Overview & Reviews
The Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class may be one of the least expensive models the German company produces, but you wouldn't suspect that by the way this small crossover looks, feels and drives. Close one of the doors or drive over a set of railroad tracks and you can't help but feel the sense of over-engineered solidity that permeates every inch of this compact luxury SUV. Indeed, it's this innate Benz quality that sets the GLK apart from the other crossovers in its class.
However, there are now more competitors in this class than ever before. Most match the GLK in terms of available equipment and performance, yet also offer a roomier backseat and cargo area. As such, the GLK probably isn't the most family-friendly choice. Even so, that unmistakable Mercedes-Benz engineering and craftsmanship makes the GLK-Class worth a look.
Current Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is a five-passenger premium crossover SUV offered in two trim levels: the gasoline-powered GLK350 and the diesel GLK250 Bluetec variant.
The GLK350 is powered by Mercedes' familiar 3.5-liter V6 that develops 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard. The GLK250 Bluetec utilizes a 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that makes 200 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, along with the seven-speed automatic. Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is optional on the GLK350 and standard on the GLK250 Bluetec.
GLKs come standard with dual-zone climate control, power front seats, leatherette upholstery, Bluetooth and a six-speaker audio system. Optional luxuries include a panoramic sunroof, a navigation system, a rearview camera and a premium surround-sound audio system. Buyers can also opt for rear-seat DVD entertainment, full leather seating, bi-xenon headlights, rear parking sensors and a multitude of cosmetic appearance options.
Drive the Mercedes-Benz GLK350 back to back with a C350 sedan and you're bound to notice similarities. The steering feel and ride quality are remarkably similar, and the GLK's interior has many identical controls. Both have impressive materials and fit and finish. To go along with its blocky exterior styling, however, the look of the GLK's interior is more austere and upright. In back, rear seat space is surprisingly good for two adults, though getting in and out can be a squeeze. Maximum cargo capacity is noticeably less than what's provided by most other luxury competitors.
On the road, the GLK's V6 delivers smooth and snappy performance, with 0-60-mph sprints right at the 6-second mark. While not the equal of more agile rivals like the BMW X3 or Infiniti EX35, the GLK350's handling is certainly capable and confidence-inspiring around corners. The GLK250 Bluetec brings the segment's first diesel engine and takes about 2 seconds longer to hit 60 mph. The obvious trade-off is significantly increased fuel economy: The Mercedes-Benz GLK250 Bluetec is rated at 28 mpg combined, versus 21 combined for the GLK350 4Matic.
The GLK's ride is firm in typical Germanic fashion, but it absorbs rutted bumps easily and masters even rough highways without the slightest hint of harshness or chatter. In such conditions, the cabin remains impressively quiet, with very little wind or road noise.
Used Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Models
The Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class was introduced for 2010. In that first year, the GLK lacked the current car's driver's knee and front side hip airbags. The AMG Sport package was also not available. The 2013 model year saw the debut of the GLK250 Bluetec diesel, along with an increase in the V6's power output (previously 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque) and improved fuel economy. Other changes that year included a slight styling update inside and out, an automatic stop-start system (that turns off the engine when the vehicle stops to save fuel) and enhanced electronics and infotainment features.
User Reviews:
Showing 31 through 40 of 156.00-
Almost missed out - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
By tribefan - July 7 - 6:53 amWe had looked at and test drove the RX350 and Q5. We had decided on buying the Q5 when my wife saw an ad for the GLK. As soon as we got in the car and drove the first quarter mile I was sold. It is a solid, quiet, well built car. Although the GLK is not as big as the RX350 and Q5 I am 6 foot 240 lbs and have plenty of room whether in the driver, passenger, or back seat. Love the heated seats and COMMAND system. Noticed others have commented on brake and transmission problems. I have had none, brakes and trans are solid just like the rest of the car. What struck me was you do not have to raise your voice to be heard, even at freeway speeds. Beautiful car.
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Very pleased - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
By coadster - April 28 - 4:43 amVery solid, sharp vehicle. Feels like it is carved out of one piece of steel.
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Issue with brakes - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
By JJ - March 20 - 9:16 pmA Mercedes through and through, except the brakes. Same platform as the C class sedan and apparently same brakes which are not strong enough. Have to pump them once to get them to grab like they should. Dealership said theyve had similar complaints and MB is working on a resolution. They better do it quickly - braking is very below average and possibly dangerous.
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Amazing Benz - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
By NH Benz guy - March 1 - 10:00 amI love this car. I traded in my 2008 Saab 9-3 aero xwd for it. I loved my saab so much but I needed more room and since I moved to the city, got tired of the standard transmission. The GLK has great edgy looks and a powerful V6. The 268 hp in this car feels so much better than in the ML350 since it weighs hundreds of pounds less. Great long distance comfort and very stable at high speeds. Had it up to 120 and it felt rock solid as a true Mercedes should.
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Edmunds and Carfax excellent research tools - 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
By Craig Wojciekofsky - February 28 - 3:44 pmget the Carfax report
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Better than our former 2008 E350 - 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
By whoever - February 27 - 12:10 pmWe just returned and terminated our 3-year leased 2008 E350 5 months earlier last week and decided to lease this 2-wheel drive GLK-350. We have driven the E350 for the 3rd year but could never get used to it, because every time we got into it, we felt cramped and always got the phobia with lot of blind spots all around, its wheel base is too long to make easy turns into any shopping center entrance opening, as the right rear wheel would often hit and ride on the curb and keep damaging the wheel rim and the tire. The E350 drive side rear-view mirror is equipped with a dark auto-dim film, so it makes the driving at night often impaired and dangerous, and its a very stupid over-killed fixture.
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Great Car - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
By KP - December 5 - 5:33 amI bought this car in August after doing a quick look at the Q5 and XC60. The Q5 was too expensive with the options I wanted, and XC60 wasnt as refined. You will enjoy the creamy engine and transparent shifting. IF you do live in a cratered environment like northern NJ, forego the appearance pkg and keep the 19" wheels. It handles like a sedan around corners with little body lean but the rear suspension does jostle a bit over rough pavement. I am extremely impressed with the quality of reliability of this car as well as its vault-like solidity. The COMAND system really sold this car for me, its absolutely amazing! If you can handle its small size, it really is a gr8 buy!
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solid very well built - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
By Phoenix - October 21 - 12:40 amMy wife bought a new Lexus RX .I bought the Mercedes GLK. My wife says hers is more of a womans SUV the GLK is more of a mans SUV. Her Lexus has been in the shop 2 times in 4 months (2351 miles) Mercedes-Benz 5014 miles O times in shop. I won but lost she now drives the GLK and I have to drive the Lexus RX this stinks (boring,boring,boring).I will be trade my wifes Lexus in this week end.
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Great and safe car - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
By Giuliana Cline - July 10 - 1:00 am -
2012 glk 4 matic - 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
By ajusay74 - June 27 - 11:19 pmLittle bit small but excellent suv, fun to drive and i love the style
