The cargo area transforms in a flash and the loading floor is relatively low, making heavy items easier to fit in. The GLK might not boast class-leading cargo capacity, but it's just as roomy in the back as the X3 and accommodating enough to fit awkward objects like a big TV or a bicycle.
Off-road?
Built at the Bremen assembly plant, in Germany, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK echoes a mythic vehicle: the G-Class SUV, aka "Geländewagen", which is German for off-road vehicle. The letters "LK" refer to "Leicht und Kurz", meaning light and short. That pretty much sums it all.
It's true that the GLK was designed both for the road and the trail. Ultra-short overhangs with favorable approach and departure angles (23 and 25 degrees, respectively) as well as a tall ground clearance (201 millimeters) combine to offer interesting obstacle-clearing capacity.
That said, the GLK will never replace a Jeep Wrangler when you want to venture deep into the forest. Buyers are well aware and they really don't mind.
High performance
Given the non-excessive weight of the vehicle, the 3.5-liter V6 delivers excellent performance. Accelerations and passing maneuvers are vigorous and sustained. The 7-speed automatic transmission (no manual is available proves to be a great teammate for the engine as it makes gear shifts literally imperceptible. A semi-manual mode allows drivers to fully take advantage of the 268 horsepower with a bit more fun.
Power is distributed to every corner through a permanent all-wheel drive system. The brand's 4MATIC technology favors a 45/55 torque split between the front and rear axles. It's all backed by a series of subtle yet nicely-calibrated electronic driving aids, including 4-ETS traction control and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
While it may not be a model of efficiency, the 2010 Mercedes GLK is not a gas-guzzling SUV either. At the end of my road test, which included over 1,000 kilometers of city and highway driving, the computer indicated an average of 11.5 liters per 100 kilometers. Of course, we're talking premium gas here.
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| The cargo area transforms in a flash and offers substantial room for your luggage. |
Off-road?
Built at the Bremen assembly plant, in Germany, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK echoes a mythic vehicle: the G-Class SUV, aka "Geländewagen", which is German for off-road vehicle. The letters "LK" refer to "Leicht und Kurz", meaning light and short. That pretty much sums it all.
It's true that the GLK was designed both for the road and the trail. Ultra-short overhangs with favorable approach and departure angles (23 and 25 degrees, respectively) as well as a tall ground clearance (201 millimeters) combine to offer interesting obstacle-clearing capacity.
That said, the GLK will never replace a Jeep Wrangler when you want to venture deep into the forest. Buyers are well aware and they really don't mind.
High performance
Given the non-excessive weight of the vehicle, the 3.5-liter V6 delivers excellent performance. Accelerations and passing maneuvers are vigorous and sustained. The 7-speed automatic transmission (no manual is available proves to be a great teammate for the engine as it makes gear shifts literally imperceptible. A semi-manual mode allows drivers to fully take advantage of the 268 horsepower with a bit more fun.
Power is distributed to every corner through a permanent all-wheel drive system. The brand's 4MATIC technology favors a 45/55 torque split between the front and rear axles. It's all backed by a series of subtle yet nicely-calibrated electronic driving aids, including 4-ETS traction control and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
While it may not be a model of efficiency, the 2010 Mercedes GLK is not a gas-guzzling SUV either. At the end of my road test, which included over 1,000 kilometers of city and highway driving, the computer indicated an average of 11.5 liters per 100 kilometers. Of course, we're talking premium gas here.
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| The 3.5-liter V6 is particularly powerful, sending the GLK from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. |