2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Overview Change Vehicle

This 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class review explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2012 GLK-Class, and includes Mercedes GLK-Class safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

Until recently, the smallest and most affordable Mercedes SUV was the midsize M-Class model. The GLK-Class arrived in 2010 to fill the entry-level crossover SUV slot in the Mercedes lineup, and is also one of the least expensive models available with a three-pointed star embedded into its grille. But, as you shall see, that’s because everything is optional.

For 2012, Mercedes-Benz has relocated the media interface cable, a component name that could only come from Germany, to the GLK’s center console. Nothing else changes this year.

The GLK is offered in a single level of specification and is called the GLK350. Despite a starting price tag of more than $35,000, the GLK comes lightly equipped in standard format. The basics are all in place, as is expected of a luxury-branded vehicle, and highlights include leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats, a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, and Bluetooth. Fog lights, dark tinted privacy glass, and 19-inch alloys decorate the exterior – in addition to the giant three-pointed star emblem in the grille, of course – while the interior is trimmed with Burl Walnut wood or genuine aluminum.

The GLK350’s option list is enormous. First, there’s 4Matic full-time four-wheel drive. Then there’s the Full Leather Seating Package, which also includes ambient cabin lighting. Lots of GLK buyers also want the Premium 1 Package, which adds extras like a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel as well as items that really ought to be standard on a luxury SUV such as satellite radio, a compass, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, HomeLink, and 10-way power front seats with power lumbar support for the driver. Finally, if you want navigation, you’ll need the Multimedia Package, which includes that feature plus an iPod/MP3 player interface, a CD/DVD changer, a card reader slot, a 6-GB Music Register hard drive for music storage, and a rearview camera system.

If you’ve got any money left over, Mercedes also offers the Appearance Package, which adds 20-inch alloy wheels and aluminum roof rails. The optional AMG Styling Package takes things a step further with LED running lights, AMG styling tweaks, and AMG 20-inch split-spoke wheels. Finally, there’s a Lighting Package that adds adaptive bi-Xenon headlights with Active Curve Illumination, headlamp washers, cornering lamps, LED running lights, and LED rear turn signal indicators.

Some GLK features are offered as single items from an a la carte option menu. Among them are metallic paint, a panoramic sunroof, a 510-watt Harmon/Kardon premium sound system with 11 speakers, Parktronic front and rear parking sensors, Mbrace mobile connectivity and services, and Keyless Go entry and ignition. The GLK can also be outfitted with heated front seats, a rear seat entertainment system with a CD/DVD changer, a trailer hitch, and brushed aluminum running boards. Load one up with equipment, and the price tag approaches $60,000.

As denoted by the GLK350 nomenclature, this compact SUV is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine making 268 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque between 2,400 and 5,000 rpm. The engine burns premium unleaded, and Mercedes-Benz claims the two-ton GLK350 can accelerate to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.

A Touch Shift seven-speed automatic delivers the power to the rear wheels. Yes, you read that correctly. The GLK350 is rear-wheel drive. Equip it with 4Matic full-time four-wheel drive, and you’ll get a permanent 45/55 front-to-rear power split. A four-wheel traction control system (4-ETS) can automatically redistribute power rear-to-front or side-to-side as conditions warrant.

Because the GLK is heavy for its size, fuel economy isn’t especially impressive. The EPA estimates 16 mpg in the city regardless of whether 4Matic is added. Without 4Matic, the highway rating is 22 mpg. With 4Matic, the highway rating drops to 21 mpg. Remember, premium is required.

Every 2012 Mercedes GLK comes standard with an Agility Control suspension that automatically adjusts to the driver’s driving style and road conditions, continuously varying the shock absorber tuning to provide a comfortable ride quality or maximum handling capability, as is deemed necessary.

If there’s an area where the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 excels, it’s with regard to safety. First, it is exceptionally well equipped with nine airbags including a driver’s knee airbag and separate side-impact and side pelvic airbags, traction and stability control, and four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. The braking system also features automatic brake drying as well as Predictive Brake Priming, which senses when you’ve lifted off the accelerator pedal suddenly and places the brake pads closer to the disc for faster response in a panic stop. Also, every GLK is equipped with Hill Start Assist and Trailer Stability Assist.

To confirm that the GLK is a safe SUV, note that the essentially identical 2011 model received a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS has not yet announced its ratings for 2012 models, however, we’re confident this accolade will transfer to the ’12 GLK. If you’re looking for a star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), you’re not going to find one. At least not as this review is written.

The GLK350 gets the worst possible reliability prediction from Consumer Reports. Not good. But, if you think J.D. Power and Associates is a more credible source, you can focus on the initial quality award that the GLK won in 2011, and the average reliability prediction provided by J.D. Power.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 is a heavy little cute ‘ute. Its base curb weight is more than 4,000 pounds, which gives it a feeling of solidity but also makes it less fuel-efficient than it otherwise could be. Perhaps because of its stout underlying structure, the GLK can tow 3,500 pounds.

If you’re not planning on towing but need cargo space, the GLK offers 23.3 cubic-feet of space with the rear seat raised and 54.7 cu-ft with the rear seat folded. For comparison, a Hyundai Santa Fe can swallow 78 cu-ft of cargo.

Except for a Top Safety Pick laurel from the IIHS and an initial quality award from J.D. Power, the Mercedes-Benz GLK is a tough sell. Overweight and under attired in terms of standard equipment, the thirsty GLK needs to go on a diet and add value before Vehix can recommend it.

By Christian Wardlaw