2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic

Mercedes-Benz will be going up against the all-new Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60, both of which go on sale in March and both of which, arguably, are better-looking vehicles. However, we expect the Q5 to cost a bit more than the GLK, but Audi of America has some time to try to wring a better deal out of its German parent. As was the case with Mercedes-Benz USA when it priced the GLK350, Audi and Volvo ought to benefit from the newly strengthened dollar against the euro. Surely Audi and Volvo's U.S. product planners are doing everything they can to bring their products here with base prices starting at less than $40K, now that Mercedes has laid down its $35K gauntlet.

The Audi and Mercedes powertrains are pretty similar, though: the GLK350 offers a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a smooth seven-speed automatic; and the Q5 is coming to America solely with a 270-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 and a six-speed automatic. Audi of America would do well to bring us its corporate 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine for the Q5 just as soon as it possibly can, in an effort to decrease the sticker price and increase fuel economy. As for the GLK350, which is EPA rated at 16 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, we'd rather see Mercedes bring us a fuel-sipping diesel than one of its coarse four-cylinder engines. M-B USA officials allow that they are considering both a four-cylinder and a diesel for future fitment. However, they will not offer the 3.0-liter V-6 that's available in the C-class sedan upon which the GLK is based.

The 3.5-liter V-6 provides plenty of straightline grunt and sounds pretty good when you hammer the throttle. It's possible to drive the GLK350 quite aggressively on a twisty road and come away feeling pretty satisfied, but there is clearly not the level of sportiness here that Infiniti builds into its EX35 and FX35 crossovers. This won't matter to most buyers, though, who will be more interested in the three-pointed star; the all-weather capability of the 4Matic system (it churned the GLK350 up my steep, snow-covered driveway handily, ABS grinding away); and the excellent front sightlines through the broad windshield and the expansive side glass.

© Source: automobilemag
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