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.