2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK-CLASS Review

Overview

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is a five-passenger SUV with excellent performance. It is the sportiest SUV in the Mercedes-Benz line-up. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK is powered by a robust 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine with a standard 7G-Tronic 7-speed automatic transmission and boasts of a 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

Powertrain And Performance

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class comes in a single 350 4MATIC trim. The 3.5-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC) 24-valve V6 engine pumps out 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. Torque. This engine is mated to a standard seven-speed automatic transmission that offers a smarter way to drive, combining speed, efficiency, and performance for a continuously smooth ride. The 2011 GLK-Class 350 4MATIC tows up to 3,500 lbs and the cargo area available is 54.7 cubic feet. The fuel economy estimates are 16/17 mpg (city/highway).

Build And Styling

Standard 19-inch 10-spoke wheels with 235/50 R19 all-season tires; dual chrome exhaust; chrome accents; panorama sun roof; roof rails; and a privacy glass are key exterior features. Twenty-inch seven-spoke light-alloy wheels with 235/45 R20 all-season tires are optional and available with the Appearance Package. Bi-Xenon High Intensity Discharge headlamps; LED tail lamps; high-pressure heated headlamp washers; corner illuminating lamps; and night security illumination are also available options. Standard eight-way power driver and passenger seats; power lift gate; dual-zone automatic climate control; an integrated 6-disc CD player with DVD video and DVD audio playing capability (available with the Multimedia Package); central controller with a five-inch color display; Bluetooth connectivity; hard-drive navigation system; rear view camera; 6 GB hard-drive with music register (available with the Multimedia Package); SIRIUS satellite radio; iPod/MP3 media interface; rear seat entertainment; and Harman/Kardon Logic 7 system (available with the Multimedia Package) make up the interior of the 2011 GLK-Class. It accommodates 23.3 cubic feet of cargo with all the seats up, and 54.7 cu. ft. of cargo with the second row of seats folded down. Parktronic, heated front seats, and a trailer hitch are optional. Packages available include Appearance; Full Leather Seating; Multimedia; and Lighting.

Safety Features

The six-air bag system offers increased protection for all passengers. Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs) and belt force limiters-equipped with seat belts; active front head restraints; SmartKey control; tele aid; anti-theft alarm with remote panic feature; remote window opening and closing; hill start assist; agility control; electronic stability program; and tire pressure monitoring system ensure the safety and security of the passengers and the vehicle. The permanent 4-wheel-drive system provides optimum traction, even in slippery conditions, due to the advanced 4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS). 4-ETS can get going even when only one wheel has grip. Sensors at each wheel monitor traction. If one or more wheels start to slip, 4-ETS brakes those wheels individually and ensures that power is delivered to the wheel or wheels with traction.