Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350

The new GLK is a classy, quality compact SUV that is priced well and drives better. The trade-off? Poor fuel economy and a lack of cargo room

By Thane Peterson

Editor's Rating:

The Good: Ultra-smooth and quiet ride, classy interior, relatively low base price

The Bad: Lags rivals in fuel economy and cargo space

The Bottom Line: A nice little SUV, but why no diesel engine?

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Up Front

Based on sheer quantity of models, Mercedes-Benz (DAI) is one of the giants of the SUV market, with offerings that include the G-Class, GL-Class, M-Class, and the crossover R-Class. Now, the company has added yet another "Class" to its plentiful SUV lineup—the small, easily maneuverable GLK, aimed at buyers who would like to downsize without giving up the practicality of a sport-ute.

The GLK is about the same size and weight as the BMW (BMWG.DE) X3, an aging model that's now being challenged by both Mercedes and Volkswagen's (VOWG.DE) Audi unit (with its new Q5). In this Deutsche dustup, the GLK350 is a strong competitor that I prefer to the X3 and that matches up well against the new Q5. However, there are other attractive alternatives at a lower price, notably the RDX from Honda's (HMC) Acura division and the Volvo XC60.

That said, the GLK's diminutive size, incredibly smooth ride, and classy, comfortable cabin make it an absolute joy in day-to-day driving. A peppy 3.5-liter, 268-horsepower V6 makes the GLK more than quick enough for most SUV owners. Plus, the GLK's base price is relatively low, starting at $35,475 with rear-wheel drive and $37,475 with all-wheel drive. Among luxury SUVs, that's lower than the starting stickers of the X3 and the RX 350 from Toyota's (TM) luxury Lexus unit, and even a tad lower than the Audi Q5's. It's only somewhat higher than the base price of an RDX, XC60, and Land Rover LR2.

So, if you're the type of buyer who tends to go with the base model, the GLK is a relative bargain, coming standard as it does with cruise control, full power accessories, eight-way power front seats, an eight-speaker sound system, Bluetooth capability, 19-inch wheels, multiple airbags, and stability and traction control. However, if you max out on options from the GLK's long and pricey list, expect to pay upward of 50 grand for this vehicle.

The GLK lags its main rivals in a couple of important respects, starting with fuel economy. With all-wheel-drive, the GLK is rated to get an unimpressive 16 miles per gallon in the city and 21 on the highway (22 on the highway with rear-wheel drive). AWD versions of other small luxury SUVs do better: 18/24 for the Lexus RX 350, 18/23 for the Audi Q5, and 17/22 for the Acura RDX. Even the AWD version of the BMW X3, with a rating of 23 mpg, does better on the highway.

To me, the GLK would be far more attractive with a diesel engine that got better mileage. A Mercedes spokesman says that will happen eventually, but "not for the next three or four model years."

Another of the GLK's weak points is its paltry cargo capacity: 23.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up, 54.7 cu. ft. with the back seats folded down. The BMW X3, at 30/71, and the Lexus RX 350, at 40/80, have far more hauling capacity—which is saying something.

Even so, the GLK is selling relatively well. The AWD version of the GLK first hit dealerships in January, followed by the rear-wheel-drive version in March. Since then, Mercedes has sold a combined 16,015 units of the new model in the U.S., making it the company's fourth-best-selling model this year, only slightly behind the M-Class, of which 17,407 were sold through September.

Behind the Wheel

The GLK has the solid, well-built feel of a big Mercedes, with the same chunky steering wheel, ultra-comfortable front seats and quiet cabin that feels isolated from the outside world. Its strong suit is exceptional comfort and ease of use in day-to-day driving.

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