Mercedes-Benz GLK 220 CDI BlueEfficiency, road test (Part II)

We already told you how the 220 CDI engine of the Mercedes GLK performs, with 170 CV, a very well-balanced unit for the SUV from Mercedes, since it has sufficient power and at the same time achieves good consumption figures. So now it is time to talk about the design and interior space of the GLK, a car with fairly compact dimensions that is practical for getting around the city.

But its short dimensions and its spacious interior end up taking away space from the boot. And since the Mercedes GLK has many details to comment on, especially in the interior, where everything has been carefully finished, it is only natural when we are talking about a car that starts at 42,850 euros. So let us now take a detailed look at the design and interior of the German SUV.

Exterior design

The exterior design gives the car its own personality, very pronounced straight lines and a design that is atypical within the segment. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, it has well-defined wheel arches that lend the design muscle and robustness. The exterior mirrors feature indicators integrated with two LED-type lines.

At the rear it also has LED technology for the lights, specifically for the brake and indicator lights. Another thing that may catch your attention on the exterior are its 18-inch alloy wheels. Finally, it is worth highlighting its front optics, which in the case of our test unit were swivelling bi-xenon headlights; they can also feature a configurable daytime running light function via the on-board computer, but they are not LED type.

Interior design, roominess and build quality

As soon as you get into the car in the Mercedes car park, you already notice a certain interior spaciousness that you would not expect from the outside. In fact, it is a car with room for four occupants, and its only weak point is the boot, which suffers because of the interior spaciousness. The GLK offers a correct driving position with electric seats (on our unit) and a combination of cloth and leather that is very practical, because full leather, unless perforated, eventually becomes a problem in cold or high temperatures, and this way that problem is solved.

The dashboard has a design with straight shapes and quality materials, so whatever plastic you touch will feel pleasant. The permanent screen (not retractable, unlike the C-Class) dominates the centre console, and directly below it is the audio and communication system, which works very well and comes with a good sound system that we will discuss in the final part on equipment.

One detail we found could be improved is the stalks on the left side of the steering wheel: Mercedes combines the wipers and indicators into a single stalk, and on that same left side there is another stalk that controls the speed limiter and cruise control, so using both stalks together can be a little confusing. On the other hand, the paddle shifters are excellent for driving and very comfortable for quickly changing gear up or down, and if you look down you will see a small pedal on the right, a hallmark of the German brand, the handbrake, which is a foot-operated pedal (see detail).

The front seats are comfortable with good lateral support, and a curious detail we enjoyed mentioning is the LED lights located beneath the rear-view mirror (which is light-sensitive). At night these lights, which work like map lights, give a soft white glow to the centre console that creates a pleasant effect after dark.

As for the rear seats, two occupants are better than three. Three can travel without problems, but for comfort, and if the passengers are rather sizeable, two people is best. There is enough legroom and the headroom is normal, so a person who is somewhat taller can sit in the rear without complications.

We cannot overlook the glass panoramic roof (an option), which is split in two, and the front section can be opened electrically; it is an absolute pleasure. The overall quality of the materials is in keeping with the car, and there are no plastics that clash or poor fits, and we were also pleasantly surprised by the feel of some of the buttons located on the roof.

Finally, we have the storage spaces. In general it has a good glovebox, and in the centre console there is another large compartment for storing items. But where it falls short is the boot (450 litres), which is the smallest if we compare it with its rivals. This is understandable, because the interior space and compact design have taken their toll on the boot, which also has an emergency spare wheel, of normal dimensions, under the boot floor, which also reduces space (although it is good not to find a puncture repair kit instead).

We cannot leave the boot without mentioning the handy plastic folding box with the Mercedes logo (see detail), which without doubt caught our attention. So we are looking at a spacious vehicle, with good interior quality (as Mercedes usually offers) and exterior dimensions that are very good for urban traffic while also allowing an escape off the tarmac.

Photos: Diego G. Moreira
Thanks to the RESA team for their collaboration.§h72§