Of course, appearance does matter, and on this Benz, it's the interior look that wins a beauty contest against mini SUVs like the Q5 and LR2. The GLK utilizes the same one-dial aluminum controller found in the S-Class sedan and CL coupe to interface with the display for navigation, audio and phone functions. There are hookups in the glovebox for an MP3 player and even an iPhone, but not the same kind of bumping audio system as in the Land Rover we drove recently. An optional multimedia package solves that problem, changing the standard stereo out for a 12-speaker LOGIC7 Dolby Digital system and a MusicRegister feature that allows you to save up to 1,000 songs on an integrated hard drive.
All this performance and luxury is probably not new to an avid European car enthusiast. It may even be what we've already come to expect from Mercedes. The point is, for a car this size in this segment, the view from the GLK's cabin is first class.
2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4MATIC
*Layout
Longitudinal front engine, all-wheel drive
*Engine
3.5-liter V6, dohc, 24-valve
*Transmission
Seven-speed automatic
*Suspension
McPherson struts with two-piece lower control arm (f), multi-link (r)
*Brakes
13.0-inch ventilated rotors (f),11.8-inch ventilated rotors (r)
*Dimensions
Length/Width/Height (in.): 178.3/74.25/66.9Wheelbase: 108.5 in.Curb weight: 4036 lb.
*Performance
Peak Power: 268 hp @ 6000 rpmPeak Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm