Around The Web
targeted at Sex-in-the-City women, but it wears sharp, angular styling that apes the butch GL-class. Does this fuel-crisis trucklet suffer multiple-personality disorder?
Motor Trend »
complete lack of grace in its blocky form, clearly inspired by the ancient, military-intended Geländewagen
Automobile Magazine »
if it were any more German, it'd be named Gretel
Edmunds »
the GLK has the appearance of a large vehicle until you get close to it and realize it is actually quite small — at least on the outside
MSN Autos »
The dual tailpipes hint at its penchant for sporty performance.
Forbes »
STYLING | 7 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
targeted at Sex-in-the-City women, but it wears sharp, angular styling that apes the butch GL-class. Does this fuel-crisis trucklet suffer multiple-personality disorder?
Motor Trend
complete lack of grace in its blocky form, clearly inspired by the ancient, military-intended Geländewagen
Automobile Magazine
if it were any more German, it'd be named Gretel
Edmunds
the GLK has the appearance of a large vehicle until you get close to it and realize it is actually quite small — at least on the outside
MSN Autos
The dual tailpipes hint at its penchant for sporty performance.
Forbes
Chiseled good looks of another time--that'd be a compliment for a Hollywood actor, right? It's less decisive for the Mercedes-Benz GLK, which casts its lot with crisp, angular forms while the rest of the luxury-crossover world goes gaga for smooth surfaces and very softly rounded shapes.
Parked next to an Audi Q5 or a Volvo XC60, the GLK looks downright butch--and we think it's entirely intentional, since Mercedes actually has a long history of building military-grade SUVs like the Gelaendewagen. The unintended consequence is that the GLK ends up looking more like a traditional SUV--or like an older Mitsubishi Outlander or Subaru Forester--when it's actually among the most carlike vehicles in the class, in terms of handling and features.
Inside, it's more of the same: The GLK's instrument panel bears a striking resemblance to BMW interiors—and a lower-set version of what's used elsewhere in the M-B lineup—but the gauges and controls are remarkably straightforward. A wide swath of wood trim that helps dress up some of the obvious plastics and underscores a vaguely retro tone that lingers through the cabin.
Conclusion
The GLK's angularity is refreshing in its own way, though we've grown more fond of the rounder shapes of other luxury crossovers.