Back in 1998, Mercedes helped pioneer the luxury SUV scene with their full-sized ML series. This machine helped kick off a new vehicle genre that was quickly joined by a flood of competition from around the globe.
As the full-size posh-ute scene got rolling, shoppers started demanding the capability of larger sport utilities in a milder and more compact package. This quickly gave birth to a hot new breed of mid-sized SUVs and crossovers. Despite their pioneering efforts in the luxury utility scene, Mercedes is one of the market’s last automakers to offer a machine in its mid-sized segment.
Late but worth the wait
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK is late to the party-- but it has arrived with a killer suit and a clean-cut attitude. The smallest ‘ute in the Mercedes line, GLK hopes for test drives by the same folks considering models like the Acura RDX, BMW X3, Infiniti EX and so on.
Mercedes stresses that the GLK doesn’t fall into the ambiguous, catch-all ‘crossover’ category, and says it’s a thoroughbred SUV at heart. As such, its blocky and rugged looks fly in the face of more generic, wind-swept machines. There’s none of the market’s overused “X” nomenclature in the badging, either.
Simple and neat
Apparently, a curvaceous body isn’t a requisite for great SUV looks after all. The GLK is a current-day take on a classic box-inspired 4x4-- jazzed up with all the typical Mercedes styling bits. The stance suggests capability and protection, and GLK wears its skin tightly enough to look discreetly athletic. It’s strong, chiseled and alert: a manly-man’s sport ute indeed.
Moreover, the GLK stands out in traffic. That’s tough to do when you’re playing in the mid-sized SUV field these days.
As an added bonus, the tall windows and straight, thin pillars work towards a commanding view and above-average all-around visibility. GLK proves a cinch to park, but a big-ish turning circle can complicate things in tighter quarters.
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| Pricing is refreshingly realistic too, with the GLK 350 starting under $42,000. |
As the full-size posh-ute scene got rolling, shoppers started demanding the capability of larger sport utilities in a milder and more compact package. This quickly gave birth to a hot new breed of mid-sized SUVs and crossovers. Despite their pioneering efforts in the luxury utility scene, Mercedes is one of the market’s last automakers to offer a machine in its mid-sized segment.
Late but worth the wait
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK is late to the party-- but it has arrived with a killer suit and a clean-cut attitude. The smallest ‘ute in the Mercedes line, GLK hopes for test drives by the same folks considering models like the Acura RDX, BMW X3, Infiniti EX and so on.
Mercedes stresses that the GLK doesn’t fall into the ambiguous, catch-all ‘crossover’ category, and says it’s a thoroughbred SUV at heart. As such, its blocky and rugged looks fly in the face of more generic, wind-swept machines. There’s none of the market’s overused “X” nomenclature in the badging, either.
Simple and neat
Apparently, a curvaceous body isn’t a requisite for great SUV looks after all. The GLK is a current-day take on a classic box-inspired 4x4-- jazzed up with all the typical Mercedes styling bits. The stance suggests capability and protection, and GLK wears its skin tightly enough to look discreetly athletic. It’s strong, chiseled and alert: a manly-man’s sport ute indeed.
Moreover, the GLK stands out in traffic. That’s tough to do when you’re playing in the mid-sized SUV field these days.
As an added bonus, the tall windows and straight, thin pillars work towards a commanding view and above-average all-around visibility. GLK proves a cinch to park, but a big-ish turning circle can complicate things in tighter quarters.
 |
| The stance suggests capability and protection, and GLK wears its skin tightly enough to look discreetly athletic. |