2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, The Mercedes-Benz GLK was first shown in concept form at the North American International Auto Show in January 2008. The concept was very close to the production model which debuted later in 2008 at the Auto China in Beijing. While a diesel was on display in China, the U.S. initially receives the GLK350 exclusively. Unlike the brand’s M-Class, the new GLK-Class features an angular design similar to the legendary G-Class. The GLK is the fifth SUV in the Mercedes-Benz lineup.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 is the second-cheapest Mercedes you can buy in this country, and yet you’d never guess it by the way it looks, feels and drives. Close the GLK’s doors and the metallic thump is reminiscent of closing a bank vault — all that’s missing is that spinning wheel thing. Drive over railroad tracks and the GLK feels as if it’s made from a solid block of concrete — there’s no jarring or jiggling greeting your backside. This sort of impenetrable feeling is a hallmark of Mercedes’ current lineup and certainly makes any sort of anticipated GLK price premium seem worth it — though in reality, the GLK is actually quite competitively priced.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class consists of only a single model: the GLK350. When equipped with all-wheel drive, it receives a 4Matic moniker.
Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, front and rear foglamps, roof rails, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats, MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a cargo cover, Bluetooth, the COMAND electronics interface and a six-speaker sound system with a single-CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.
The Premium 1 package adds a power liftgate, a panoramic sunroof (optional separately), rear parking sensors, auto-dimming mirrors, a power-adjustable steering wheel, driver memory functions, front-seat four-way power lumbar adjustment, a compass and satellite radio (optional separately). The COMAND package adds a navigation system, a larger infotainment display, real-time traffic, digital music storage and voice controls. The Multimedia package is similar, but adds a rearview camera and an iPod interface (optional separately). A six-CD changer can be added to both of these packages.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 268 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard. 4Matic all-wheel drive is optional.
Safety
The GLK comes standard with stability control, antilock disc brakes with brake assist and brake drying, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag and driver/passenger pelvic airbags. Parking sensors and Mercedes’ mbrace emergency telematics are optional.
Interior Design and Special Features
The GLK’s cabin looks as if its designers stuck exclusively to rulers when penning the many surfaces — there’s barely a rounded edge to be found. While this produces a rather austere and stark environment (particularly in black), the interior is solidly crafted with top-notch materials and tight panel fits. The standard MB-Tex vinyl upholstery is not only nicer than many makers’ real leather, but we actually thought it was leather until we peeked at our GLK test car’s equipment list.
Cabin controls can seem a little complicated at first, but the combination of physical dash buttons, steering wheel controls and the multifunction COMAND knob are a reasonable solution to complicated stereo, navigation and telephone functions. The climate controls are the standard Benz units, which means they are fairly simple to use. They are mounted a little low in the GLK, though.
Maximum cargo capacity is 54.7 cubic feet, which is less than every compact and midsize competitor (often considerably so). The same goes for backseat room, making it a better choice for singles or couples without kids rather than families. Headroom is ample for all passengers.
Driving Impressions
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK’s most notable characteristic is the rock-solid feel its chassis and unibody construction display over every bump and road imperfection. Even the worst potholes and railroad tracks are greeted with a muted thump and absolutely no body shudder or unpleasantness transferred to your backside. The ride may be on the firm side for some people, but the GLK is otherwise a nicely tuned luxury vehicle that glides along freeways with confidence and comfort.
Through corners, the GLK feels very much like the tall C-Class it is. It remains well-planted despite its top-heavy nature, and its steering is well-weighted and offers plenty of feedback. We wouldn’t describe the GLK as particularly fun compared to an Audi Q5 or BMW X3, but it seems just right for its likely clientele.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK Price :
MSRP:$35,880
Invoice price:$33,368
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK Specs :
Drivetrain : Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) : 4012
City (MPG) : 16
Hwy (MPG) : 23
Horsepower : [email protected]
Torque (lb-ft) : [email protected]
Wheelbase : 108.5
Length (in.) : 178.3
Width (in.) : 74.25
Height (in.) : 66.9