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The new GLK350 is a deceptive vehicle. By itself ,it seems as large as an ML-series Mercedes. Put the ML beside the GLK and you can see how your eye gets deceived. The GLK is narrower, shorter and lower, but has the lines to hide it well. The GLK tapers slightly from lower sill to the roof line when you look at it from the back. Side views show a couple of sculpted lines in the bodywork that seem to elongate and raise the vehicle. Shiny 18-inch wheels on low-profile tires fill enough of the wheel wells to keep the "bling" boys happy, since there is little other brightwork on the GLK.

The GLK shares much of its running gear with the C-class sedan, which means it has a strut-type front suspension with lower control arms and a multilink arrangement out back. Uniquely, the GLK has a new type of shock, co-developed with Sachs, which uses a bypass piston to absorb large amplitude motions. The torque split in the all-wheel-drive system is fixed at 55/45 percent front to rear, although the ABS can individually brake any wheel that’s spinning to aid traction. Towing capacity is rated at 3500 pounds.

The main point in the GLK’s favor is that it provides plenty of space and utility, although it gets just average fuel economy for its class, estimated by Mercedes at 16 mpg on the EPA city cycle, 22 on the highway. All around, the GLK350 is a solid SUV that will not disappoint.