2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 Details, Photos

• Competes with: Acura RDX, BMW X3, Land Rover LR2, Infiniti EX35, Audi Q5
• Looks like: The “concept” we saw months ago
• Drivetrain: 268 hp 3.5-liter six cylinder engine, seven-speed automatic transmission, two and four-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: January 2009

Audi dropped the veil on the new Q5 compact SUV earlier this week. Now, Mercedes-Benz has revealed details about the U.S.-bound version of its all-new BMW X3 competitor, the GLK 350.

Mercedes is giving us solid numbers: 268 hp, 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, 23 mpg on the highway (exactly what the X3 and LR2 get) and 54.7 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded, which is just a bit less than the LR2. 

What sets the GLK apart from the X3, LR2 and upcoming Audi Q5 is that it will be available in both two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive models. The others come standard with all-wheel drive. For the buyer just interested in the luxury and utility of the GLK, the two-wheel drive should cost less than the competition.

19-inch wheels, Bluetooth, power seats and dual-zone climate control come standard but almost everything else is optional. There are five — count ‘em, five — option packages and nine stand-alone options covering everything from a panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, navigation, leather seats, etc. We’ll have to weigh in on the value of the GLK when pricing is announced, but with so many options and two-wheel drive, the starting MSRP could be significantly lower than its competition. More photos below.

Comments

[Ben O.]

I was wondering where the Pontiac Aztek designers landed, now I know. I've had two MB's in my life. One was bullet proof reliable that went 237k before I got tired of her. The other was the most unreliable pos ranking right up there with some of the GM and Chrysler products I've had. This GLK reminds me of what a Subaru Forester would look like if it did a Barry Bonds. I still don't understand why so many people think they need awd. At least the GLK will give you the option of going with just a two wheel drive set-up. It's still ugly though.

[randy]

is it just me or does m-b have too many products in its lineup??

[LM]

23MPG highway? 35mpg CAFE can't get here fast enough.

What's the city MPG? 14? 15?

[Roberto Pabellon]

I hope they put the Bluetec diesel engine in it.

[Ken L.]

For a minute, I thought Merc Benz was going up against the Range Rover Sport with the athletic boxy look. In fact, from certain views and angles, it reminds me of one as well. Not a bad thing at all.

[brockway]

It reminds me of Subaru Forester too. I think you'd be a lot further ahead buying a Forester. If you look at the specs it has better interior room end better mpg - and is a lot less expensive.

[MK]

Are you kidding me? A forester? Mercedes has its own crowd of people, just like Subaru and the two are not comparable. I guess my situation is a bit different... I don't drive much so the mpg is not that much of a concern. I think this car looks great. The new boxy interior is interesting... the new E class will have it too. Overall, I think I will be driving this car in March.

[AD]

I MB did something awsome with this car. It took some of the elements from the GL and put it in this design. When my lease is up on my 06' QX56, this will most definitely be on my list.

what is the stand alone cost of the 4 matic and leather options??
yhank you

[Nick]

If you going to spend money on a benz, you might as well get it fully loaded,but thats just me.

[Nick]

I believe that the cost of 4matic is about 2k more the the base. Leather is 1,750. Otherwise you just get MB tex.

[michael]

I JUST PICKED UP A GLK 350 LAST WK. I HAVE OWNED JUST ABOUT EVERY OTHER BRAND AND MAKE. I ALWAYS SEEM TO HAVE 4 VEHICLES FOR MY CO. THIS IS BY FAR THE MOST SOLID RIDE EVER, CERTAINLY WORTH THE $. AND GO FOR THE OPTIONS. IT'S IN A LEAGUE OF IT'S OWN
SOUTH BURLINGTON VT.

[Tony]

I have a white GLK 350 4MATIC, I got it loaded with the P1 Package, Multimedia Package, Sports Appearance Package, Lighting Package, iPod, and the Entertainment System. It's a really nice car, I like how smooth it drives and how big of a gas saver it is, my parents got it for me as a graduation gift since it was an SUV and a great deal on a MB and I love the way it drives. The biggest disappointment for me was the fact that the panoramic sunroof has a thin sheer type blind and the light still seeps in and the 20" rims on the sports appearance package made the drive a little less smooth and I looked in a tire change on it and it was going to be 675.00 a piece for the manufacture tires! I recommend it for commuters and small families. One last thing, my sales representative told me this car was meant to be aggressive, not sexy like the ML and GL.

[TIM]

I just bought one too and it exceeded my expectations by far. It is sexy, intelligent, smooth and a joy to drive. For the guy who said it is ugly...I bet you have never owned an MB, have you. And to the guy who said he'd rather have a Forrester becaue they are cheaper...take a look at the residual value on both. You'll end up with more equity with an Mb then a damn shitty Forrester!!

The GLK rocks! Tim

[Red]

Did a side by side comparison of the GLK with a Hyundai Santa Fe Limited. It was no comparison - the Hyundai is SO MUCH NICER, with peforated heated leather seats and much better build quality. I'm generally a MB fan, but Hyundai is obviously a better vehicle for lots less dough.

[Tim]

The Hyundai is so much better?? Please!!!! Go and get some medication. You are obviously off your rocker!!!

