Even if it came late to the party, Mercedes-Benz GLK appeared with a good stance and a bold look in its eyes like it was a descendent of the mighty G-Class.
At least, that’s what Mercedes-Benz tried to tell the world. The underpinnings of the GLK were more related to the C-Class than to the G-Wagon. The only connections between the GLK and its famous ancestor were the G from its name and the V6 turbodiesel engine. Nevertheless, it was a fierce contender for the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Infiniti EX.

Its sharp lines resembled the angular look of the G-Wagon, but the headlight’s shape was closer to the C-Class W204. The grille was big, with two slats, and resembled the shape of the GL-Class. With its flared wheel-arches and narrower main bodywork, it tried to tell that it can work well on unpaved roads and even some mild off-roading sessions. But its main charisma was often seen in the malls’ parking lots.

The interior showed few similarities with the C-Class W205, especially for the dashboard with the extended instrument cluster over the infotainment system. Unlike its sedan sibling, it featured a steering-column mounted gear-selector for the automatic gearbox. The German carmaker offered the vehicle with a wide range of customization programs, including a glass-roof and leather upholstery. Unfortunately, the rear-seat legroom was about the same as in any other C-Class.

For the technical part, GLK featured an all-wheel-drive system (4Matic), which could send the power to the wheels with the most traction. Depending on the market, it was offered with a wide choice of gasoline and diesel engines. Most versions were paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission standard, while selected versions were available with a 6-speed manual.

Following the world premiere in April 2012, the new Mercedes-Benz GLK is displaying its full credentials on- and off-road.
Its claim to leadership of the compact SUV segment is underscored by trailblazing assistance systems, engines matching efficiency with agility, a new design and an extended range of equipment and appointments. The newly designed exterior lends the GLK added dynamism. The body combines classic elements of all-terrain vehicles with the design idiom of the current Mercedes-Benz models. Stringent lines, expansive surfaces and the smooth-surfaced, volume-emphasizing front and rear areas harmonise with the hallmark GLK body features which are typical of classic, functional all-terrain vehicles. Apart from the attendant benefits in off-road terrain, this design also offers concrete advantages in day-to-day use. Designing the new interior for the GLK was an exacting task. The compact SUV’s width was to be emphasized so as to further heighten the feeling of space inside the vehicle. At the same time, the developers were also intent on enhancing the impression of quality. Their efforts have spawned impressive results: The GLK’s interior offers the comfort, the ergonomics and the quintessential MB feel-good factor which is generally the reserve of higher classes of vehicle.