2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

It will come with two drivetrain options; rear-wheel-drive, or 4Matic full-time all-wheel-drive with a 45/55 torque split, combined with a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 and seven-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes estimates a curb weight of just over two tons, and a sleek 0.35 coefficient of drag, good for a 6.5-second 0-60 mph time and 23-mpg highway fuel consumption. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class suspension features "amplitude-dependent damping," a system designed for comfortable compliance and minimal roll in the corners, and steering is speed-sensitive, with maximum power assistance for parking or off-roading (ha), less at higher speeds.

The bullish shape of the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK suggests power and agility,

Seat side bolsters would be useful in severe off-roading or high-speed cornering, neither of which is particularly likely with this vehicle.

Our 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class test vehicle was loaded for bear and stickered at about $49,000. Ouch. But check out all the goodies: gorgeous, thick-spoked, twenty-inch wheels; leather upholstery and handsome aluminum-look trim; three-setting heated seats that don't cycle off; a sunroof; a power liftgate; a navigation system with Mercedes-Benz's excellent second-generation Comand controller; and a spectacular 600-watt Harman Kardon stereo system. 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 Mercedes-Benz 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.

There is only one compelling reason to consider this compact SUV; your neighbors and friends will be impressed by your membership in the three-pointed star club. Costing nearly $50,000, this is not a value-based product. It doesn't deliver anything remarkable in terms of performance, utility, or riding comfort. Only by carefully watching speed and throttle pressure will you ever visit the 20-mpg realm. And don't forget you'll be fueling up at the premium pump.

We drove the Mercedes GLK350, which is powered by the 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. It will be the sole model for the United States, at least for a while (a diesel could come later). Mercedes' claimed 0-to-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds undercuts that of the 260-hp BMW X3 3.0i, which needs 6.9 seconds for the manual and 7.1 for the automatic. Predictably, Mercedes doesn't offer a manual transmission here; instead, its seven-speed automatic is standard. Key extras are Comand with navigation, adaptive headlights, a rear-view camera, and a rear-seat DVD system with two screens. Admittedly, 99 out of 100 owners won't ever take their Mercedes-Benz GLK off-road. But we did, and we came away impressed. Although it's too early to tell exactly how the Baby G will fare on highways and byways, the compliant suspension, the communicative steering, and the convincing engine/gearbox combination suggest that this Mercedes will give the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3 a very good run for the money.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 is a solid choice for anyone shopping for a premium small SUV/crossover. It's also possible to see the GLK as a substitute for a C-class wagon in the U.S. This is as close as American shoppers can come to buying a smallish wagon with a tri-star on the hood. With a base price expected to be just under $40,000, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK faces stiff competition from the likes of Acura, Audi, BMW, Land Rover, and Volvo but has a different approach that should resonate well with U.S. shoppers.

Heated leather seats, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and a superb stereo will make the office commute and jaunts to the mall and supermarket more than bearable. The fully adjustable seats keep your backside happy on long drives, and the COMAND infotainment system is easy to learn and provides quick access to stereo, phone, and navigation. While the COMAND control knob operates much like BMW's iDrive, the system is more user-friendly.

On the track, the 3.5-liter V-6 hustled the 2010 GLK to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds. Stops were equally impressive: 60 to 0 mph in just 124 feet. Brake-pedal feel left much to be desired, though. The first half of travel is mushy and provides little stopping power. Then, forces suddenly firm up considerably and the brakes bite hard. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class needs a more gradual, linear braking response. To their credit, the brakes have a tough job. Despite its smallish size, the GLK tips the scales at 4214 pounds. Still, the GLK never feels like a porker. Merging and passing on the freeway are effortless, and the GLK can pull off a 15.0-second quarter-mile at 92.9 mph. The real penalty is fuel economy: The Mercedes-Benz GLK carries an estimated EPA city/highway rating of just 16/22 mpg. And it only drinks premium.

The V-6 and seven-speed team well together for brisk acceleration and terrific passing performance. A trailer-hitch option permits towing up to 3500 pounds, which this drivetrain feels capable of handling with ease. Naturally, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class feels extremely stable at three-digit autobahn speeds. The steering feels rather slow and not terribly informative, but it's reasonably accurate. Clever purely mechanical shock valves provide soft damping over small bumps and vibrations, then stiffen up on the big stuff to deliver a ride that's still Euro taut but feels more supple than the BMW X3's or Acura RDX's. Perhaps the closest competitor in terms of general demeanor and deportment is the more powerful and roomier Infiniti EX35. The 2010 Mercedes GLK carries more stuff (up to 55 cubic feet of it) and costs a bit more ($39K and up) but looks and feels worth the premium.

Powering our American 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK will be a 3.5L V-6 engine making 268 hp and mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox. 4WD models will receive Mercedes' 4Matic system while 2WD models will receive power only at the rear wheels. The V-6 mill should get in the neighborhood of 22 mpg and is rumored to do 0-to-60 in about 6.5 sec. The 3.0L diesel engine will not see our shores, but the 2.1L twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel may still have a chance of making here. An off-road package has been nixed due to lack of interest from U.S. buyers. The V-6 2010 Mercedes GLK-Class should also be able to pull 3500 lb.

Inside, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK offers ample shoulder room and good overall visibility. Standard equipment on U.S. models will include dual-zone climate control, navigation, COMAND multi-media control, crisp leatherette, and Bluetooth. Options include leather, a rear-view backup camera, and a Panorama sunroof.

Expect the 2010 GLK350 to sticker for about $38,000 when it reaches dealers early next year. Compared with the X3, the Mercedes-Benz brings more power and torque, an additional cog in the transmission, superior interior room, and, based on our drive in Spain, a more solid and "SUV-like" character.