Mercedes Benz GLK: Merc and Me

MANILA, Philippines - There are some test-drive offers you simply can’t refuse. When the good folks at CATS Motors, official distributors of the Mercedes Benz brand, offered to lend me the newly launched Mercedes Benz GLK, for example, I couldn’t say no – even if I already had a different test drive unit from a different manufacturer at hand. I am many things, true. Downright stupid is not one of them.

We had just published the launch story late in January when people started bugging me about the vehicle, “When will you get to test drive a unit?” Which wasn’t surprising at all, really. I mean here was Mercedes Benz’s answer to the erstwhile segment leader BMW X3. Finally. People naturally wanted to know if the vehicle was as good as advertised. It did, after all, get 10,000 orders in just its first month out in Europe. We wasted no time trying to find out for ourselves where the mystique lay, of course.

Let’s start off with its performance, shall we? The GLK is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 that gives around 227 HP @ 6,000 rpm and 30 kg-m @ 2,500-5,000 rpm. Though it doesn’t really whack you silly from the onset, it’s got enough kick to keep you on your toes. Paired with a very satisfying to use 7-speed automatic transmission, it throws in the right amount of juice on pretty much every gear ratio to keep you from complaining.

The GLK has Mercedes’ 4MATIC system that splits torque between the front and rear wheels 45:55 via a multiple-disc clutch in the center differential. This results in great balance and control. And, paired with Electronic Stability Control, Acceleration Slip Regulation, and 4-Wheel Electronic Traction System, the GLK shows a purposeful and confident characteristic that’s almost surprising to find in an SUV. But then again, I shouldn’t really be mentioning that this is a surprise. We’re talking about a Mercedes Benz, after all.

Now if you think that the GLK’s balance and acceleration are the only things notable with its driving dynamics, you have another thing coming. The vehicle’s brake system is nothing short of outstanding. Utilizing an Adaptive Brake control system which incorporates the basic ABS, Acceleration Skid Control, and yaw control functions, it can diagnose critical situations and apply the brakes and control drive torque to maintain or restore traction and directional stability. In other words, the darn thing actually thinks on its own and helps you maintain even better control of the vehicle when the need arises. Not that we had scary moments, but we did actually try to drive the GLK through slippery twisting roads just to test the system. Surprise, surprise! It actually works! And, if in the unfortunate occasion that something might happen, the GLK’s dizzying array of safety features give enough reassurance to keep you from fidgeting.

Now on to the vehicle’s distinct styling. The centerpiece tri-star emblem greets you like most of its new-generation Mercedes ilk would – with a daunting yet visually appealing stance. Outside, it bears a striking resemblance to the C-Class sedan. With bulging wheel arches, which house beautiful 19-inch rims, it also comes off as slightly macho. Sharp flanks that all but embrace the vehicle assure you that there is nary a wrong line in it. And, those dual tail pipes round it all out with aplomb. Truth be told, the GLK stays true to the Mercedes Benz design language enough to make it a thing of beauty, yet it also deviates in just the right amount to make it unique and fresh.

The impressive synergy of design continues in the GLK’s interior. Generous amounts of tasteful of leather and wood are staple. The occasional aluminum highlight can be found too, making for some slick touches that speak “modern” with such subtlety. The COMAND interface is a welcome addition to the entire set-up as well. It’s very similar to the system found in the new C-Class so it’s quite intuitive (not to mention helpful). The seats are nice and snugly and legroom is quite generous considering the vehicle’s limited proportions.

Speaking of space, the rear seatbacks can be split 60-40 and can also be folded to create a flat load floor. At its most basic, with the rear seats upright, the rear cargo area can hold up to 450 liters. With the rear seats folded flat, cargo space can go all the way up to an amazing 1,550 liters. And in James Bond fashion, there’s an additional stowage compartment under the floor that has an 86-liter capacity. The GLK really is quite the innovative – not to mention luxurious – hauler.

So how did I like the Mercedes Benz GLK? I didn’t like it. Not one bit. I loved it! At P4.48 million, it may not be a very affordable vehicle. But considering what you get with the purchase, that would be money well spent – if of course you were in the market for such a vehicle. Me? I was already quite happy to get to try the darn thing – and to dream about it on occasion. After all, we did have our moment, that GLK and I…