2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4MATIC Test Drive

On Sale Date: August 2012

Price: $36,000 (est.)

Competitors: Audi Q5, BMW X3, Cadillac SRX

Powertrains: 3.5-liter V-6, 302 hp, 273 lb-ft of torque (4MATIC); 2.1-liter I-4 turbo-diesel, 190 hp, 369 lb-ft of torque (BlueTEC 4MATIC)

EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy): TBD

What's New: Although the GLK's midcycle refresh incorporates only mild styling tweaks, with updated bumpers, headlamps, and interior trim, the mechanical alterations introduce nearly 1000 new parts to the boxy sport ute. Key among the changes are two new powerplants: A direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 with a gain of 35 hp over its predecessor, and an upcoming 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel BlueTEC model. Both promise upgraded fuel economy, Mercedes says, aided by the addition of stop/start technology and a new electromechanical steering setup, though we don't have the official numbers just yet. Mercedes-Benz's Attention Assist feature meant to combat drowsy driving is now standard, while new options include a variety of more in-depth driver assistance items as well as an AMG exterior styling package.

Tech Tidbit: Automakers usually cite better mpg as the reason to include electromechanical steering, but the GLK350 adds another reason for a nonhydraulic setup: Active Park Assist. Thanks to the new electrically driven arrangement, the GLK can parallel park itself, as long as it detects a space that's 39.4 inches longer than the car. Just confirm the auto-park feature and pop the gearbox into reverse; as long as speed remains below 7 mph, the steering will maneuver the vehicle into a spot.

Driving Character: We'll always prefer the driving dynamics of compact SUVs to those of bigger, bulkier sport utility vehicles, and the GLK350 is no exception. Thanks to a relatively short wheelbase and wide track, this baby SUV feels closer to a C-Class sedan on the road than it does to its cargo hauling stablemates.

Acceleration is noticeably brisker thanks to the brawnier V-6, and the stop/start feature stops and starts smoothly enough at a standstill. The updated interior comes across as more accommodating than that of its harder-edged predecessor, and the front buckets shine with typical Mercedes-Benz comfort. The back seats, on the other hand, are a bit cramped.

Favorite Detail: Thanks to heightened competition in the compact luxury SUV segment, Mercedes-Benz has stepped up its game with an interior that feels fancier than its price point might suggest. Our favorite feature? The no-cost optional wood trim, which gussies up the cabin.

Driver's Grievance: As much as automakers have promised us better electromechanical steering (and we've seen some systems that work as advertised), the GLK's arrangement lacks the feedback and feel of a traditional hydraulic setup. It exhibits a slight but noticeable buzz during slight on-center corrections.

The Bottom Line: Mercedes-Benz's GLK-class has proven a likable little sport utility vehicle, as evidenced by its increase in sales over recent years. Although its steering response takes a step down, the GLK's increased power, enhanced efficiency, and sexier styling makes it worth serious consideration in this hotly contested segment.

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