2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350: Distinctive SUV offers affordable package

Cars

By Arv Voss, Motor Matters

Last update: October 15, 2009 - 3:11 PM

The 2010 GLK 350 from Mercedes-Benz rounds out the SUV segment for the automaker with what it believes is the right size at the right time at the right price. The GLK 350 starts out at $33,900 for a rear-wheel-drive model.

The Mercedes-Benz DNA is readily apparent, starting up front with the iconic trapezoidal grille wearing a prominent circle-star logo in its center.

The windshield is more upright, with less of a rake. The roofline slopes to the rear, while a strong character line rises toward the chrome beltline trim. Fender flares are integrated both fore and aft, with chrome trim accents drawing them together.

There is an integrated spoiler off the trailing edge of the roof and dual rectangular chrome exhaust tips. The GLK rides on 19-inch, 10-spoke light alloy wheels as standard. Bright, rubber studded running boards are standard fare as is a chrome load sill in the rear.

The interior is equally impressive with comfortable seating for five adults and their gear. Both front seats feature eight-way power adjustments. The three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel contains multi-function switches facing sporty, easy-to-read analog gauges, nestled beneath a curved, hooded pod.

There is a five-inch color display for navigation and all basic vehicle functions, positioned at the top of the center stack, which contains switchgear for redundant functionality. Climate control is an automatic dual zone arrangement.

Power for the GLK 350 comes from a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with electronic fuel injection and magnesium two-stage resonance intake manifold. The engine develops 268 horsepower. The transmission is a seven-speed automatic with Touch Shift manual shift control.

Suspension consists of a four-wheel independent configuration with Agility Control - an automatic adjusting suspension. Up front are Independent MacPherson struts with two-piece lower control arms, coil springs, gas shocks and stabilizer bar.

The rear setup is Multi-link with coil springs, gas shocks and stabilizer bar. Stopping chores are handled by power-assisted four-wheel ventilated discs with a double-circuit master cylinder, vacuum booster, four-channel ABS, ESP and Brake Assist. The brakes are adaptive featuring Hill Start Assist, Dry Braking and Pre-Pressure application.

My test GLK 350 was a 4MATIC version, with an exterior finished in Steel Gray metallic and the interior in Black MB-Tex with aluminum trim accents. The base price for this particular model was set at $35,900.

The 3.5-liter V-6 provides a satisfying level of performance - acceleration is healthy, shifting is smooth and handling characteristics border on sporty, with a positive response. The ride quality delivered is on a par with many luxury sedans.

The GLK 350 is capable of traveling off the beaten path, but it is not a serious off-road machine.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 is not only the right size, but it also comes in a most attractive package that is certainly more affordable than many other SUVs in the Mercedes-Benz family. In today's economy, that's a luxury that can't be overlooked.

EPA fuel economy:

City: 16, Highway: 21

Base Price:

$33,900 (for rear-wheel drive model)

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