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Premium compact SUV; Built in Germany
  • 4-door wagon
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $14,400 – $42,700*


2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class front


2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class rear


2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class interior


2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class profile


2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class


2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class


2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

Pros:
  • Quietness
  • Overall refinement
  • Ride comfort
  • Front-seat comfort
Cons:
  • Fuel economy
  • Wind noise

The GLK-Class is not as outright sporty as many premium-compact SUV competitors, but it does provide a more practical package and better ride than most. A comfortable cabin, a refined drivetrain, and a car-like driving experience are other positive attributes. Some GLKs were fitted with costly options, which could raise the used-vehicle price significantly. Even so, this likeable four-door wagon should appeal to buyers seeking brand prestige in a smaller SUV.

Overview

Launched for 2010, the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class was the first premium-compact SUV from this German manufacturer. Significantly more compact than the R-Class or GLS-Class, this four-door wagon shared its platform with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class premium-compact car. The GLK-Class was 10 inches shorter than Mercedes’ more trucklike M-Class SUV, and it weighed some 700 pounds less. A single GLK350 trim level was available with either rear-wheel drive or the company’s 4Matic all-wheel drive. The lone engine was a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety features included antilock braking, traction control, an antiskid system, front-side and hip-protecting airbags, curtain-side airbags with rollover deployment, and a driver’s knee airbag. GLKs wore standard 19-inch wheels and tires, but 20-inch versions were included as part of the optional appearance package. Agility Control adjusted the suspension automatically. Available features included a navigation system that came with a hard drive for storing digital music files, bi-xenon headlamps, and a panoramic sunroof. Competitors to the GLK350 included the BMW X3, Infiniti EX35, Land Rover LR2, and Volvo XC60.

Yearly Updates

2011 GLK-Class
The GLK-Class was largely unchanged following its introduction for the 2010 model year. Newly optional was an AMG Styling Package, which included specific exterior trim and 20-inch wheels.
2012 GLK-Class
Few changes marked the 2012 edition of the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.
2013 GLK-Class
In what might have been best termed a “freshening,” the GLK received interior and exterior styling tweaks for 2013, along with more power and several new safety features. A diesel-powered GLK250 BlueTEC model was introduced during the year.
2014 GLK-Class
There were no significant changes for 2014.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive

All GLK350 models have the same powertrain: a 3.5-liter V6 that produced 268 horsepower in the 2010-2012 models and 302 horsepower in 2013 and 2014. It mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and either rear-drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive. The diesel-powered GLK250 BlueTEC that debuted during the 2013 model year used a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 200 horsepower. It only came with the 7-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.

Turbodiesel dohc I43
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.1/131
Engine HP 200
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 369
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
7-speed automatic

 24/33
dohc V61
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.5/213
Engine HP 268
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 258
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
7-speed automatic

 16/21

 18.6
dohc V62
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.5/213
Engine HP 302
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 273
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
7-speed automatic

 19/24

1. GLK350; 2010, 2011, and 2012 models. 2. GLK350; 2013 and 2014 models. Estimated fuel economy was 19/25 for rear-drive versions and for all-wheel-drive model starting in 2014. 3. GLK250 BlueTEC.

Road Test

The GLK’s V6 provides good acceleration around town and for highway merging. The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive. Diesel-pwered GLK250 not as quick as 350 models, but immediate throttle response and strong power from a start help impart a sporty feel.

Fuel economy in gas-powered models falls a bit short for the class. In Consumer Guide testing, 268-horsepower GLK350 models averaged 18.6 mpg. The GLK350 requires premium-grade gas. No opportunity to measure fuel economy in diesel-powered GLK250 or 302-horsepower GLK350.

With the available 20-inch wheels and tires, GLK’s ride is a well-sorted blend of comfort and control with good bump absorption. We’ve had no opportunity to test a GLK with the standard 19-inch wheels and tires.

A GLK corners confidently with little body lean and accurate steering. Straightline stability is good, but rough roads can cause a bit of vibration that’s felt through the steering wheel. Brakes are strong with good pedal feel.

One test GLK model exhibited wind rush from the roof area at highway speeds, but in general the GLK cruises serenely. The V6 engine emits a refined growl under full throttle; otherwise, sound fades into the background. GLK250 diesel engine hardly louder than gas engine, even at idle.

Gauges are easy to read. Climate controls incorporate easy-to-use rotary knobs and clearly marked buttons; though mounted low, they’re easy to reach. Simple audio functions are governed by a conventional knob and buttons, but other functions are accessed through a console-mounted controller and a dashtop screen that also serves the optional navigation system. The low-mounted turn signal stalk can take some time to get used to–a long-standing issue with Mercedes-Benz models. The GLK’s interior is solidly assembled from generally handsome materials. Standard upholstery is vinyl, but leather has been available.

Front seats are supportive and comfortable, even for larger adults. Headroom and legroom are ample for six-footers, and the tilt and telescopic steering wheel helps fine-tune the driving position. Entry/exit is easy. The sunroof’s sunshade is translucent instead of opaque and allows a fair amount of light into the cabin–a potential issue in warmer climates.

Six-footers will find generous headroom in the back seat, even under the optional panoramic sunroof. But legroom and knee space are lacking for taller passengers if the front seats are pushed all the way back.

The well-finished cargo area offers good space behind the rear seat. The seatbacks fold easily to provide plentiful space, but they do not lay completely flat. Interior small-item storage is unexceptional.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK w/AWD, 20-in. Wheels

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 7
70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 9
90%
Room/Comfort Rear - 6
60%
Cargo Room - 7
70%

Other

Value - 6
60%

Total: 64

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
108.5 178.3 74.3 66.9
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
54.7 17.4 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.0 39.7 41.4 35.1
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2010 Not tested 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Front Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Audio system
Description: Volume may be too low when using an iPod connected to the interface unless an amplifier was installed in the iPod interface on the vehicle. (2010)
Seat
Description: The pneumatic four-way lumbar support in the seat may quit working because the valve get stuck and rapping on it with a tool (screwdriver handle) releases it. (2010)
Trunk latch
Description: The tailgate may not fully open or close all the way due to failure of the control drive or an obstruction. (2010)
Water leak
Description: Incomplete seam seals may allow water to get into the doors. (2014)
Water leak
Description: Air conditioning condensation hose can leak water under front seats. (2014)
Windshield washer
Description: The low washer fluid warning may appear when the reservoir is full if distilled water is used instead of tap water, if ratio of solvent to water is too low or if the mix is nearly all washer concentrate. (2010-11)
Electrical problem
Description: Malfunction in fuse or relay boxes may result in the engine not starting. (2012-13)
Software problems
Description: Blind-spot assist may work intermittently because of software problem. (2014)

Recall History

2011-2012 GLK350
Description: Fuel-filter flange may crack under high temperatures, resulting in a leak and possibly a fire.
2013 GLK350
Description: Certain 2013 model Mercedes-Benz GLK350 vehicles made between May 31, 2012 and August 2, 2012 may have parking lamps that run at too high of voltage and are too bright.
2014 GLK250
Description: Certain 2014 model Mercedes-Benz GLK250 BlueTEC models made after February 28, 2014 may leak oil from the gasket area of the chain tensioner

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 21, 2016.
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