SUV is a unique, retro treat for drivers
The Mercedes-Benz GLK has a remarkably smooth ride and powerful engine for its size. Provided by the company
At first look the GLK isn’t too appealing. It’s macho, aggressive and retro, not at all in-line with the current automotive trend toward a smoother and more aerodynamic look. In a word, it was boxy.
But a sit behind the steering wheel will turn that view upside down. Cruising in the GLK brings back the pure pleasure of driving. I even warmed to its appearance eventually, standing out as it does among the general automotive population.
The vehicle, equipped with a seven-speed transmission and a 2.2-liter, four-cylinder engine, drives smoothly and steadily. A firmness in steering gives the vehicle better control, helped by its evenly-balanced weight distribution. The GLK rarely feels uncomfortable even swinging around corners at high speed, and it never wimps out on slopes.
The navigation system is the only disappointment inside. Provided by the company
But the quiet engine and smooth drive don’t mean that this vehicle is slow or weak. The GLK reaches 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) in just 8.8 seconds, quite zippy for a sports utility vehicle. It also has the power to back it up, with 170 horsepower.
It’s even efficient for its size. Despite weighing 1,845 kilograms (4,068 pounds), the GLK, thanks to Mercedes’ BlueEFFICIENCY technology, rates at 14.2 kilometers per liter (33.4 miles per gallon). That puts it at the top of the compact SUV category for fuel economy.
And that compact size is another plus, letting the GLK pass through narrow alleys and fit in small parking spaces that would be off limits to other SUVs.
The interior is very spacious, with more than adequate leg room and an exquisite design befitting the name Mercedes-Benz.
The automatic lighting system is another fun feature that I enjoyed very much. Whenever the car enters a dark tunnel or night falls, the lights activate without any prompting. This was very convenient when driving in the city.
Passenger entertainment is also by no means neglected. Dial knobs on the dashboard were a simple and easy way to operate the radio and CD player, but the GLK also has a 4-gigabyte hard disk capable of storing and playing back more than 500 songs in MP3 format.
The biggest downside in the GLK is its navigation system. While most commercial navigation systems now use touch screens that respond immediately, the system installed in the GLK uses a remote control.
Not only does it take time to learn how to handle the remote, in some cases the remote had trouble sending a signal, which took up time I could have spent on my way to my destination. In fact, trying to get adjusted to the navigation system was so aggravating I had to turn it off.
The basic model retails at 57.9 million won ($48,000), while with simple options such as the DMB navigation system and rear camera the GLK will set you back 66.9 million won. But for those who can afford it, it’s worth that and more.
The GLK is Mercedes-Benz’s first shot at a junior mid-size SUV, and it will be competing against vehicles such as the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.
By Lee Ho-jeong [ojlee82@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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