2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class

With what's close to a classic, upright SUV profile, with hard-edged details, the GLK takes the exact opposite tack in design direction compared to most rival brands, except for Land Rover. The GLK doesn't bear much family resemblance to the larger ML-Class from the outside; rather, it looks like a scaled-down version of the big GL-Class. Yet it's not pure box either. The overall look is clean and distinctive, but one that might have to grow on upscale buyers; in the profile, we also see a slightly larger interpretation of the mid-'90s Japanese crossover designs for vehicles such as the Subaru Forester and Mitsubishi Outlander.

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.

The GLK looks like an SUV and is billed as a luxury compact SUV, but its performance leans much more toward large sedan—that is, it accelerates faster and turns better than its styling would lead you to expect. Our editors, in fact, tend to like the GLK's light but precise and well-weighted steering feel as well or better than in M-B's cars. The queasy body motions and pitchiness you find in some other comparable vehicles during abrupt maneuvers is remarkably absent here. Shift paddles and an aggressive throttle tip-in also underscore that this crossover SUV is truly meant for the open road, not the boulder-strewn one.

Off-roading is not the GLK's forte. But its four-wheel-drive system adjusts as the various traction systems determine where torque is needed most. 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.

Cargo space is ample—and aided by Mercedes-Benz's choice to reserve three-row seating for larger vehicles. With the seats folded forward, the cargo space is almost perfectly flat and measures nearly 66 inches long; and with the back seat up there's still a very respectable 23.3 cubic feet.

The Mercedes-Benz GLK combines a high-quality interior with a comfortable and usable cabin that luxury buyers will appreciate. There's nice trim and detailing throughout; though given the lower price point, it's not surprising that the interior appointments, up close, aren't quite up to the level of those in M-B's larger and more expensive SUVs.

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.

While the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class hasn't been tested—and probably won't—by the federal government, it's earned excellent ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)—including top 'good' ratings in all subcategories, an overall 'good' rating, and a Top Safety Pick accolade for 2011.

There are no major safety features missing in the 2011 GLK350. Front side airbags, side-curtain bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and active front head restraints are all included, and the GLK has emergency systems that will automatically contact emergency dispatch if you're in a severe crash.

Thanks to the relatively high seating position and low shoulder line, the Mercedes-Benz GLK350 has impressive outward visibility—better than most other luxury crossovers.

Mercedes-Benz has been a tech pioneer for quite some time in the automotive industry, combining cutting-edge features with an impeccable luxury finish. In addition to a set of controls and displays that also bring the feeling you're in a luxury vehicle, the twin sunroof design lets a lot of light in and the high-end Harman/Kardon audio system has awesome sound and the ability to connect to an iPod and USB stick at the same time.

A six-CD changer, Sirius Satellite Radio; a rear-seat, twin-screen DVD entertainment system; a power liftgate; a navigation system; bi-xenon headlamps with washers; LED taillights; and 20-inch wheels are among the options.

Part of the issue, of course, is that the GLK only comes in GLK350 guise, with its comparatively large-displacement V-6. And it's quite heavy. Mercedes-Benz has suggested that it is considering adding a four-cylinder turbo-diesel model to the GLK lineup in a future model year, but no official announcements have yet been made.