On the affordable side of the model line-up, Mercedes-Benz's new small SUV offers solid performance and handling. Cabin tech isn't as advanced as in cars from other companies, but the feeling of Mercedes-Benz luxury is present.
Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Although Mercedes-Benz already has a small SUV in its M-class, the GLK350 is significantly less expensive.
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Styling
The grille and badge look overly large on the GLK350, and the side sculpting isn't traceable to any current Mercedes-Benz model.
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Ample power
The 3.5-liter V-6 provides 268 horsepower, enough to get the GLK350 moving easily. Mercedes-Benz boasts a 0-to-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds.
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Passenger room
Although lower than the M-class, the interior of the GLK350 has room for five passengers.
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4Matic all-wheel-drive
This model has the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, which is integrated with traction control to keep grip on slippery surfaces.
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Cargo area
Although the GLK350 doesn't look large from the outside, this cargo area is spacious.
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Atypical interior design
The cabin has the kind of luxury feel we would expect from Mercedes-Benz. The styling is not typical for the brand, with strangely angular shapes around the glove compartment.
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Steering wheel controls
Mercedes-Benz does a good job of integrating buttons into the steering wheel spokes. The left side buttons allow control over various car functions.
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Speedometer display
The speedometer houses a display that can show trip, navigation, audio, and cell phone information.
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Seven-speed automatic
The GLK350 uses a seven-speed automatic transmission which has Comfort, Sport, and manual modes.
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COMAND knob
The COMAND knob works well for accessing and manipulating car applications, such as navigation, audio, and phone.
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Navigation system
We really like the resolution of the maps on this navigation system, but wish it would show traffic information.
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iPod connector
The optional iPod kit puts this connector into the glove compartment. We would prefer a console compartment, but the interface works well.
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Audio sources
You can choose from a variety of audio sources, including the Music Register, the car's onboard music storage. Media Interface is the iPod connection.
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CD-ripping
You get music into the Music Register by ripping it from a standard CD. The car will properly tag and file all the tracks.
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Bluetooth
The Bluetooth phone system can import contacts from some phones, although we had no luck with an iPhone.
