All 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class models for the U.S. remain powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine--and called the GLK350. Off-roading is not the GLK's forte. What the GLK does do well is get you home safety in foul weather; the 4Matic system excels in distributing power smoothly on a snowy road and avoiding wheelspin.
The GLK's cabin and cargo areas are roomy and upright. Mercedes-Benz has tuned the GLK's suspension to be taut but well damped; it doesn't allow the GLK much body motion, but the suspension will soak up most roughness from the road and the cabin stays tight and quiet even over rough roads or in high-speed cruising.
The GLK's standard equipment list is comprehensive and includes 19-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, leather trim, a panoramic sunroof, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class remains largely unchanged. So last year the GLK350 came along to fill the gap.
Drawing from Mercedes' well-stocked store of components, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK is based on the C-Class sedan and features Mercedes' familiar 3.5-liter V6 and seven-speed automatic transmission. The 2011 Mercedes GLK-Class luxury crossover SUV is available in one trim level known as the Mercedes-Benz GLK350. When equipped with all-wheel drive, it is the GLK350 4Matic. Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, cruise control, automatic headlamps, eight-way power front seats, MB Tex premium vinyl upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.
The Appearance package adds 20-inch wheels and aluminum roof rails. Other options include a styling package, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, an 11-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, heated front seats and a rear seat entertainment system with dual front-headrest-mounted displays.
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with an output of 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive (known as 4Matic) is optional. In Edmunds performance testing, a GLK350 4Matic accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, an average time for this segment. The rear-wheel-drive GLK bumps the highway number up to 23 mpg.
The GLK comes standard with stability control, antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and, new for 2011, a front knee airbag and driver/passenger pelvic airbags.
The GLK arrives in a single trim line, and features 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input, central COMAND controller, Bluetooth connectivity, privacy glass, heated power-folding mirrors, roof rails, rain-sensing wipers, heated washers, 10-way power heated Artico leather seats, tilt and telescopic multi-function leather-wrapped wheel, Burl Walnut wood trim, auto-dimming mirrors, power windows with auto up/down, split-folding rear seats, cargo cover, floor mats, keyless entry, automatic headlamps, cruise control, anti-theft alarm system, and tire pressure loss warning.
Available options include 20-inch wheels, Parktronic alert system, power sunroof, 115-volt power outlet, navigation system, and bi-xenon headlamps.