EXECUTIVE: Perhaps my judgment was skewed by several days of driving larger Mercedes-Benz GL-class SUVS, but this little 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic felt surprisingly nimble and quick for a 2-ton utility vehicle. Mash the gas
and the GLK350 lays down power to all four wheels and rips off the line, leaving anyone thinking “chick ute” sniffing your exhaust fumes. That tag, hung on the GLK when Mercedes made what I think was an ill-reasoned decision to make the car a featured element of the “Sex in the City” movie (I can still picture the spy shot of Samantha's long, perfect gam descending out of the driver's door -- but I seriously digress), no longer applies to this harder, more masculine model. Though the new-to-the-U.S. BMW X1 is probably a touch sportier, it could be argued that the GLK is the edgier looking of the pair.
Aside from pure straight-line acceleration, the GLK seems ready and willing to attack the corners and carve the apexes, its high chassis not yielding much roll and its tires and suspension keeping the car stuck tightly to the road. The brakes seem a little spongy, but they work (and the GLs all seem a little touchy in the brakes, so that could be affected my judgment again).
The downside: This tranny seems to have a mind of its own, shifting oddly in both sport and economy modes, with related engine management seemingly disconnected from the gas pedal at times. Not a good feeling.
2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic
Base Price: $39,965
As-Tested Price: $47,675
Drivetrain: 3.5-liter v6; AWD, seven-speed automatic
Output: 302 hp @ 6,500 rpm, 273 lb-ft @ 3,500-5,250 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,079 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 19/24/21 mpg
AW Observed Fuel Economy: 22.1 mpg
Options: Premium 1 package including auto-dimming mirrors, driver memory with four-way lumbar support and power tilt and telescoping steering column, power liftgate, iPod/MP3 media interface, SiriusXM satellite radio, panorama sunroof, 115-volt AC power outlet, integrated garage door opener, compass in rearview mirror ($3,450); multimedia package including rearview camera, enhanced voice control, COMAND with hard drive navigation ($2,790); heated front seats ($750); Lunar blue exterior paint ($720)
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