2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350

Interior While the exterior of the GLK is sharp and aggressive, the interior is very much a soft, contemporary Mercedes environment. All U.S.-bound GLKs will come with burl walnut trim to start, but the aluminum or pine brown wood trim offered in Europe might be available in the States after the SUV's launch in early 2009. Every GLK comes with a five-inch multimedia screen and a black upper dashboard, which prevents glare on the windshield. The lower section of the dashboard comes in grey, beige, or black to match the interior color. Though the five-inch display is standard, buyers will not get a standard navigation unit in the GLK. Even after upgrading to the Comand system (and the 7.5-inch screen that comes with it) navigation won't be as exciting as the new 3D navigation system Audi is offering on the Q5. The GLK's nav system is easier to use than the BMW X3's, and it mirrors the experience of all other Mercedes vehicles equipped with the Comand infotainment system. Mercedes plans to offer the following option packages when the 2010 GLK finally arrives for U.S. buyers:

• Premium package including a power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, an integrated garage door opener, auto-dimming mirrors, driver's-seat memory, rear power outlet, and Sirius satellite radio;
• Multimedia package including Comand with an upgraded 600-watt sound system, 7.5-inch color display instead of the standard 5-inch display, a 6-gigabyte hard drive for recording music, and voice-activated control for the infotainment functions;
• Appearance package featuring 20-inch rims, aluminum roof rails, and all-season tires;
• Full leather seating package which includes full leather seats and upgraded interior lighting;
• Lighting package which includes active Bi-Xenon headlights, corner-illuminating driving lights, and LED taillights;
• Stand-alone options include a parking distance sensor system, aluminum running boards, a six-disc CD player, trailer hitch, heated seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Drivetrain Mercedes will launch the GLK with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, seven-speed automatic transmission, and 4Matic all-wheel drive. The 3.5-liter V-6 produces 268 hp at 6000 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque from 2400 rpm up to 5000 rpm. In the spring of 2009, rear-wheel drive will also be available. Expect a 0-to-60-mph time of about 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph. Both of these figures slightly surpass the Audi Q5's claims. Fuel economy, however, is estimated at 16/22 mpg, which falls short of the Audi Q5. Though Mercedes officials didn't confirm a Bluetec diesel engine would be an option for the GLK, Europeans will have the option. If demand for diesel Benzes remains as strong as it is right now, making up approximately 21 percent of all Mercedes SUV sales, it would be ridiculous to deny the Bluetec engine for the U.S. The 4Matic system is a second-generation unit which can also be found in cars like the S550 4Matic and CL550 4Matic. Traction control for the system comes from the brakes, not mechanical lockers or limited-slip differentials. Torque is split between the front and rear wheels at a constant 45:55 ratio. There is no low range in the transfer case, but we doubt buyers in the segment will miss that feature.