, whether it’s on the road or in 30 centimetres of mud. 4Matic all-wheel drive guarantees a reassuring ride on the road but doesn’t give the GLK unfailing off-road capabilities. It will be just fine on Quebec’s snowy roads but don’t expect to join a Jeep “Trail Rated” group – you won’t be able to keep up. Otherwise, the performances on asphalt are about average for this type of vehicle. The braking is powerful and hard to adjust since the brake pedal is very sensitive. Accelerations and pick-up are made livelier by the powerful sound the engine produces. Pitching, like roll, is almost non-existent whether you’re flooring it or braking.

Mercedes is a Johnny-come-lately in the sport compact vehicle category. It compares favourably with the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, but its exterior style doesn’t quite measure up. While the other two German vehicle lines are almost unanimously liked, the GLK doesn’t appeal to all Mercedes lovers. That said, its reliability, strength, originality, price and the Mercedes reputation will at least help it get in the game. Too bad it arrived so late!