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Wednesday, June 1, 2011
since the premiere of the brand new 2010 model year GLK Class, back in 2008, Mercedes-Benz is finally replacing it with the new 2011 model year in the July 2010. Sounds confusing? Here is clarification: Research, development and testing of the compact SUV were finished a lot earlier than expected by Daimler AG and they pushed GLK for sale in early 2008, but model year remained to be 2010 to keep their books intact, so 2010 model year GLK ended up with a long run. Anyone who is looking to purchase a pre-owned GLK needs to check the original Date of Sale, because even if the VIN number tells you that this is the 2010 model year, you could easily end up buying a 2 year old vehicle!
Both: GLK350 (Rear-Wheel-Drive) and GLK350 4MATIC (All-Wheel-Drive) continue to boast 268 Horsepower and 258 lb-ft of Torque. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class enhancements consist of the new and more users friendly Headlight Control Switch and Premium Leather Steering Wheel. 2011 GLK has also improvements in the Safety technology. New Knee Airbag, Driver/Passenger Pelvic Airbags and new Rear View Camera are added to the new model year - to stay in the mainstream of other Mercedes models safety standards. The final enhancement to the new GLK is the available new paint: Pearl Beige Metallic. This paint will be limited in production and may have extra charge, but if you like it - it may worth it!
There isn't a hint of French curve to be found anywhere inside the GLK, but the geometric lines are softened by an abundance of amenities and framed within an elegant simplicity that echoes the exterior's no-nonsense character. The craftsmanship and materials are of an obviously high standard, and even Mercedes' vinyl upholstery could be mistaken for real leather. Headroom is ample all around but rear legroom is tight, and climbing in and out through the small rear door openings can be difficult.
A few systems are overly complicated to operate and the climate controls are mounted a little low, but the overall combination of physical dash buttons, steering-wheel controls and the optional multifunction COMAND knob make the GLK no less friendly than other cars with extravagant electronics. Maximum cargo capacity is 54.7 cubic feet, which is less than most luxury competitors, but the rear seats are easy to fold flat when the need arises for more luggage room.
The Premium 1 package adds a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, driver seat memory settings, driver seat power lumbar support, a 115-volt household outlet and satellite radio. The Multimedia package adds a navigation system, a rearview camera, the electronics interface, voice controls, digital music storage, an iPod/USB audio interface and a six-CD changer.
The GLK350's cabin takes elements from Mercedes-Benz's entry-level C-Class sedan, as it features a similar steering wheel, center control panel and gauge styling. Models equipped with Mercedes' optional Comand system have a knob controller on the center console that's used to navigate menus on the 7.5-inch dash screen. Among knob-based control systems, Comand's interface is one of the more intuitive ones available. The system's screen can show things like radio station information and map data from the navigation system.
*Standard simulated leather upholstery
*Optional real leather
*Front bucket seats and three-seat rear bench
*Optional "mbrace" telematics system
*Real wood and aluminum trim
*Standard dual-zone automatic air conditioning
The Appearance package adds 20-inch wheels and aluminum roof rails. The AMG Sport package offers the roof rails, 20-inch wheels, AMG bumpers and LED daytime running lights. Other options include a styling package, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, an 11-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, heated front seats and a rear seat entertainment system with dual front-headrest-mounted displays.
With its angular exterior styling, the GLK350 bears a strong resemblance to its big brother, the GL-Class. The GLK350's large front grille is divided by two horizontal bars, and in the middle is a large Mercedes three-point star. Upright roof pillars make for tall side windows, and the back of the crossover is finished with a liftgate spoiler and twin exhaust outlets.
*Standard 19-inch alloy wheels
*Optional 20-inch rims
*Optional panoramic moonroof and power liftgate
*Optional adaptive bi-xenon headlights, cornering lights and LED taillights
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with an output of 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission with Comfort, Sport and Manual settings is standard. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive (known as 4Matic) is optional. In Edmunds performance testing, a GLK350 4Matic accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, an average time for this segment. Estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined with 4Matic. The rear-wheel-drive GLK bumps the highway number up to 23 mpg.
The GLK350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque.
*Seven-speed automatic transmission
*Rear- or all-wheel drive
*3,500-pound maximum towing capacity
The GLK comes standard with stability control, antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and, new for 2011, a front knee airbag and driver/passenger pelvic airbags. Parking sensors and Mercedes' mbrace emergency telematics are optional.
In Edmunds brake testing, a GLK 4Matic came to a stop from 60 mph in 119 feet -- a good number for this type of vehicle.
Driving Impressions
Given the compromises of ride height and weight commensurate with its class of vehicle, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK is beautifully balanced and evokes comparison to the C-Class sedan, its closest showroom relative. If the GLK is not quite as sporty as the X3 or Q5, its incredibly solid structure, compliant ride quality and maneuverability through tight urban streets are sure to appeal to the GLK's likely buyer.
With its 268-hp V6, the GLK's acceleration isn't breathtaking, but the dual exhausts give off a pleasant Germanic growl during aggressive driving. On the highway, the V6 is remarkably quiet, emitting an almost imperceptible purr. The seven-speed transmission is remarkably smooth even in Sport mode, but it can be a bit slow to downshift at times.
reference:www.benzonly.com,www.cars.com,www.edmunds.com
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