Used 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

While it may be the smallest and least expensive SUV in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the 2014 GLK is also the most noticeable, with aggressive styling, loads of great features and a safety record worthy of praise. Built from the highly regarded C-Class platform, the GLK delivers the same smooth ride and admirable safety features of the C-Class sedan, but in a vehicle that is ultimately more versatile, not to mention uniquely styled. Overall space inside the 2014 GLK crossover SUV is not as generous as the Audi Q5 or BMW X3, but there’s still adequate room for four passengers and their belongings. The addition of the BlueTEC turbodiesel in the GLK250 offers another reason to seek out this baby Benz: class-leading fuel economy.

A well-balanced chassis and taut suspension are hallmarks of a great driving car, and the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK has the formula down pat. At freeway speeds, the GLK glides calmly over expansion joints and uneven road surfaces, never losing its composure. When the road changes to twists and turns, the GLK’s precise steering and big wheel/tire combo help it round curves with confidence. Inside, the well insulated cabin shuts out almost all wind and road noise, although the cabin can get a little rowdy with the optional panoramic sunroof open. Mercedes’ 3.5-liter V6 is a strong engine that delivers great power for passing and merging, but the surprise here is the 2.1-liter BlueTEC turbodiesel. Despite its rather diminutive size, the diesel engine’s 369 lb-ft of torque translates into a quick burst of speed whenever needed. The 7-speed automatic transmission provides silky-smooth gear changes along with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual-style shifting.

Despite its entry-level price point (for the brand), the GLK’s superb interior fit and finish and high-quality soft-touch materials uphold Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for fine craftsmanship. A mild refresh last year brought a cleaner instrument panel and full-width wood trim, a welcome upgrade. The 5-passenger GLK features a 60/40-split rear seat and a useful 54.7 cubic feet of cargo space. While the front seats are not quite as comfortable as those in a Lexus RX or Audi Q5, they do feature 8-way adjustability and ample bolstering. Controlling the GLK’s abundance of high-tech features is Mercedes-Benz’s intuitive COMAND multimedia interface.

Complementing its stout, aggressive stance, the Mercedes-Benz GLK features strong character lines, angled wheel arches and a bold oversize grille complimented by last year’s makeover that brought new fascia, headlight and taillight treatments. Large windows combined with slender structural pillars provide exceptional outward visibility. The available AMG Styling Package adds aluminum roof rails and LED daytime running lights and replaces the standard 19-inch wheels with massive 20-inch twin-5-spoke wheels. Despite its tall appearance, the 2014 GLK is as easy to step in and out of as a traditional sedan.

HARMAN/KARDON LOGIC7 AUDIO SYSTEM
This impressive audio system features impeccable sound quality with 510 watts, 11 speakers including a subwoofer, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and up to 10GB of storage for your music.

COMAND MULTIMEDIA CONTROLLER
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK’s COMAND multimedia controller is conveniently located for simple operation of the audio, navigation and communication functions. Combined with the dash-mounted LCD screen, the COMAND interface allows for streamlined information retrieval to help keep your eyes off the LCD and on the road where they belong.

Standard equipment on either 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK SUV includes roof rails, 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, Burl Walnut interior trim, MP3/WMA interface, 8-way power-adjustable front seats and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability. Significant safety features include nine airbags, Neck Pro front headrests to help reduce the severity of whiplash injuries, hill-start assist to prevent unintended rollback on steep inclines and an Automatic Brake Drying system for improved braking in damp conditions.

The 2014 GLK offers Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) system as a $2,000 option (its standard on the diesel-powered GLK250). Several premium packages and stand-alone options include leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, Active Parking Assist, blind-spot and lane-keeping assist, xenon headlights, heated front seats, an 11-speaker harman/kardon sound system, voice-recognition capability, rear-seat entertainment system and an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot. A wide range of accessories includes aerodynamic roof containers with their own fitted luggage.

For 2014, the Mercedes-Benz GLK350 is powered by a newly upgraded 3.5-liter V6. The new engine is much more modern, using direct fuel injection and other advances to boost output to 302 horsepower and EPA city/highway fuel economy to 19/25 mpg. The only transmission is a 7-speed automatic, though it can drive either the rear wheels only or, with M-B’s optional 4Matic system, all four wheels. The BlueTEC turbodiesel in the GLK250 is a 2.1-liter four and, as the only one of two diesels currently in the compact-luxury SUV class, it should automatically become the fuel-efficiency leader.

GLK350
3.5-liter V6
302 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500-5,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/25 mpg (rear-wheel drive), 19/24 mpg (AWD)

GLK250
2.1-liter turbocharged diesel inline-4
190 horsepower @ 4,200 rpm
369 lb-ft @ 1,600-1,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/33 mpg