2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Review

It's funny how an automaker can be ahead of the curve one moment and playing catch-up the next. Mercedes-Benz helped make luxury SUVs mainstream when it debuted the midsize M-Class for the 1998 model year, but when it comes to small luxury crossovers, the German automaker is a latecomer with the new 2010 GLK350. It seems the time was well-spent, though, as the crossover offers the luxury, comfort and technology expected of models in this class.

Some other manufacturers are also playing catch-up, as the segment gains two other new models this calendar year with the debut of the 2009 Audi Q5 and 2010 Volvo XC60. The GLK350 has one of the lower base prices in this segment, but the total rises quickly when you add some options. My well-equipped all-wheel-drive test model, for example, had an as-tested price of about $50,000.

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Important safety notes
Do not leave the SmartKey in the cargo compartment. You could otherwise lock yourself out. WARNING When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take t ...

Position of the steering wheel and the driver's seat when the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature is active
The steering wheel tilts upwards and the driver's seat moves backwards if you: • remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock • open the driver's door when the SmartKey is in the ignition lock ...

Adaptive Highbeam Assist
You can use this function to set the headlamps to change between low beam and high beam automatically. The system recognizes vehicles with their lights on, either approaching from the opposite ...