Remember that movie night debate? “Fine honey, you see ‘Sex in the City’ with the girls and I’ll see ‘Tropic Thunder’ with the boys!” It’s funny how pop culture can introduce us to unexpected things. In this case, it was the Mercedes Benz Glk 350, subtly showcased in “Sex and the City,” that caught my wife’s eye and eventually, mine. When the GLK 350 test model arrived, my initial reaction was a mix of confusion and skepticism. Its boxy silhouette and prominent three-pointed star reminded me of an upscale Subaru Forester. Coupled with its association with a certain chick-flick, my expectations weren’t sky-high for this baby Benz.
Frankly, I was puzzled by the specs on paper: 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque tasked with moving over two tons of vehicle. This is a Mercedes Benz, isn’t it? Stylistically, I was on the fence, and the performance figures seemed adequate at best.
Then, I actually drove the Mercedes Benz GLK 350.
Hazah! My initial doubts vanished the moment I hit the road. This machine is genuinely enjoyable to drive. While the brake and steering feedback felt somewhat muted, lacking in tactile communication, the GLK 350 proved to be surprisingly agile. The brakes, though vague, offered substantial stopping power when needed. The steering, while not overly communicative, was precise, allowing the GLK to confidently track any line I chose, regardless of speed.
The acceleration was another pleasant surprise. Consistently, the Mercedes Benz GLK 350 clocked 0 to 60 mph in well under 7 seconds. The 7-speed automatic transmission deserves high praise – smooth shifts in comfort mode and responsive, sporty shifts when pushed harder. I even tried to outsmart the shift algorithm, quickly lifting off the accelerator after a downshift, but the transmission held its gear tenaciously in sport mode. While not recommended for everyday driving in “sport,” it highlights the transmission’s responsiveness.
For daily commutes, the Mercedes Benz GLK 350 in “comfort” mode is a true standout. It surpasses many competitors in highway driving comfort, including the BMW X3. The supportive seats, the firm yet comfortable ride, and the optional Harman/Kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system – boasting 11 speakers and 600 watts with Dolby Digital 5.1 – create an exceptional in-cabin experience. Adding to the ambiance is the two-piece panoramic sunroof, and the user-friendly navigation system makes long journeys a breeze. The GLK 350 transforms the daily grind into a genuinely pleasurable experience.
However, rear passenger space is where the GLK 350 shows its compact dimensions. With the driver’s seat in my preferred position, legroom in the back becomes limited, especially for adults. While my four-year-old was perfectly content and entertained by the window controls (which were promptly locked), larger families might find the rear a bit cramped. Cargo space is also on the tighter side. Even with the 60/40 split-folding rear seats down, fitting a standard mountain bike requires removing the front wheel. Practicality takes a backseat to the overall driving experience in the GLK 350’s design priorities.
After a week of driving and several hundred miles, the Mercedes Benz GLK 350 grew on me. Getting in and out was effortless, a boon for larger individuals. Aside from the cruise control stalk being positioned where the turn signal should be – a common Mercedes quirk – the interior layout is remarkably intuitive. The GLK 350 is incredibly easy to live with and drive every day.
The build quality is undeniably Mercedes-Benz standard – solid and well-assembled. However, there seems to be a slight disconnect between the interior and exterior design philosophies. While the interior design is restrained, functional, and in good taste, the exterior could benefit from some of the design symmetry seen in competitors like the Audi Q5. Inside, subtle details like the hidden buttons for the center armrest’s split-doors add a touch of understated luxury. The expansive greenhouse provides excellent visibility, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces surprisingly easy.
Perhaps the Mercedes Benz GLK 350 lacks a certain overt “panache” often associated with the brand. It’s more understated elegance than flashy statement.
Intrigued by its capabilities beyond paved roads, I ventured to my favorite, somewhat challenging fishing spot in the Mercedes Benz GLK 350 4MATIC. Despite the large 19-inch wheels and lack of dedicated off-road features or low-range gearing, the all-wheel-drive GLK performed admirably on rough dirt and muddy tracks. Essentially a taller, more capable wagon with AWD, the GLK 4MATIC instilled confidence. This brief off-road excursion convinced me that the Mercedes Benz GLK 350 4MATIC would be an outstanding companion in winter conditions.
One of the most appealing aspects of the Mercedes Benz GLK 350 is its surprisingly accessible price point. Starting around $34,000, it’s uncharacteristically “un-Mercedes-like” in its affordability. Even my well-equipped 4MATIC test vehicle came in around $46,000. By being selective with options, a comprehensively equipped GLK 350 can be had for just over $40,000, making it a compelling value proposition in the luxury compact SUV segment. This value is even more noteworthy considering the GLK 350 was initially marketed towards a female demographic.
So, is the Mercedes Benz GLK 350 exclusively a “ladies'” car? Absolutely not. Ignoring the marketing, the GLK 350 is a spunky and capable mini-Mercedes that appeals to a broad audience. While driving it, I may have experienced a fleeting sense of elevated self-importance and a sudden urge to go shoe shopping – perhaps a testament to the marketing’s subtle influence – in all seriousness, the Mercedes Benz GLK 350 is a genuinely good vehicle. While it might not be the most overtly luxurious or groundbreaking Mercedes-Benz, it delivers a well-rounded package of driving enjoyment, comfort, and surprising value in the competitive compact luxury SUV market.
