2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class Quality Review

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK combines a high-quality interior with a comfortable—and usable—cabin that luxury buyers will appreciate. However, some reviews read by TheCarConnection.com point out that the interior materials, while nice, don't quite live up to the high expectations people hold of Mercedes vehicles.

The spacious, upright Mercedes-Benz GLK350 boasts plenty of interior space for even the tallest passengers. Car and Driver attests that the interior "ergonomics are sound," with "plenty of space for legs and heads, front and rear." Up front, Cars.com says that "the front bucket seats have supple cushioning and are supportive thanks to a long bottom cushion," while ConsumerGuide declares that "headroom and legroom are ample for six footers." The only complaint, if you could call it that, regarding the front seats comes from Automobile Magazine, which comments that "seat side bolsters would be useful in severe off-roading or high-speed cornering, neither of which is particularly likely with this vehicle." Reviews of the 2010 Mercedes GLK's rear bench seat are mixed, as Cars.com reports that "the backseat is fairly tight for adult passengers," although ConsumerGuide feels that "six footers will find generous headroom in back, even under the optional panoramic sunroof." However, ConsumerGuide does warn that "legroom and knee space can be lacking for taller passengers if the front seats are pushed all the way back."

In terms of cargo space, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK is competitive within its class. Cars.com reports that the "GLK350's cargo area measures 23.3 cubic feet," but "with the backseat folded there's 54.7 cubic feet of total cargo space." Compared to other Mercedes-Benz models, Motor Trend says "total cargo area is smaller than the MLs, [but] it's configured for slightly more width," which means that the Mercedes-Benz GLK350 can hold "two golf bags...sideways on the floor." Another plus on the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK is the fact that, with the rear seats folded, the GLK350 offers "an almost flat load surface measuring 65.9 inches long," according to reviewers at MyRide.com.

The retro-themed interior of the 2010 Mercedes GLK features the usual assortment of upscale materials that buyers have come to expect, although perhaps not used quite as liberally as in some other Mercedes vehicles. Cars.com notes that the interior is "trimmed in high-grade materials," but Motor Trend points out that "the matte-finish sienna pine trim" on Euro-spec versions of the GLK350 "is arguably more interesting" than the "glossy burled walnut trim" on U.S.-bound versions. One other surprising comment comes from ConsumerGuide, which reports that "the standard upholstery is vinyl, but leather is available." On the positive side, ConsumerGuide proclaims that the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class's "interior is solidly assembled."

Most reviewers find the 2010 Mercedes GLK cruises like a luxury vehicle, which is to say it offers a relatively quiet ride. Cars.com notes that "ambient and wind noise are effectively muted," and "even when accelerating aggressively, engine noise isn't intrusive."