In cooperation with the dynamic handling control systems ESP®, acceleration skid control ASR and 4ETS, the basic 45:55 percent torque split between the front and rear axle ensures assured and predictable handling. When fine-tuning the control systems the engineers at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre placed particular importance on defined understeer characteristics, as displayed by all GLKmodels even in the most varied of road conditions: on dry roads, in rain, snow, ice or on unsurfaced roads.

A double-disc clutch achieving a basic locking torque of approximately 50 Nm between the front and rear axle is fitted to the central differential. The clutch pack is permanently preloaded via a plate spring. In the case of spinning wheels on one of the two axles, a friction torque is transmitted to the axle spinning more slowly by relative movement of the discs. A sustained improvement to traction and directional stability of the vehicle are achieved through this principle of variable torque shift. Particularly in the case of low coefficients of friction between the tyres and the road surface the traction and stabilising effect of this so-called pre-lock clutch is clearly noticeable.

Adaptive Brake: state-of-the-art brake control system enables shortest stopping distances – even in wintry road conditions

The newly developed ADAPTIVE BRAKE control system encompasses the following basic functions: the anti-lock braking system ABS, acceleration skid control ASRand yaw moment control. ABSand ASR record and control the driving situation longitudinally, the yaw moment control the lateral dynamics. If ADAPTIVE BRAKE diagnoses critical operating conditions, within the limits of the laws of physics traction and directional stability are retained or reinstated through precise brake actuation and drive torque control.

New additional functions make ADAPTIVE BRAKE even safer and more convenient. Hill Start Assist prevents the vehicle from rolling unintentionally in the opposite direction of travel wished by the driver. A function known as priming has also been added. If the driver quickly removes his or her foot from the accelerator, the system prepares for possible panic braking by placing the brake linings on the brake discs using little pressure. Through the indirect pressure build-up when operating the brake pedal this will then shorten the stopping distance if a full brake application does occur. Thanks to ADAPTIVE BRAKE’s ability to produce even the slightest amounts of brake pressure precisely, it is possible to remove the film of water which forms on the brake discs in wet conditions through brief, light brake actuation. This reduces even further the brake response time, and thus the stopping distance, in the wet. Intervention takes place as soon as the windscreen wiper has reached a certain number of wipe cycles and the driver has not braked of his or her own accord in the meantime.

The GLKis fitted with adaptive brake lights as standard. This system warns following traffic that there is a critical braking situation by initiating flashing of the brake lights if the vehicle’s rate of deceleration is high. In the case of emergency braking from a speed of over 70 km/h the hazard warning lights are automatically activated when the vehicle comes to standstill.

The “off-road” switch in the centre console helps the GLK-Class to make good progress on rough terrain if the equipment line with the “off-road engineering package” is selected. At the touch of a button a special drive program comes into operation; it varies the 7G-TRONIC’s shift points, “softens” the accelerator characteristic and activates the ESP® functions with off-road ABSand a special off-road 4ETS. A further switch turns on the DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) which automatically keeps to a pre-selected speed between 4 and 18 km/h on steep downhill inclines. The driver can vary the speed at any time using the cruise control lever.

In addition to a tyre pressure loss warning system the GLK’s Electronic Stability Program ESP® comprises vehicle/trailer stabilisation as standard. This diffuses critical operating conditions through precise brake actuation as they arise. The maximum towing capacity is 2000 kilograms.

Strong characters: The GLK-Class from Mercedes-Benz

The new GLK is a strong character which enriches the world of compact SUVs. With its practical, attractively compact body style this distinctive multi-talented vehicle is in a class above its competitors, successfully combining qualities previously deemed to be conflicting: thanks to the AGILITY CONTROL suspension, outstanding driving dynamics go hand in hand with superb handling safety and excellent ride comfort. Working together with the electronic control systems the state-of-the-art variable all-wheel-drive system 4MATIC unites optimum on-road performance with high off-road suitability. It is precisely these connections that make the GLK so attractive: within the Mercedes-Benz SUV family this is one of the models characterised in particular by an impressive performance spectrum on surfaced roads, and yet at the same time that all-important “G” is part of its signature.

