2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350

SENIOR EDITOR FOR NEWS BOB GRITZINGER: If you don't have to have a third row of seats, or cargo capacity fit for a king and his court, consider the GLK350. In the luxury-small-ute category, this is as good as they get.

Unlike the underwhelming BMW X3 or the Lincoln MKX, the Mercedes delivers all the goods when it comes to interior features, trim and appointments. The GLK also delivers where it counts, in ride quality, handling and power. In Comfort setting, the handling is steady without too much harshness in the ride, making it just right for all-around driving. The steering can feel a little overboosted at times, but not so much that it's completely out of touch with the road. The 3.5-liter V6 provides more than enough scoot, though it sometimes takes the seven-speed tranny some time to catch up with the right foot's demands.

At the risk of attracting hate mail, I found the GLK's alleged Subaru Forester-esque appearance one of its strong suits--but then, I like the Forester. To me, this is a Forester Deluxe, with all the trappings Subaru could never try to foist on its value-minded buyers. I could do without the high, wide rocker panel, however--it's nearly impossible to clear without either smudging it with a shoe or picking up mud on a pant leg.

That brings me to price: I've heard the whining about pricing for the GLK and I don't get it. Its most direct competitor, the BMW X3, is priced almost identically, while others are above and below, mostly depending on equipment. Probably if you're buying strictly on seats, space and equipment for the money, an Acura MDX is your best bet in this price range. But if Mercedes means anything--and in this vehicle, it does--the GLK is worth a close look.


EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: I enjoyed the GLK experience more than I thought. From a size standpoint, the GLK felt substantially more nimble than, say, the ML, but the steering felt a bit twitchy. Minor steering-wheel inputs made rather large adjustments on the highway. The V6 was more than capable, and getting a seven-speed transmission was a surprise. I wouldn't have thought a small ute with a small engine would warrant that many cogs.

The interior was nicely appointed in the Mercedes way and the ride was pretty good, even on our frost-heaved roadways. I would agree with Bob, the GLK seems appropriately priced, considering the vehicle's appointments and capabilities.


MOTORSPORTS EDITOR MAC MORRISON: You're definitely paying a premium for the M-B badge, but the GLK is a solid piece of work. I like the exterior styling, and the interior is spot-on in terms of what you should expect on a vehicle carrying the three-pointed star.

However, this model suffers from the same thing as just about all small SUVs, though: not large enough to smash the practicality chart, but still large and utilitarian enough to keep the fun factor down. I disagree with Bob that the engine provides "more than enough" power; I would say "just enough." The transmission is slow to react, which at times adds to the perception that you need more from the V6. I also found the steering to be less intuitive than I would like, and the brakes require a strong shove before they really begin to bite.

That said, you certainly are not going to buy this SUV expecting a top-shelf sporting experience, but rather a mid-priced luxury ute that comes standard with a fair amount of panache factor. The GLK delivers in that department.


2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350

Base Price: $36,775

As-Tested Price: $45,935

Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V6; AWD, seven-speed automatic

Output: 268 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 258 lb-ft @ 2,400-5,000 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,036 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 18/17.7 mpg

Options: Multimedia package including rearview camera, voice control for telephone/radio/navigation, COMAND system with hard-drive navigation, premium sound, Gracenote media database, in-dash six-disc DVD/CD changer, 7-inch color display, 6GB hard drive with music register ($3,350); premium package including garage-door opener, rearview mirror with integrated compass, auto-dimming driver's side and rearview mirrors, memory package for driver seat, exterior mirror and steering column, rain sensor, satellite radio, power liftgate, panorama sunroof, 115V AC outlet ($3,150); sport appearance package with 20-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, aluminum roof rails ($970); heated front seats ($740); tele aid ($650); iPod/MP3 media interface ($300)