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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  Comfortable but not reliable - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By disappointedMBZowner - November 7 - 10:43 pm

  I loved that GLK350 was so smooth, it is my first Mercedes. My SUV was purchase on 5/21/2009, and at 90 miles the radio/command center would not power on. So I brought the SUV to the dealer they checked it out for a day and said there was nothing wrong. A week later at 110 miles the Tire Pressure Monitoring system malfunctioned. And would report tire pressure issues. Now it just says Tire Pressure Monitoring system is inoperable. And the radio still dies. I have brought the car back to dealership and they are looking into these issues. Its been a day and still they dont know whats wrong :( If you are considering buying GLK350 you should think twice. As the build quality is sub par.

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  Small SUV reviewed by father of 2 - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By Samuel R. - November 25 - 4:10 am

  Just traded in a Audi Q7 on 01/16/09 after a HORRIBLE experience and picked up the GLK, same day. Looking to downsize, we felt the GLK was a solid choice. Overall, like the look but downsizing, I will have to get used to a small interior. Cargo area is very small. Rear seats are tight for adults. The structure feels VERY solid. 4matic is good in snow but seems to bind up in tight turns on dry roads. So far 2216 miles and its returning 13.1MPG city and 18.7 highway. In other words very thirsty. COMMAND sys is NOT user friendly. Rear view camera is great, ditto for sound sys. Last week though, it was repaired due to a faulty brake system and front rotors were replaced along with hard drive.

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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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  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.

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  MY MISTAKE - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By Melamik - March 7 - 4:46 pm

  I purchased the GLK 350 4matic 3 weeks ago and traded in my Lexus RX330 fromo 2004. That was the biggest mistake I could have made. My Lexus never needed to go into the shop for repairs beside the regular maintenance. My GLK has already been iin the service dept 3 times in 3 weeks. Maybe I bought a lemon and if the problems persist I will be filing for lemon law. I have had instrument problems, electrical issues and some of the fit and finish has not been up to par. I just wish I could turn back time so I didnt trade in my other car.

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  Fell Apart - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By Jerry Proctor - June 10 - 4:53 pm

  Still a nice looking vehicle. Has the chrome 20" wheels updated headlights and door sill lights. But... @60,000 Miles, Repairs needed Differential leaks $4600.00 New Motor Mounts $2600.00 Trans axle Leak $1500.00 Seats are not real leather and have fallen apart. Uses a lot of gas and the tires are lasting about 30k.

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  Never Again for German Engineering - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By Imakeugiggle - February 6 - 1:41 pm

  Steering column will not adjust up or down. This is a power titt and the dealer says we have to pay to maintain the lubrication. Ive been a service director for Honda,Toyota and Acura. Without a doubt the German engineers need to visit Japan. We have to remove most of the front fender to replace a headlight bulb.....absolutely ridiculous. Four words for this car....For Sale...Never Again. Back to Acura and Infinity.

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  Noise uncovers manufacturing problem - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By TexasCielo - May 30 - 7:10 am

  I purchased a new 2010 GLK in April. About 1-1/2 months into owning the car, I heard a popping noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. I took the car into servicing on June 30th and technicians quickly found and acknowledged the noise. It turns out - after taking apart the passenger side rear cargo paneling - that some tack welding on the frame did not take place during car assembly in Germany. This is causing two metal pieces to rub and pop while driving the vehicle. An MBUSA chassis technician had to visit the dealerships service department to view the problem. It has taken MBUSA until July 10th to offer a possible repair solution and they still arent confident this will work 100%.

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  BIG Disappointment - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By Bernie - December 24 - 6:26 pm

  My wife likes the vehicle and it looked good on the showroom. Ours was specially ordered and shipped with most options. Disappointments are the brake system, extreme dead travel, I actually rear ended (bumped) another car. The brakes have not worked correctly to the point where when we got home you could see heavy smoke from the front disks and they were red hot. The computer must erratically actuate the brakes at normal highway speeds and it causes the car to swing from side to side and makes the transmission labor intensively and the engine temperature starts climbing. This has happened a handful of times and we have taken it in for service and nothing can be found that is abnormal. No good.

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  Paint and body work worst than anything - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By Calcium - April 24 - 2:16 am

  Dont buy Mercedes. I have S550 and GLK350 Both purchased new. The S550 got very bad transmission when shift in automatic from 2nd to 3rd gear. Engine vibrate and shake the whole car when unexpected. Rear tires only last 10K miles. it always wear out in the center, I use recommended tire pressure of 35psi. GLK350 Very bad paint job. The clear coat got dust all over the car. The hood gap on left and right are at least 1/2 different. Its a brand new car, this kind of gap only happens on car with front end accident. You dont expect these problem from brand new Mercedes!