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:

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  Better than our former 2008 E350 - 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By whoever - February 27 - 12:10 pm

  We 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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  Second thoughts - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By frank - January 22 - 11:33 pm

  We loved the car until twice the car ESP system went haywire and the car lost power, shook like a washing machine and lost steering. Pretty scary. No explanation could be found, every computer test passed, yet this happened twice, Could lead to an accident. Trying to follow up with a second check up but I doubt the cause will show up.

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  Great Car - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By KP - December 5 - 5:33 am

  I 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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  Love the Car Beware it has Problems and MB wont stand behind the consumer - 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By dodikim - December 1 - 2:59 am

  I love this car and it comforts and how it drives and the amenities. But BEWARE this car has problems. These cars have issues and MBUSA nor the dealerships will not stand or help you in the least bit. I have begged until I am blue in the face The check engine light illuminates after filling up with gas and in numerous instances because of a "throttle valve problem that no dealership in Florida nor Georgia have been able to replicate causes the car to go "limp" meaning you cant accerate on the gas. My most recent episode was a week ago on I-75 and I had to beg Mercedes Roadside Assistance to send a Roadside Tech to come assist me at night. Which they refused to do.

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  Could be better - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By Hatrick - November 8 - 4:56 am

  I had this SUV for a year now and I must admit that MB has not yet sorted out transmission and brakes on this model. It seems that "electronic brain" is not governing transmission shifts correctly and is very evident during "stop and go" traffic: 1-to-2 gear shift, during downshift or at brake time. Just touching the brakes, creates an immediate and unnecessary downshift, sometimes more than one gear. Good vehicle for someone who does not care how it drives - just gets there. Although, it is very good in the snow. During cold weather, electronic cluster displays erroneous messages (Low Coolant and Washer Level) and front shocks made strange noise, until the car warms up.

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  solid very well built - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By Phoenix - October 21 - 12:40 am

  My 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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  Worst car ever!!!!!!!!!!! - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By mp - September 27 - 4:56 pm

  Great service at the dealer, got hypnotized by the Mercedez salesman. Got the car, big disappointment. The fuel economy is the worst, no leg room in the rear seat. Cant go on a long trip with this car. You have to press brakes long before stopping. No luxurious at all. Front seats very small. 6 male wont fit. This is not a suv feels, this is like a little car, just to go and buy groceries. Just because it got the Mercedez emblem, thats not mean is driven and feel like a Mercedez. Doesnt come with seat warmers, to open the car youll would have to open all the locks, not just the drivers. Youll have to open the locks, when in vehicle to release passengers in back seat. Big mistake.

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  Great and safe car - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By Giuliana Cline - July 10 - 1:00 am

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  2012 glk 4 matic - 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By ajusay74 - June 27 - 11:19 pm

  Little bit small but excellent suv, fun to drive and i love the style

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  Buyer beware! - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By Paul Stephens - May 31 - 5:40 am

  Pros: I love the feel of this car when driving. Its solid with great acceleration. I also like the fact that you can put the car into the "hold" position (while stopped at a light for example) and the car will temporarily cut off theoretically saving on gas. Once you put your foot on the accelerator it kicks back into drive seamlessly. Its a quality made vehicle, and overall the drive and performance is great. Cons: For several years, I drove a BMW X5 and a Lexus RX350 before purchasing this vehicle. As one reviewer mentioned, it took concentrated maneuvering to get either the Beemer and Lexus into my garage because of their larger size. I bought the GLK thinking it was marginally smaller and therefore not as much trouble to get in and out of the garage. It took a while to notice that its not just marginally smaller, its tremendously smaller than either the Beemer or the Lexus. In fact, the interior room is so much smaller that I sometime have trouble getting in and out. The leg room in the backseat is a joke. My son is only 510", but I had to move all the seats forward when bringing him home after surgery. I couldnt get his size 11 feet into the back comfortably. Not only is there insufficient leg room, but theres no room to just put "stuff". You know- stuff - like things you would normally keep in your glove compartment besides the owner manual. Forget it. This is the smallest glove compartment Ive ever seen. The owners manual barely fits. If you have other "stuff" to put there youd better think of something else. Dont expect to have room in the side pockets or the pockets on the back of the seats either - almost non-existent. The armrest in the middle has some room but not by much. Im on the road a lot. While I drive I like to listen to audio books via my Iphone. I expect the bluetooth to pick up the book as soon as I get into the car. Thats the way it worked on the previous two vehicles. Not with the GLK. Sometimes my book starts automatically. Sometimes it doesnt. It drives me crazy when Im on a long stretch of highway and lose the signal. Thats happened more than a few times. Driving and trying to manipulate the small letters (I wear reading glasses and cant see as well as I used to) on the dashboard or with the little "wheel" to try to reconnect bluetooth isnt always easy. Just trying to see whether Im pushing the Navi, Radio, Disc button is beyond my vision and graphics be damned they are not all that intuitive. Its been a year since I purchased the vehicle. It has less than 6K miles on it. As I now contemplate trading it in, Ive found that the value of the car has dropped by at least 35% after only a year. I got 60% on trade for my Lexus - after 5 years! Turns out the GLK doesnt hold its value. Im disappointed in that, but you live and learn. Overall, the GLK drives smoothly, accelerates quickly but buyer beware theres a lot of little annoyances that may not make it worth the initial high cost.