2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class
GLK’s got game
Mercedes-Benz has a new player in the premium mid-size SUV market for 2010 and if first impressions are any indication, the new GLK-Class is a gamer.
It’s aimed primarily at BMW X3 and Acura RDX but also has Audi Q5, the upcoming Volvo XC60, Infiniti EX35 and Lexus RX350 in its sights.
The exterior is striking in its departure from the usual soft-edge design of the company’s SUV stable. This one is angular with strong lines, great proportions and a planted stance. It reminds me a little of the G-Class, but with all of the “ugly” removed.
The interior is well laid out with everything within easy reach of the driver. Heated front leather seats, multi-function steering wheel with controls for information and audio systems are standard. Inside trim on the launch vehicles is aluminum with wood trim available in later production.
My test vehicle carries premium and sport packages (no navigation). The sport package provides 20-inch alloy wheels and aluminum roof rails to go with premium amenities like park-assist, electronic compass, power passenger seat, memory package with power adjustable steering column, panoramic sunroof, power tailgate and a 115-volt power outlet. It’s just about everything I’d want in a vehicle and some things I don’t really need, but are nice to have anyway.
The optional panoramic sunroof isn’t a real necessity, but the power operated shades filter out strong sunlight, allowing enough illumination to brighten up the interior.
Standard audio is provided by an eight-speaker, 100-watt system with single-slot CD/MP3 player, telephone keypad, an MP3 plug in the glove box and a Bluetooth interface (a good thing, considering the growing ban on hand-held devices). If you really want to get an earful, you can opt for a 600-watt Harman Kardon LOGIC7 audio system with Dolby Digital/DTS 5.1 surround sound and 11 speakers including a sub-woofer. Simply scintillating.
A low step-in height makes GLK easy to enter and exit. If front seat passengers are riding with seats at the back of their travel, rear seat passengers are going to be a bit cramped if they, too are tall, however if everybody is of average height, there’s plenty of space for four.
Storage behind the rear seat easily holds two suitcases, a backpack and briefcase. Or two sets of golf clubs.
With the 60/40 split rear seatback folded, there’s an impressive amount of cargo area at your disposal.
GLK is 4,528 mm long, 1,839 mm wide and 1,699 mm high and rides on a 2,756 mm wheelbase. Front and rear overhangs are relatively short, resulting in good approach and departure angles if you decide to take a little off-road excursion. It will handle more than a cottage road, but it’s not designed for really tough terrain; keep it light and you will be pleased with its ability.
Under the hood is an energetic 268-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 engine linked to a silky-smooth seven-speed automatic which puts power to the wheels through 4Matic full-time four-wheel drive.
Given the vehicle’s relatively low weight (about 4,036 lb.) the combination produces an impressive surge when you jump on the throttle. Transport Canada has not completed fuel mileage testing, but the test drive routes were completed with a reasonable degree of thrift.
The route was full of twists with off-camber and decreasing radius turns that would upset lesser vehicles, but the quick responding GLK handled it all without any sign of complaint, little front end dive and minimal body lean.
This thing goes where you point it, even if you point it a little late in a corner taken in the dark. The 4Matic system works with dynamic ESP, 4ETS and anti-slip regulation to maintain almost-seamless support to keep longitudinal and lateral control.
Agility Control suspension is the GLK answer to creating an agile, comfortable on-road vehicle that also has off-road capability.
During normal driving on normal roads or slow off-road use, the system responds softly but if the spirit moves you to more enthusiastic manoeuvres (or if you need to take sudden evasive action) the dampers adjust to a harder setting.
The second, and most arduous part of our test journey was accomplished in the dark along mostly narrow paved roads full of elevation changes and tight corners.
Headlights did a good job of illuminating the path, but when you add fog into the conditions mix, changes in direction can sometimes come up quickly enough to require rather vigorous response.
No problem.
If you like to tow a personal watercraft, snowmobile or ATV, the GLK will tote 3,500 lbs. with ease. Engineers took that situation into account by providing a vehicle/trailer stabilization system which mitigates trailer sway by applying the individual brakes as needed to maintain control.
At first look, the new GLK-Class has an answer for just about anything including the question of price.
We are told the MSRP on the vehicle, which goes on sale in early January 2009, will start at $41,800 and, even with sport and premium packages added, will still be under $50,000.
Summary:
Strong Points
Weak Points
- - great ride
- - excellent handling
- - short rear seat legroom if front seats moved back
Editors Rating:
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