Topic: Test Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic

[Autos_Editor]

The 2010 GLK offers all the amenities of a larger Mercedes but with a smaller footprint, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh, who praises its car-like handling and “buttery-smooth” engine. But the styling can be polarizing, she says.

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[vdk]

What's up with "“buttery-smooth”". I see these characters in almost every thread created for a review/test-drive.

[tpl]

What's up with "“buttery-smooth��". I see these characters in almost every thread created for a review/test-drive.

I force my browser to use Unicode instead of ISO 8859  and they become  regular  double quotes. I *think* this is a function of the composition of the HTML by whoever does it

[safristi]

....... ya can't read COP TIC..................it's all greek ta me..............Aristotle woz a bugger wif tha bottle...............

[airbalancer]

I found there is very little room in the GLK 350, you can not sit anyone over 180cm in the rear seat unless the the driver is under 162.5cm
It was quickly taken of my list

[safristi]

..162.5cm..................ya pickin on GD agin'....................... ..........HOB GOBLINS.......we need some mm's here ....i likes the RED ONES

[Canada Stig]

Buy a loaded B200 Turbo, add a set of winter rims and tires, and you have  the following:

1) A Mercedes hatch/wagon/mpv
2) A bigger vehicle inside than the GLK
3) An extrememly capable winter vehicle, even without AWD
4) 35+ MPG
5) An extra $10-$20K in your pocket depending on how you option the GLK.
6) A Mercedes made in Germany, not Alabama

No brainer

[Shnak]

I haven't sat in one so I can't comment on its interior & dimensions, but every time I see one on the roads, I always say to myself that it's the best looking SUV out there, by far. In fact, the whole line-up of Mercedes SUVs is great looking, the best IMO.

[safristi]

..I concur on the looks... it catches my eye in parkin' lots.........but has there  NOT been less than stellar user reviews...............

[DrJay]

I haven't sat in one so I can't comment on its interior & dimensions, but every time I see one on the roads, I always say to myself that it's the best looking SUV out there, by far. In fact, the whole line-up of Mercedes SUVs is great looking, the best IMO.

With much respect I couldn't disagree more on the styling of the Mercedes SUV's in fact with the exception of the SLK i have been wholey unimpressed with alot of mercedes designs of late. Having said that there is little doubt that many would dissagree with me including my wife who would sleep with Tiger Woods to get one.

Thanks Air that observation gives me some ammo and Stig ... interesting alternative.....

[Mozeby]

Buy a loaded B200 Turbo, add a set of winter rims and tires, and you have  the following:

1) A Mercedes hatch/wagon/mpv
2) A bigger vehicle inside than the GLK
3) An extrememly capable winter vehicle, even without AWD
4) 35+ MPG
5) An extra $10-$20K in your pocket depending on how you option the GLK.
6) A Mercedes made in Germany, not Alabama

No brainer

You also get a joke of a Mercedes.  I don't know how anyone in their right mind would spend 30+K on a midget Mercedes, that is basically a luxury Honda Fit.  Plus it's ugly.

[DrJay]

Buy a loaded B200 Turbo, add a set of winter rims and tires, and you have  the following:

1) A Mercedes hatch/wagon/mpv
2) A bigger vehicle inside than the GLK
3) An extrememly capable winter vehicle, even without AWD
4) 35+ MPG
5) An extra $10-$20K in your pocket depending on how you option the GLK.
6) A Mercedes made in Germany, not Alabama

No brainer

You also get a joke of a Mercedes.  I don't know how anyone in their right mind would spend 30+K on a midget Mercedes, that is basically a luxury Honda Fit.  Plus it's ugly.

My brother just took delivery of his .... he loves it ...then again there has always been something not quite right with him...

[Canada Stig]

We have a B and it is quite simply one of the best cars I've ever had.  Not on people's radars because it's "the small one" but it is bigger than a C class and even an E class in most areas. 

Call it a midget if you want, but it beats the Accord, Camry et al in virtually all areas of space..passenger and cargo, and, optioned identically, is within a pitching wedge of the price.

The issue I have with mercedes SUVs is that they have been historically unreliable (although much better since 05/06) and they are the quintissential stay-at-home soccer-mom mobile around Oakville.  In Britian they call them "Chelsea Tractors" for the same reason.