The four and six-cylinder engines, as powerful as they are economical and environmentally compatible, guarantee effortlessly superior performance. The GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model comes with the new four-cylinder diesel engine from Mercedes-Benz. The base engine mobilises 125 kW/170 hp and consumes 6.7 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. The highly stable body forms the prerequisite for the vehicle’s groundbreaking passive safety, its quiet running and interior comfort complete with the hallmark Mercedes feel-good factor and its high value retention. An excellent level of interior equipment and appointments and attractive equipment packages help the GLK to stand out from the compact SUV crowd to an even greater extent. What’s more, systems such as the groundbreaking PRE-SAFE® safety concept and the Intelligent Light System ILS are available in this market segment for the first time.

Distinctive Mercedes-Benz styling
The bold, sharply defined lines of the GLK350 give this compact rig a larger than life image despite being shorter in length than BMW’s compact X3 and Subaru’s new Forester. To my eye, the GLK’s squared-off wheel openings and fairly upright windshield give it a slight “retro” look.

Irrespective of how one chooses to interpret the GLK’s edgy sheet metal, there’s no denying that it sets this unit apart from the masses of compact SUVs that blend together in mall parking lots across North America. And with a big tri-star emblem fronting its imposing grille, the GLK’s Mercedes-Benz DNA is hard to miss.

Moving inside the aptly sized GLK exposes one to a business-oriented premium cabin that’s understated and not overly decorative. Ergonomically, the GLK cabin is a standout. In keeping with German automotive tradition, the 10-way power-operated seats in the GLK350 are notably firm but immensely comfortable, especially for long stints behind the wheel. In fact, I doubt a more supportive perch can be found anywhere, at any price.

Power and performance
A 3.5-litre V6 engine capable of dispatching 268 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque @ 2,400-5,000 rpm powers the GLK350. The abundance of low-end torque is quite satisfying; it effortlessly propels the vehicle without forcing the engine to rev unpleasantly.

When rapid acceleration is needed, the GLK350 stands up and delivers. Mercedes-Benz literature boasts an impressive 0-100kph time of just 6.7 seconds, and I have no quarrel with that figure. As such, the GLK350 is no slouch, making quick work of highway passing and hill climbing.

Surprisingly capable off-road
Although this week’s road test didn’t challenge the GLK350 with anything much worse than decayed pavement, I drove a GLK350 off-road in Germany when Mercedes-Benz launched the vehicle last year. That opportunity allowed the compact Benz to strut its stuff; and believe me it did, leaving me rather astonished at its prowess.

Short overhangs front and rear and MB’s 4MATIC permanent AWD system partner with 201-mm of ground clearance to give the GLK350 its tenacity off-road. But don’t be fooled, this is still a light-duty SUV sans a low-range transfer case.

Behind the wheel
The GLK350 is truly a pleasure to administer thanks in part to the excellent visibility imparted by its high seating position and large expanses of glass. Add driving dynamics that include gently calibrated throttle and brake responses, along with a secure composed ride, and the ingredients are present for a relaxing automotive experience.

I will unabashedly say that this is perhaps my favourite compact SUV to spend time behind the wheel of. Its handling characteristics are superb without compromising ride comfort. Steering response is quick and predictable yet sufficiently weighted to provide informative feedback.

Wrapping the GLK350
The GLK350 is a true Mercedes-Benz. The brand’s legendary solidity permeates the vehicle, imparting the sense of quality one expects from the brand. With a base price of $41,800, the GLK350 is one of the less expensive Mercedes-Benz vehicles to purchase, and perhaps one of the more rewarding and functional.

Along with its “right sizing,” the GLK350 spoils its occupants with comfort and luxury befitting the tri-star badge while also supplying cutting-edge vehicle control and occupant protection technology as standard equipment.