2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Review
2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Impenetrably solid feel, impressive ride and handling, impeccably crafted cabin, high-tech options.
Cons
- Less cargo space and rear leg room than competitors, pricier than Japanese rivals.
What’s new
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is an all-new compact luxury SUV.
Edmunds says
It may not be the roomiest or the most fuel efficient, but the 2010 Mercedes GLK350 is an impressively built compact crossover SUV that should meet the needs and desires of many luxury buyers.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class GLK350 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 7A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$263/mo for GLK-Class GLK350
GLK-Class GLK350
vs
$192/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Mercedes-Benz was one of the first players in the luxury SUV market, but until now, the compact segment of that market had been ignored by the three-pointed star. Correcting that problem is the all-new 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350, a compact crossover that combines elements from throughout the brand's lineup. Based mechanically on the C-Class sedan, but boasting blocky styling aped from its bigger GL- and G-Class siblings, the GLK is like a greatest hits album with one or two new tracks up its sleeve.
The 2010 GLK350 is the second-cheapest Mercedes you can buy in this country, but you'd never suspect it. The GLK is built to such a high standard that its price premium over most similarly equipped competitors seems well worth it. Close the GLK's doors and the sound they emit gives the feeling of closing a bank vault -- all that's missing is that spinny wheel thing. Go over railroad tracks and the body doesn't flex a bit, nor does any jarring or jiggling greet your backside. This little SUV feels like you could drive over a grenade and experience nothing but a muted "thump." The GLK350 may not be perfect, but when it comes to meticulous build quality, it simply has no equal in this segment.
Drive the GLK back-to-back with a C-Class sedan and you're bound to get a sense of déjà vu all over again. In addition to its aforementioned ironclad feel, the GLK's steering and ride are remarkably similar to the C's. Not surprisingly, the GLK is built using a C-Class platform that's been shortened by 4 inches and given some appropriately pumped-up SUV ground clearance. The GLK and the C350 share the same 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, which in the GLK is the only power choice (a Bluetec diesel option should be available in future model years), while the seven-speed automatic is the lone transmission.
The interior is also a chip off the ol' C-Class block -- and we do mean block. The controls are virtually identical, but they're placed on an upright dash with nary a curved surface in sight. When done up in black, the GLK's austere cabin is the most stereotypically Germanic environment short of the Hofbräu tent at Oktoberfest. What it may lack in flair, though, the GLK interior more than makes up for with superior materials and impeccable fit and finish. Mercedes' interior quality took a nosedive for a few years, but the GLK's quality construction proves that the three-pointed star represents a world standard once again. The rather haphazard electronics interface is less impressive, but we do like it better than BMW's iDrive system.
The GLK does have a couple downsides, however. Its maximum cargo capacity and rear leg room are on the low side among luxury SUVs, so if you're looking for a hauling machine, you should probably look elsewhere. The Volvo XC60 provides just enough of that extra utility to make it more appealing to families, while the Lexus RX 350 is also about the same price and a full size larger. If the size is right, but you want something a little more stylish and sporty, the Audi Q5 is also worth consideration. The Acura RDX and Infiniti EX35 would be cheaper choices that offer a more dynamic driving experience.
However, even if the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 may not be the cheapest, biggest or most fun to drive compact luxury crossover, it's so well-rounded that finding glaring faults is difficult. We think buyers will find it a compelling choice and will be pleased to discover that Mercedes is once again at the top of its game.
Performance & mpg
The 2010 Mercedes GLK350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 good for 268 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission with comfort, sport and manual settings is standard. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive (known as 4Matic) is optional. In performance testing, a GLK350 4Matic went from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined with 4Matic. Sticking with rear-wheel drive nets 1 mpg better on the highway.
Safety
The GLK comes standard with stability control, antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. A rearview camera, parking sensors and TeleAid emergency telematics are optional.
Driving
The 2009 Mercedes GLK's most notable driving characteristic is the rock-solid feel of its chassis and unibody construction over every bump and road imperfection. The ride may be on the firm side for some (that some should buy a Lexus), but all others will appreciate the way the GLK350 confidently glides over the road. Through corners, the GLK remains securely planted despite its top-heavy nature, and its steering is well weighted and offers respectable feedback. We wouldn't describe the GLK as particularly fun compared to the X3 or EX35, but its dynamics are bound to please its likely clientele.