[Shnak]

We have a B and it is quite simply one of the best cars I've ever had.  Not on people's radars because it's "the small one" but it is bigger than a C class and even an E class in most areas. 

Call it a midget if you want, but it beats the Accord, Camry et al in virtually all areas of space..passenger and cargo, and, optioned identically, is within a pitching wedge of the price.

Well, last I checked, I couldn't sit in a B200 comfortably; my head is in the ceiling. Seat is too high and can't be lowered enough. Funnily enough, I don't have this problem in an old C230.

I think the SX4, Matrix and a few others offer more usable passenger space than the B200, but of course, they're not in the same 'class' of cars as the B200...

But for most people, average-sized people, I see the appeal of the B200; comfort, quiet, great interior, practical format, and perhaps its most important attribute of all, great badge.

[DrJay]

The issue I have with mercedes SUVs is that they have been historically unreliable (although much better since 05/06) and they are the quintissential stay-at-home soccer-mom mobile around Oakville.  In Britian they call them "Chelsea Tractors" for the same reason.
[/quote]
Could be the very reason my wife wants one....

[Canada Stig]

We have a B and it is quite simply one of the best cars I've ever had.  Not on people's radars because it's "the small one" but it is bigger than a C class and even an E class in most areas. 

Call it a midget if you want, but it beats the Accord, Camry et al in virtually all areas of space..passenger and cargo, and, optioned identically, is within a pitching wedge of the price.

Well, last I checked, I couldn't sit in a B200 comfortably; my head is in the ceiling. Seat is too high and can't be lowered enough. Funnily enough, I don't have this problem in an old C230.

I think the SX4, Matrix and a few others offer more usable passenger space than the B200, but of course, they're not in the same 'class' of cars as the B200...

But for most people, average-sized people, I see the appeal of the B200; comfort, quiet, great interior, practical format, and perhaps its most important attribute of all, great badge.

If you don't have enought head room in one of these, you must be Wilt Chamberlain.  I'm 6'3" and ours has the panaoramic sunroof, and I still have a couple of inches to spare.

Check the dimensions on the Matrix and all - smaller in every way than the B (at least on the inside) - the B has 50L - or over 10% - more seat up cargo room than the matrix and even more with the seats down.

Nothing against the Matrix, of course.  An excellent car, and certainly easier on your wallet than a B class would ever be.  But not a fair comparison - the B is a good alternative for a Mid Sized car, not a compact. 

[Shnak]

Well it's been 3-4 years since I've sat in a B... maybe they changed the seats, their heights, or their adjustments since?

In any case, I like the idea of the B... just not its execution. A real M-B just isn't FWD. It's just wrong.

[BJB]

B200 and GLK are both ugly IMO.  If I had to choose between the two I'd go with the GLK as I prefer the higher ride height.

[Canada Stig]

I will give you that - both Mercedes and BMW definately have a love-it-or-hate-it design philosphy.  I do like the look of the GLK, and agree with the author that I would take it hands down compared to their other soft SUV offerings.  Now the G class on the other hand - gotta love that unapologetic, earth warming, nature killing monster.

Aside from the pucker faced s-type, you have to admit that Jaguar still has the styling gold medal for luxury cars.  And Audi has managed to be very neutral in its design and still appealing, as opposed to Lexus, also neutral but very bland (but probably better engineered than any of the Euro brands).

I guess I like Mercedes styling - I think the C class is quite possibly the best looking 4 door on the road today.

[aknutson]

I got a chance to drive a GLK350 last year at the auto show in TO, it was a blast! The thing that struck me most was the turning radius, it's better than my compact car, and made even the E350 they had on the course feel like the Bismark. Acceleration was strong and the engine note was aggressive. The meaty steering inspired confidence in the corners, as did the competent suspension. But as I pulled up to a stop and parked, I noticed how refined and quiet it was - the GLK really has two personalities, which makes driving more fun. I don't feel the B200 is vying for the same market. It's the Baby Benz, aimed at keeping the price low more than prestigious transportation. The B200 felt as though it was going to tip over at any minute, the dynamic limits of the vehicle were much lower when compared to the athletic nature of the GLK. If I was merely looking to get room out of a small package I'd skip the B-class and buy a Honda Fit!