2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350
MSRP $35,500
The compact crossover SUV is a versatile market. You can find them from almost pure off-road to almost pure luxury. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz is the latter. There are no pretensions of off-road or sport performance here: just the handling and ride that has made Mercedes-Benz one of the most trusted names in the automotive world.
The GLK 350 is a small luxury crossover SUV that seats five. It has a 3.5 liter V6 engine that puts out 268 horsepower. It has 19-inch wheels, rear-wheel drive, and a 7-speed automatic transmission. The transmission has settings of Manual, Comfort, and Sport. It is rated at 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
It comes with a power tilt-telescope steering wheel, MB Tex premium vinyl upholstery, 2-zone climate control, cruise control, 8-way power adjustable front seats, automatic headlights, and Bluetooth. The audio system has 8 speakers, AM/FM radio, a CD/MP3 player, and an audio jack.
Upgrades to 4-wheel drive and/or many packages are available. The entry-level price is quite nice and gets you the experience of driving and riding in a Mercedes, and the consumer has the option of adding more luxury according to budget and preference.
The GLK 350 comes with stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes with brake-assist, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbags, front passenger/driver pelvic airbags, and active front head restraints. No tests are available, but Mercedes-Benz’s internal safety standards are much more stringent than any government testing agency.
Conclusions and driver feedback:
First of all, both the interior and exterior are pure Mercedes. Mercedes is the company that invented simple, understated luxury that doesn’t have to scream at you to get attention. The GLK 350 doesn’t disappoint. The materials are soft and the highest of quality. There is plenty of headroom all around, and plenty of legroom in front. The rear seats may be a bit more appropriate for either cargo or children, though. If you fold the rear seats down, you can get 54.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
Both the handling and the ride are exactly what you would expect from Mercedes. The acceleration is effortless, and the GLK 350 is equally at ease cruising at highway speeds. The steering is responsive and accurate, while the suspension does the Mercedes “magic trick” of being able to handle corners and curves with a minimum of body roll while preserving some of the finest ride quality in the business.
The GLK 350 is maneuverable while navigating mountain roads or urban traffic, and it gives the distinctive “Euro-growl” when you have to put your foot down on the gas pedal. Other than the growl of acceleration, though, the GLK 350 is remarkably quiet, both inside and outside the cabin.
The main negative here is space. There isn’t a lot in the back seat. Adults might not like the back seat for long trips.
The verdict: highly recommended for a single, couple, or young family.
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