Mercedes GLK 220 CDI 170 CV AMG, road test (Exterior design, interior and boot)

We continue with our protagonist in the road test section these days: the Mercedes GLK equipped with the 220 CDI diesel engine with 170 CV and 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox with 4×2 drive.

In the first part we talked about this powertrain, an old acquaintance in the Mercedes range, and we also analysed its consumption and behaviour, among other details. Now in the second part it’s time to talk about the exterior design and analyse the interior, including the boot.

Refreshed exterior design

Although the Mercedes GLK is a veteran within the Mercedes range, in 2012 it underwent a facelift that brought its design up to date. The traditional straight lines that have always stood out on the GLK soften around the headlights, where more rounded shapes appear in line with the brand’s new image.

The front stands out for its new LED and bi-xenon headlights (practically standard across all versions) and for the new grille, again with more rounded shapes than before. The front chrome comes from the AMG Pack, and along the lower part of the bumpers we find LED lights that act as daytime running lights.

On the side profile the changes are less noticeable; in our unit the tinted windows stand out and above all the 20-inch AMG wheels. At the rear, new lights appear again, with LED technology, and the AMG Pack adds the square twin exhaust outlets.

Spacious, high-quality interior

Inside, the changes in the GLK compared with the previous generation are minor, just the central dashboard design and the air vents, but the main lines of the dashboard design remain the same.

It stands out for its finishes, soft-touch plastics that are pleasant to the touch, and very good fit and finish. For now the navigation or multimedia screen is integrated, unlike the brand’s new launches, where it sits in a more external position.

The driving position is high, like a good SUV, with seats that in our unit were sporty (AMG Pack) and in micro-perforated leather (fortunately). The seats offer good support and the adjustment is semi-electric (an area for improvement, since as an optional extra they could have been fully electric). It is a very comfortable position with a sense of space and good visibility.

In the rear seats the Mercedes GLK again stands out for its spaciousness: there is enough headroom for a person of average height (1.75 m) and enough legroom too, more than a mid-size saloon. The middle seat is less comfortable because the transmission tunnel is raised and the backrest is firmer. It also has rear air vents, a glovebox in the armrest and several cup holders.

Storage and boot

In terms of storage compartments, the main glovebox is of a decent size, as are the front door pockets, which are also generously sized. The rear door pockets, however, are not very large. In the centre there are two cup holders and a large compartment for leaving our things, in addition to the central armrest box.

The boot has an electric tailgate and a capacity of 450 litres. Compared with its rivals, the Audi Q3 has a capacity of 460 litres and the new BMW X3 has a 550-litre boot, meaning the GLK has the smallest boot of its German rivals.

That said, the boot shape is regular and very usable, and it sits at a good height for loading, although underneath it hides a space-saver spare wheel (good for a maximum of 200 km).

In the third part of the test we will analyse the equipment, the safety features fitted as standard on a Mercedes GLK, as well as the prices and our opinion of the car.

Photos | R. Rodriguez