Test Drive: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350. Click image to enlarge

Review and photos by Jonathan Yarkony

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2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350

While Mercedes-Benz was one of the last luxury companies to enter the compact luxury SUV market, they got the formula right and they’re making sure to stay competitive with an update to their GLK crossover for 2013 after its launch in North America in 2010. The 2013 update included some cosmetic changes, an update to powertrain and interior technology, but nothing as dramatic as Mercedes-Benz bringing diesel power to this niche in the forthcoming GLK 250 Bluetec—we can’t wait for that combination of efficiency and grunt.

The subject of this review is the gasoline-powered GLK 350 4 Matic, making use of Mercedes-Benz’ signature 3.5L V6, one of the few remaining Mercedes whose model name matches the engine displacement. Anyhow, we’ve sampled this powertrain previously in the C 350 4Matic, and we love it. Even in a state of lesser tune in the C 300 and E 300, this 3.5L V6 is a quintessential luxury powerplant, pulling strongly and purring like a domesticated big cat.

In the GLK 350, the updated direct-injection V6 makes 302 hp at a lofty 6,500 rpm, and 273 lb-ft of torque from a functional 3,500 rpm up to 5,250. While it’s impossible to mistake the blocky styling for anything but an SUV, it’s easy to lapse into sport sedan driving habits as this engine winds up with smooth throttle response, and with power going down to four substantial contact patches—235/45R20—each sharing a portion of the power, this car leaps at opportunities to accelerate in dry and wet weather. However, we did not experience any snow during our test week, and I have to wonder if the big, wide tires would become a liability in heavy snow and slush—I, for one, would shop for some smaller, narrower snow tires and rims in areas with heavy snowfall, and not just for the cost savings.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350. Click image to enlarge

At 1,845 kg (4,067 lb.), it’s no lightweight, but the engine never feels strained, and an auto start/stop function (which is almost undetectable, by the way), direct injection, and the default Eco mode combine for respectable fuel consumption ratings of 11.1 L/100 km city, 8.1 highway. In a week of mostly city driving and highway trips with my usual heavy foot, I managed 11.6 L/100 km over 350+ km. It’s no thrifty diesel, but it wasn’t too painful at fill-up time, although as is typical in this class, premium fuel is required.

In typical city and highway driving, the GLK really shines, its power and traction delivered fluidly through Mercedes’ seven-speed auto gearbox (with available Eco, Sport, and Manual modes with paddle shifters), and a ride that manages to stay composed despite the big 20-inch wheels. Don’t get me wrong, by composed I mean firm and sometimes even sharp over pavement breaks, but supple over typical rough roads and quick to settle after any significant bumps, a state of tune I prefer even in my luxury cute utes. In contrast, our long-term Subaru XV Crosstrek is in a state of constant rebound over pavement I would normally call smooth in any other car. The steering is typical Mercedes, very light but progressive and steady at highway speeds, near perfect for my typical highway commuting and parking at our office underground garage—yeah, I don’t get out much.

Its additional height and tall, square windows offer superb visibility up to the D pillar, which is quite thick. However, in concert with light steering at low speeds, back-up camera, and parking sensors that chime and light a series of lights as you approach an object, the GLK is an easy ute to park even in tight confines.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350. Click image to enlarge

One area that disappointed was interior space. Of all the compact luxury SUVs, the GLK is on the small end, and its rear legroom, at only 892 mm, meant that with our rear-facing infant seat behind my wife, her knees were pretty much crushed into the glovebox. Only the Infiniti EX37 lists less rear legroom (724 mm) than the GLK. Not surprisingly, cargo space is similarly restricted at 450 L to a maximum of 1,550 L with the seats folded, though this is on par with competitors from Audi and BMW. In real-world use, it was a struggle to pack larger objects like my hockey bag and stroller or stroller and shopping bags simultaneously—they fit, but it takes some wrangling to keep the rear view clear—this is a task easily accomplished in the deeper, wider cargo bay of our long-term VW Golf Wagon TDI. Just saying.

