Mercedes GLK350 (2008) CAR review

It's been a long wait, but we've finally driven Mercedes' new junior off-roader, the GLK. And we can confidently say Stuttgart’s latest offering is an off-roader because CAR has been mud-plugging in the GLK - and beating its big brother M-class driven by Mercedes’ own instructors.

Still, the GLK has to prove an awful lot if it’s to compete in the burgeoning mid-sized SUV sector. Surprisingly - for Mercedes - the GLK is very late to market (don't forget the original M-class was launched before the BMW X5 and its ilk). But BMW retaliated with the prescient X3, and everyone from Chevrolet to Volkswagen now has something to offer in this market.

A new X3 is also under development, and Audi has just unveiled its Q5. Tough times ahead for the GLK? We’re about to find out...

Just what is the Mercedes GLK all about?

Think of it as the smaller offspring of the iconic G-class. Although there are hints of current GL in the looks, it strikes us as very 1980s. The GLK is very boxy and it's a little too aggressive for our tastes, with those box-flat sides and distinctive creases. But for some it might be the perfect car, with looks to scare other mums on the school run.

Boxy on the outside, boxy on the inside?

Of course. The interior is slightly more subtle than the exterior - but it still looks as if it's built from bricks. A lot of the parts are lifted from the C-class, so the ergonomics are fundamentally sound. And there are improvements over the C-class too, such as the door-mounted seat controls. Much more intuitive.

The (optional) multi-media Comand screen now sits integrated into the top of the dashboard, unlike the C-class’s pop-out-and-up item. Space and practicality nearly match the M-class, but unfortunately the GLK is let down by materials that aren’t deserving of this class.

Right, the GLK's an off-roader but I don’t care about plugging mud. What’s it like trundling along?

Pretty darn good. The biggest surprise is the ride comfort, which is soft and cosseting, despite the GLK having impeccable body control. Thank Mercedes’ Agility Control system (think fancy shock absorbers) which know when to smoothe and soothe, and when to tighten and firm. Combine the clever shocks with decent mechanical grip, the 4Matic’s four-wheel drive traction and 45:55 rear-bias, and the GLK is surprisingly entertaining to drive.

Click 'Next' below to read the rest of our Mercedes GLK 350 drive

Click here to see the first official pictures of the Audi Q5

Click here to read why the GLK will be  built in right-hand drive