Tim

[Red]

Tim,
Your comments prove that you're compensating for your lack of class (and probably something else) by overpaying for the GLK. But you can't make yourself a better person by driving behind the three pointed star. And by driving the GLK all you prove is you don't have the dough to afford the GL. Yes, the Santa Fe Limited is a much nicer vehicle than the bargain basement GLK. Try to keep your comments civil.

[Ella B]

I was driving a Ranger Rover Sports and wanted to downgrade (in terms of price and size). I got it last week and am thrilled! It is the most stylish car I have ever owned. The interior has a vintage feel to it. Perfect for a small urban family (we have 2 young kids).

[Al Z]

Picked up mine about a month ago. Looked at lots of other options before we bought. The car is quick, responsive, nimble and comfortable. We love the car but the standard radio s*cks and some of the controls don't make much sense. Small price to pay for a fun car.

[Weis Klaus]

I ordered a 350 GLK350 4matic,
built in Stuttgart / Germany.
i am sure,i will get quality
and later a good service in the
mercedes car shop !

[Dave]

Picked up a GLK 350 today. So far so good. The car is really solid and handles extremely well. My wife has a C300 and the interior is almost identical and the drive is similar.

For the record I could have purchased virtually any car on the lot and wasn't even looking at the sticker and settled on the GLK because I like the size and the way it feels. I like it's aggressive look too. The point is, it wasn't about money for me. I just didn't want a bigger car and since we already have a C class sedan I thought a C class SUV was the obvious compliment. The lower price was just gravy.

[lisa]

Just signed the deal on a lease for the new 2010 GLK 350...total MSRP including options=$47,540 5.9% lease, 36 months, $4752 down incl. sec dep and first month-payments $735.11 incl tax...went on the MB canada website keyed in my car lease price +$598.00 plus taxes...about $100 per month difference...what would you do?

[Simon]

I've had mine for just over 2 weeks now and it's just awesome. I have the charcoal grey with the sport and premium package. Handles great, looks fabulous and built solidly. I test drove and looked at all of the other comparable luxury midsize options and found this one the best. Of course there are pros and cons to each one...from the Q5 I liked their larger panoramic roof more but to add 20s and the other options, it cost way more. Audis also have a history of electronical issues... The X3 is dated and I doubt the new style will be much nicer. The LR2 is just an upscale Ford Escape. I am more than 110% happy. And at the end of the day it's also a Mercedes...I love the stares I get and people thinking it's worth twice of what it cost....

Good luck to you guys looking...for those who already own one...let me know if there are GLK forum groups around. Thanks.

Simon

[k]

Lisa, sounds like you are paying too much. You should be in $700's if you were buying the vehicle and not leasing it! Did you negotiate that lease price at all?? Sounds waaaay too high. We leased a brand new BMW 335I (msrp $46,000), only 24 month lease, and are only paying $533.71 a month. We put a total of $4,000 down. As much money as you put down, it sounds like you should have received a much better deal...

[k]

QUESTION: We have a year left on our lease and I am thinking about getting a GLK 350. How roomy is the back/trunk space? Is it a decent size?
We have a boxer and need enough room to put him back there on trips and stuff! Thanks!

[Tom]

I am looking ans considering purchasing a MB GLK 350 4matic. This will be my first MB and I hve some concerns with what I have hear as to the costs of maintance and repairs. The price and dealing seems to be resonable.

Any advice?
Thanks

[Red]

Stay away from this tin can, Tom. Buy a Toyota Highlander instead. Larger, quieter, better riding, longer lasting, nicer inside with a MUCH better resale value. Mercedes copied the styling of the 01 Highlander for the GL series and there's a lot of the same lines in this little puddle jumper. But neither are as nice a vehicle as my 01 Highlander- even after the 170,000 miles we've clocked it's still a gem. Try to put 170,000 miles on this MB and you'll find yourself living at the poor farm.

[David Carson]

I purchased a 2010 GLK about 3 weeks ago. It's fully loaded, 20" rims, premium package, etc, etc. The vehicle handles great gets decent gas milage and has a smooth and quiet ride. I test drove many other SUVs. The bigger ones drove like trucks and the smaller ones had way to much road and wind noise. No comparison between this and the competition. As for the Hyundai guy...the Sante Fe can't even compete. This is my 3rd mercedes, and I'm convinced the Germans make a far better vehicle than the competition. The GLK is actually manufactured in Stuttgart, Germany.

[lvp]

I'm looking into buying a GLK 350....should I pay the MSRP price? any advice???

[Red]

OK Dave Carson, I'll concede MB is making pretty good vehicles. The latest JD Power ratings show that they've really improved their initial reliability.

[Blair]

Just put money down on a new GLK 350 4matic 5 weeks ago and should have it by next week. First time Mercedes buyer but it looks like this vehicle is a good value for the money when compared to competition. Was looking forward to getting Harmon/Kardon Logic 7 sound system and bi-xenon lights but were'nt available. Is the base stereo really that bad or should I hold out and get the Logic 7 system? Roominess seemed good and interior nice. I really like my '08 Civic Si but with the amount of snow we get here in Northern Ontario, the 4matic should come in handy. Any other comments, please let me know.