The V6's 268 hp is more than adequate -- the GLK's acceleration isn't breathtaking, but the dual exhausts give off a pleasant Germanic growl during aggressive driving. On the highway, the V6 is remarkably quiet, emitting an almost imperceptible purr. The seven-speed transmission is remarkably smooth -- even in sport mode -- but it can be a bit slow to downshift at times.
Interior
The GLK's cabin looks like its designers stuck exclusively to rulers -- there's barely a rounded edge to be found. While this produces a rather austere and stark environment (particularly in black), the interior is beautifully crafted, with top-notch materials and tight panel fitment. The standard MB Tex vinyl upholstery is convincingly leather-like -- uninitiated passengers will likely mistake it for the real thing. Headroom is ample all around, but rear legroom is tight. Getting in and out can be a squeeze, too.
Some cabin controls are overly complicated, and the climate controls are mounted a little low, but the overall combination of physical dash buttons, steering wheel controls and the optional multifunction COMAND knob are reasonably effective at corralling the GLK's various functions. Maximum cargo capacity is 54.7 cubic feet, which is less than most luxury competitors.
2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class models
The 2010 Mercedes GLK-Class luxury crossover SUV is available in one trim level known as the Mercedes-Benz GLK350. When equipped with all-wheel drive, it is the GLK350 4Matic. Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, cruise control, automatic headlamps, eight-way power front seats, MB Tex premium vinyl upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt and telescoping steering column, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The Premium 1 package adds a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, driver seat memory settings, a 115-volt household outlet and satellite radio. The Multimedia package adds a hard-drive navigation system, the COMAND interface, a rearview camera, and a surround-sound system with 11 speakers, in-dash six-CD changer (available as stand-alone) and 6 GB of digital music storage. The Appearance package adds 20-inch wheels and aluminum roof rails. Other options include front and rear parking sensors, xenon headlights, leather upholstery, heated front seats, running boards, an iPod interface and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual front-headrest-mounted displays.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.
5 star(69%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(1%)
98 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3 out of 5 stars
I Love My Car But...
B.R.Bannister, 07/24/2016
2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class GLK350 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
I Love my Car. We are around 110000 miles now. Over all I love everything about my car except I always need to fix it. My car lock needed to be fixed, that was $1000 Seals around the doors are cracking. Chrome trim around cup holders are peeling. Buttons are wearing off. Middle console it scratching. Basically anything plastic will and has fallen apart. I know it sounds all horrible but … my car in almost mint condition and all these things are things only I would notice since I detail my car daily but the fact is I have noticed. I've spent $3000 in maintenance this year. Over all I love my car it handles well, I feel special driving it. But if you don't have the extra cash I'd say pass.
5 out of 5 stars
Two years later and still loving it!
carbuff50, 12/10/2011
2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class GLK350 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
We have driven it 14,000 miles so far over the past two years-it has been flawless in every way.
Feels solid like it was carved out of one piece of steel, handles great and looks terrific.
Average about 19mpg in town-highway is a better.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Good little car
jwalt1, 02/09/2014
2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class GLK350 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
Good car. Very reliable. Bought with 8k mikes in 2011. Now have 90k. Never had anything other than oil changes done to it. I do NOT recommend the 20 inch wheels. They go through tires fast. Needs more storage. Don't like the angle of the backseat. Also don't like the curve of the backseat next to the door. Makes it hard for car seats to properly fit. It gets good mpg in flatter terrain. … But in the small mountains of Arkansas, I'm getting about 9mpg. It's a great compact SUV, very capable. Having to get rid of it due to my child needing more legroom. Would buy again if they could upgrade storage and me the backseat larger.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Classy ride
scenic26, 01/04/2014
2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class GLK350 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
I purchased my 2010 glk350 with 36,000 miles on it. It was a dealer certified car and feld comfortable with my choice of vehicle, being I also own a 2005 ML350 since new with over 80,000 miles on it and love it as well.
My GLK is a smaller version of the ML, and performs every bit as well as the larger vehicle. The ML is a bit more cushy and plush as far
as the ride, but thats it in my … opinion. My GLK is peppy, reliable, great in the snow and ice with great traction, and is fantastic on dry roads at any speed. I feel great driving this car and recommend it highly. You won't be dissappointed?
2010 GLK-Class Highlights
GLK350
Base MSRP | $34,600 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $263/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 23.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
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