The debut of Mercedes-Benz's first compact SUV is an event that is hard to overestimate. Even at the spring premiere in Beijing, it became obvious: the arrival of the GLK not only expands the model lineup but also claims the role of a new trendsetter in its class. But to understand how justified such ambitions are, a real test was needed. That is why we headed to the outskirts of Düsseldorf, where the first test drives of the new model were organized for journalists.

In the very name of the model, the Germans embedded three main advantages. The letter G is a reference to the legendary Gelandewagen, whose family traits are clearly recognizable in the modern streamlined forms of the GLK. In Stuttgart, they emphasize: the designers' task was to transfer the classic solutions of the G-Class into a more compact format, enriching them with the styling of the brand's current passenger models. The G-Class's rugged lines — vertical front end, short overhangs, narrow pillars, and almost vertical windshield — here harmoniously combine with smooth contours and dynamic creases on the sides. In the strict, business-like interior, kinship with the passenger lineup is also felt everywhere. It is no coincidence that the abbreviation includes other letters.

L (luxus) hints at luxury and comfort, while K indicates compactness. In terms of comfort, the new Mercedes can indeed claim leadership in the segment. The main trump card is the Agility Control suspension, which skillfully balances between sporty dynamics, ride smoothness, and off-road capability. Unlike the C-Class, which served as the base for the GLK, there is no manual mode selection here: the electronics themselves adapt the shock absorber stiffness to the driving style and road conditions. As a result, the car constantly offers optimal settings — whether for comfort, handling, or off-road capability. The steering tie rod mounted ahead of the axle and the parameter-based power steering make the steering wheel surprisingly light — even lighter than on the all-wheel-drive C-Class, yet it remains sharp and informative.

The 4Matic all-wheel-drive system was carried over to the GLK from the C-Class almost unchanged — with the same asymmetric torque distribution between the axles of 45:55. But the engineers' main achievement is the almost perfect coordination of all auxiliary electronics: ESP, ASR, and the 4ETS traction control system. Thanks to this, the GLK demonstrates neutral handling, rare for SUVs, in a wide variety of modes. Only in extreme situations does a slight tendency toward oversteer appear.

If handling is almost impossible to fault, the engines leave a mixed impression. For Russia, three six-cylinder engines will be offered: two gasoline units of 3.0 and 3.5 liters (from November 2008) and a three-liter diesel (from early 2009). There are no complaints about the diesel — neither in terms of dynamics (acceleration to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds) nor efficiency (7.9 L/100 km in the combined cycle). The gasoline engines also look decent: the GLK 350 reaches 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, averaging 10.4 liters per 100 km. For a car of this class, these are excellent figures, although in practice it feels like the engines are slightly choked by Euro 5 emission standards. However, the difference in dynamics is so negligible that it can easily be sacrificed for fuel economy.

But where the GLK truly captivates is off-road! The standard inter-axle lock with a force of 50 Nm already noticeably increases traction. But if the car is equipped with the "off-road technical package," its capabilities become even broader. Just press the G button on the center console, and the respectable urban SUV magically transforms into a full-fledged off-road conqueror — much like a society lady who sometimes turns into a wild country girl in the bedroom. Activating off-road mode changes the shift algorithms of the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, softens the accelerator pedal response, and recalibrates the stability control system to be more tolerant of wheel spin. This noticeably increases tractive effort and improves grip on low-friction surfaces. The adjacent button activates the hill descent control system — a kind of cruise control for off-road use that prevents the car from exceeding a set speed on steep slopes. And although the 201 mm ground clearance does not allow the GLK to be classified as a true off-roader, among compact crossovers, the new Mercedes is one of the clear favorites.

A Double-Edged Sword

In addition to traditional diesels, in Europe the GLK will be offered with an eco-friendly four-cylinder BlueEfficiency engine that meets even the ultra-strict Euro 6 emission standards. The three-liter diesel with 170 hp uses exhaust gas recirculation, making the GLK BlueEfficiency the most economical in the family — just 6.9 liters of fuel per 100 km. Theoretically, everything looks ideal. But will owners actually save money? Even on high-quality European fuel, afterburning of exhaust gases saturated with harmful particles threatens to significantly reduce the engine's lifespan. And there is no need to mention operating conditions in Russia — such a car would be sheer madness there.

Driving
Surprisingly light steering for an SUV. The car performs equally well in the city and off-road.

Interior
A strict business-like interior in the true German spirit — maximally functional and refined.

Comfort
Excellent sound insulation, typical of all brand vehicles, is complemented by the intelligent Agility Control suspension.

Safety
High-strength body and a full set of airbags, including driver's knee protection.

Price
Slightly higher than that of main competitors.

Pros and Cons

+ Smart suspension, excellent handling, high off-road capability.

The gasoline engine seemed slightly choked to us — it feels like it could perform better, but it is held back by the settings.


Specifications

Make and model — MB GLK 350 (320 CDI)*
Dimensions — 4528x1840x1689 mm
Engine — gasoline, 3498 cm3, 272 hp/6000 rpm (diesel, 2987 cm3, 224 hp/3800 rpm)
Transmission — automatic, 7-speed
Dynamics — max 230 (220) km/h; 6.7 (7.5) s to 100 km/h
Competitors — BMW X3, Audi Q5


Our Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz GLK can confidently be called one of the leaders in the compact SUV segment: it wins in comfort, handling, and off-road capability. The only thing that might stop a potential buyer is the price, which is noticeably higher than that of its rivals.