Exterior

The GLK350 sported a luxuriously boxy exterior with huge, expressive tires that were the perfect juxtaposition of femininity and gusto. It seemed to be saying, "I could hang with a Land Rover in the mud if I wanted to, but I'd rather hit the spa with a glass of bubbly in hand." I knew we had a lot in common from the get-go.

Next to the seeming lack of head-turning ability, which quite frankly I don't get - it's sharp and unique-looking - I have one other complaint about this car: The door sills on both the front and rear doors are so wide and deep that it was nearly impossible for either me or my children to get in or out without brushing a pant leg on the exterior. I never thought I'd say this, but it's a good thing I reverted to wash-and-wear clothing with the births of my children, or my dry cleaning bill would have been astronomical after a few days in the GLK350; it's hard to be as stylish as Sarah Jessica Parker when everything I own gets thrown into the "mixed-load" cycle alongside Little Mermaid undies.

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great

Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Groove On

    See also:

    DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the speedometer
    When DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, one or two segments 2 in the set speed range light up. For design reasons, the speed displayed in the speedometer may differ slightly from the speed set ...

    Driving systems
    Display messages The red distance warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is in motion. A warning tone also sounds. Possible causes/consequences and ► Solutions Risk of accident The ...

    The Inside
    There are some nice, high-grade materials in the R-Class' cabin, but it's showing its age and would have benefited from an update like the exterior received. The most disappointing part of the c ...