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The Mercedes GLK has been retired for five years. At the TÜV he still shows himself to be fit.
The Mercedes GLK was the first small SUV from the brand with the star. This means that Mercedes was not one of the first in the market, but with the market launch in 2008 it was able to cut a decent piece of the admission cake of the booming segment. That remained until the end of production in 2015. From then on, the GLC continued the success story.
Lots of space in the trunk
The GLK is based on the C-Class (W204) and has a length of 4,54 meters. With its height of 1,70 meters, the vehicle leaves an imposing impression. Visually, the SUV is based on the G-Class, but does not appear quite square and massive. Martial thoughts do not arise when looking at the GLK. The angular body also allows the end of the vehicle to be assessed, which makes parking easier. Entry and seating position are high, up to five adults can find a comfortable seating position. The trunk has a capacity of 450 liters, if you fold down the backrests, you get up to 1.550 liters. In 2012 Mercedes freshened up the look of the GLK a little. Among other things, the design of the headlights changed slightly, in the interior the dashboard was upgraded with aluminum or wood paneling.
Motors and drive
The relationship to the C-Class is also evident in the large selection of engines. There is a choice of gasoline and diesel engines with four and six cylinders as well as rear or all-wheel drive.
The petrol engines start with the GLK 200, which develops 135 kW / 184 hp. The GLK 250 with 155 kW / 211 is also a four-cylinder, alternatively it is also available with all-wheel drive (4Matic). The versions GLK 280 4Matic and GLK 300 4Matic, both with 170 kW / 231 hp each, are 3,0-liter six-cylinders. But they were only at the start between 2008 and 2011. The GLK 350 4Matic (200 kW / 272 PS), a six-cylinder with a displacement of 3,5 liters, was also withdrawn from the range in 2011. The top engine remained from 2011 to the end of the 3,5-liter V6 as the GLK 350 4Matic with 225 kW / 306 PS. With the exception of the basic petrol engine, all Otto engines are equipped with a seven-speed automatic. The consumption is between 7 and 10,6 liters.
Traditionally, however, most customers have opted for a diesel engine. The range of services starts here at 105 kW / 143 PS. The GLK 200 CDI has rear-wheel drive and a manual six-speed gearbox as standard. Alternatively, a seven-speed automatic is available. This is included with all other diesel engines ex works. The diesel range also includes the GLK CDI 220 4Matic (125 kW / 170 PS) and GLK 250 CDI 4Matic 150 kW / 204 PS. The three-liter six-cylinder diesel 320 CDI 4Matic (165 kW / 224 PS or 170 kW / 231 PS) and GLK 350 4Matic (195 kW / 265 PS) complete the diesel portfolio. The consumption comes to values between 5,5 and 8 liters.
Technology and materials convince
As is usual with Mercedes, in addition to the standard equipment, there are plenty of opportunities to customize the vehicle by ticking options. With the facelift, ambient lighting with LED technology is moving into the interior as an option for the first time for the GLK: There is also a large color display as an information monitor for the instrument cluster in front of the driver. Depending on the status of the bank account or the approved leasing rate of the former first owner, differently well-equipped GLK vehicles are available on the used car market. The processing quality and materials are - in addition to the solid technology - the strengths of the GLK. With five stars in the EuroNCAP crash test, it also delivers a sovereign performance here. In addition to nine airbags, the GLK scores with crash-responsive headrests, anti-slip control, ABS and ESP.
Quality
Completion of the main TÜV inspections does not raise concerns for GLK owners. The TÜV inspectors find little to criticize. Only the brakes give reason for the examiner to shake his head. Here rusty brake lines become unpleasant with age. The SUV does not allow itself any weaknesses when it comes to the chassis, lights and exhaust.
Conclusion
If you enjoy angular design and value solid technology, you won't go wrong with the GLK. For vehicles from the very beginning you have to invest at least 8.000 euros. The models from the facelift onwards are available on used car portals from around 11.000 euros.
