The Mercedes GLK

The days of the huge, ponderous SUV are over. Not so much because people don't want a sport/utility vehicle, but the one that they are interested in purchasing offers many of the same capabilities in a smaller package.

The compact Mercedes GLK is the newest in a family of sport/utility vehicles that have changed the way people think about Mercedes-Benz. Sure, the safari-like GL remains popular with some buyers while the large ML continues to hold sway in a category where every luxury make has a presence. But the five passenger GLK shows that the same suspension, agility and design afforded to its larger brethren works quite well on a smaller scale.

Smaller Scale, Big Cabin

Although from the outside the Mercedes GLK looks much smaller than it actually is, it is on the inside where buyers learn just how much room is available to them. Head, shoulder and foot room is more than ample and, with two sunroofs, the interior seems even larger.

As expected, the seating in the GLK is at the top of its game. That shouldn't be a surprise to Mercedes devotees, but it is a refreshing change for a vehicle in this segment. Too often a compact SUV sacrifices some comfort in order to keep its price down, but the Mercedes GLK flies against that trend by delivering full luxury without compromise.

Robust Engine, Off Road Capability

Under the hood, the 3.5L V6 engine is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, offering the right amount of power and delivering a combined 18 mpg whether you choose the front wheel drive or all wheel drive model. Most customers seem to prefer the latter, giving them the best ride under all sorts of road conditions. And, a pair of off road packages allows drivers to take the Mercedes GLK where its bigger brethren roam, just the sort of option needed to win the mud season wars.

The brake system is yet another area where Mercedes shines, which means that the GLK has a wonderfully short braking distance. Traction control, brake assist and anti-lock brakes work to bring the GLK to a full stop while the SUV's independent front and rear suspension help to keep the Mercedes under the driver's complete control at all times.

Let's Take Out The Boat

In the GLK, Mercedes has also solved a problem that sportsmen have with most compact SUVs - they simply aren't designed with a large towing capacity. But Mercedes configured the GLK to not only perform well on and off road, but to do so while pulling as much as 4400 lbs of boat or camper behind it. Try to find that much towing capability in most compact luxury SUVs and you'll be hard pressed to come up with a comparable package without paying extra for it.

And as expected the Mercedes GLK comes fully equipped with all of the technological gizmos you expect from surround sound audio system, navigation unit, active front head restraints, antitheft alarm system and more - offering perhaps the best blend of safety, security, technology and drivability of any compact luxury sport/utility vehicle on the market.

Max Rossi writes for FCPgroton.com http://www.fcpgroton.com/ a worldwide foreign auto parts distributor. Get European car parts at affordable prices.

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