The sport-utility vehicle market is a cut-throat one. From cargo space to comfort to off-road capabilities, deciding whether an SUV is the best often comes down to personal choice and brand loyalty as opposed to a "better product" than the rest.
And here's where the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4MATIC comes on the scene: It's not necessarily better than any other SUV out there, but it does offer some upscale features and that all-important 3-pointed star symbol on the front grille that sets it apart from the rest. However, with an as tested price in the $54,000 range ($44,000 base), its attempt to attract the masses may be in vain.
Manly on the outside and in
If nothing else, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4MATIC looks damn good. I absolutely love the strong lines, aggressive front grille with the massive chrome Mercedes logo and the mock push bar (part of the standard AMG Sport Package). Just the right amount of chrome accents are thrown on the exterior to bump up the class factor. The almost-too-small rear spoiler and 20" five twin-spoke wheels add a touch of "sporty" to the overall look, as well.
Step inside the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4MATIC and that manly, assertive look continues. I immediately thought "military" the moment I sat in the 8-way power adjustable driver's seat. From the symmetrical, mounted buttons on the leather-wrapped steering wheel to the propeller-blade air vents to the button-loaded but oh-so-organized middle console, there's something extremely strict about the interior design - very German. Everything has its place, everything has its purpose and nothing is overdone. And I love it.
While I'm not a huge fan of the Mercedes-Benz COMAND entertainment and navigation system, it's not impossible to use and quite easy to get used to. I also found the placement of the control knob a bit uncomfortable. As I am on the shorter side of the spectrum, my seat has to be pushed farther forward than most, so in order to use the system control knob ahead the middle console arm rest I had to angle my elbow out as it would have met with the end of the seat and my hand would never reach the knob. And because of this, I was required to take my eyes off the road and look down each time I wished to use the knob while driving, just to make sure my arm was angled enough to reach it.
Other than that, the interior of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4MATIC is well-built and comfortable for long or short journeys. It also offers a fair amount of cargo space with 450 litres available in the trunk.
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| There's something extremely strict about the interior design. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |
A techno-nanny keeps you on track
When it comes to driver assist bits and bobs, I think the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4MATIC has one of the longest lists I've seen in quite some time: Acceleration Sid Control, ABS, AGILITY CONTROL suspension, hill start assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, PARKTRONIC, active blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, adaptive highbeam assist, passive lane keeping assist... the list seems to go on and on. And all that's to say: The GLK 350 4MATIC has the technology to make your drive that much easier -- or at least more controlled.
While I appreciate the blind spot assist, rearview camera and adaptive highbeam assist (that automatically dims highbeams if it senses oncoming traffic), the rest is just added fluff and will inevitably turn into expensive repair bills down the road.
One of the better electronic features is Mercedes-Benz new start/stop ECO function that shuts the engine off when you're stopped (in traffic, or at a light) and turns it back on as soon as you take your foot off the brake. This is a fabulous feature for saving both gas and the environment.
Also, Merc's 4MATIC all-time all-wheel drive system is a great feature for our Great White North winters and will keep you well sorted no matter what the weather gods throw your way on the road.
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| Mercedes-Benz new start/stop ECO function shuts the engine off when you're stopped. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |
A fair amount of power
Equipped with a 3.5L direct injection V6, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4MATIC is good for 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with Merc's 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, this GLK is a joy to drive, and I'm not sure that's entirely to do with the engine output and power.
Offered with Mercedes-Benz's STEER CONTROL Electric Power Steering, handling in the GLK is unlike most SUVs. It, thankfully, handles and steers like a car. Steering is precise and you feel connected to the vehicle, even on rougher terrain. This explains, perhaps, why I felt most comfortable off-roading in the GLK as opposed to its larger GL and ML brothers.
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| This GLK is a joy to drive, and I'm not sure that's entirely to do with the engine. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |
A GLK in the driveway
After driving the GLK for a week, I have to say I'm impressed. However, not in an "oh my God I must own one" kind of way, but more in a "I get why there are so many on the road" way. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4MATIC is a luxurious option to the average-Joe SUV choices currently available, but I'm not quite sure it's worth dishing out the extra dollars to own.
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