Thankfully, all the materials in the interior were pleasant to the touch and well within the norms for the entry-level luxury class, and the steering wheel had some excellent perforated leather wrapping the contoured grip positions. I was particularly fond of the quilted padded leather door inserts, the grooved, chrome-rimmed temperature knobs, and the swath of brushed aluminum in the dash with Mercedes’ circular vents. While you wouldn’t accuse the GLK interior of being colourful, I like the silver on black interior treatment, and the controls all fall to hand with familiar ease. However, one oddity is that the gear selector for the transmission is about the size and shape of many windshield wiper wands, positioned on the right-hand side of the steering column, and I, for one, kept reaching for it when the rain started coming down–I sure hope they have a good Reverse lockout for owners that might make that mistake.

The scroll wheel for the COMAND system, situated at the end of the driver’s armrest, makes for a completely natural rest position for your arm while clicking the knob up and down to change menus and scrolling down the lists by spinning the knob. Our tester featured the full array of interior functionality and comfort provided by the $3,600 Premium and $1,700 Convenience Packages. The former includes parking aids, panoramic sunroof, media interface, satellite radio, ambient lighting, and power tailgate, while the latter adds 14-way power adjustable front seats with three-position memory (including mirrors and steering wheel, which is power adjustable and heated, also), Keyless Go (proximity-sensing entry and push-button start), storage box under the driver’s seat (which is hidden so well, I never even realized it was there), and 115V power outlet.

Also on this pretty loaded GLK was the Bi-Xenon adaptive Headlamp Package ($1,000) and the COMAND Navigation Package ($2,400) that also includes the back-up camera.

Lastly, the Driving Assistance Package ($800) add Passive Blind Spot Assist displaying a warning light in the mirror when a vehicle is occupying your blind spot and Passive Lane Keeping Assist that pulses the steering wheel to warn you when you are crossing a lane without signaling. I found that the Mercedes calibration was quite effective at holding off until definitely crossing the line, unlike some more sensitive systems. That’s a lot of this you can pack into this little truck, but much of it fades into the background of the driving experience, the flashing blind spot lights and pulsing steering wheel subtly keeping you on task and more informed about your surroundings.

The only package not included on this tester was the Advanced Driving Assistance Package ($2,700) that pulls out all the bells and whistles with adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and Active Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist, adding partial braking to correct steering course if you do not respond to the passive systems’ respective visual and tactile warnings. And if that’s not enough, the GLK’s solid structure should serve well in a collision, earning an IIHS Top Pick, but not yet tested by NHTSA.

All told, the options piled up to drive this $44,900 crossover well into the 50s. Add the $1,895 freight charge and $100 A/C tax and it rings in at $57,285, which is a lot of money, but for a lot of stuff. It’s a distinctive package, a boxy yet sculpted mini-GL, the AMG package with skirt package, chrome trim on the bumpers, and those 20-inch wheels standard for 2013 lending it a more technical look, especially when combined with the swoopy headlights and taillights, which add Mercedes’ new LED lighting effects for a distinct look at any time, day or night.

I wouldn’t exactly call the GLK 350 a bargain when loaded up to this level, but the value is there for the price as this compact utility vehicle does everything it sets out to do and does it well, within the inherent space limitations of a small truck. Aside from the crowded interior, it features all of Mercedes-Benz’ full array of technology, safety, their newfound driving dynamics, unexpected in this crossover segment, and the cachet of a brand that resonates with many consumers at a deeper level than logical arguments can reach.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350. Click image to enlarge

Pricing: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4Matic

Base price: $44,900
Options: $10,390 (Driving Assistance Package – $800; Bi-xenon Headlight Package – $1,000; Convenience Package – $1,700; COMAND Navigation Package – $2,400; Premium Package – $3,600; Luzonit Grey paint – $890)
Freight: $1,895
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $57,285

CompetitorsCompetitors
Acura RDX
Audi Q5
BMW X3
Cadillac SRX
Infiniti EX37
Lexus RX 350
Lincoln MKX
Volvo XC60