Mercedes GLK 220 CDI 170 CV AMG, test drive (Equipment, price, opinion)

We continue with the test drive of the Mercedes GLK that we tested with the 170 CV 220 CDI diesel engine and 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox, paired with 4×2 drive. We told you everything about the engine, performance, handling and consumption in the first part of the test.

In the second part we analysed the exterior design, which was renewed in 2012, and we also analysed the interior, including the finish, boot and storage spaces. Now, in the third part, we turn to the equipment, the safety features, the price of the Mercedes GLK and our personal assessment of the car.

Equipment

Among the standard equipment, we have to start by going through the safety features fitted as standard on every Mercedes GLK. Among these safety elements we highlight: front, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags, stability control, ABS with emergency braking assist, and a braking system called Adaptive Brake.

Specifically, the brakes have several functions. The first is the hill start assist. There is also a system that detects when we lift our foot sharply off the accelerator, pre-fills the brake system and brings the brake pads into contact with the discs. Finally, there is the “dry brakes” system which, when driving on a wet road, delivers brief braking pulses that the driver does not notice and which clear the water that forms on the brake discs.

Our test unit also featured the AMG Package (2,830 euros), which includes sporty exterior elements, 20-inch wheels, twin exhaust outlets, a sport suspension, semi-leather seats with some electric adjustments, sports seats, among other features.

The navigation system (COMAND Online -4,212 euros-) was also an option, at a rather high price. That said, it is complete in functions (Bluetooth, DVD, 100 GB hard drive, SD connectivity, 10 GB music hard drive, among others) and also allows internet connection using our phone as a router or a SIM card. The standard sound system is good and has more than sufficient quality, something that is not always the case in the premium segment.

There is a Vision package (1,046 euros) which includes: navigator, MAP Pilot, active Bi-Xenon headlights and parking sensors. It represents a saving of more than 2,000 euros compared with buying the same extras separately, and it is highly recommended.

The Becker® MAP PILOT system, which is certainly the most sensible option, is a navigator with fewer functions that connects to the Audio 20 sound system. It fulfils its purpose perfectly and at a lower price.

Another element that is not standard but is added in that pack is the bi-xenon headlights, which are definitely a recommended extra given the quality of illumination they provide.

Prices of the Mercedes GLK

-GLK 250 4M 211 CV 50,225 euros
-GLK 350 4M 306 CV 56,350 euros
-GLK 200 CDI 143 CV 38,675 euros – With discount 35,700 euros
–GLK 220 CDI 170 CV 41,675 euros – With discount 38,700 euros
-GLK 220 CDI 4M 170 CV 45,250 euros – With discount 42,300 euros
-GLK 250 BlueTEC 4M 204 CV 50,150 euros
-GLK 350 CDI 4M 265 CV 57,350 euros

Price of tested unit: 48,558 euros (approx.)

Personal Assessment

The Mercedes GLK with the 170 CV 220 CDI engine is a well-balanced variant, and thanks to the AMG Package we get a diesel engine with moderate consumption and a rather sporty exterior look. The 143 CV version is somewhat short on power to move the GLK with ease, and if you want more sporty thrills you would need to move up to 204 CV to notice it in the response (250 CDI 4M), although the most powerful variants are tied to all-wheel drive.

As for the handling, we liked it. It is true that it is closer to road-car behaviour than to off-road behaviour, but at least on the road it does the job. In particular, with the AMG Package and the sport suspension, it is a dynamic car with excellent composure.

The interior quality is good, as is the space. In terms of equipment, we liked the standard safety equipment, although we honestly advise against some extras with a really high price, such as the navigator, especially when you can opt for very interesting alternatives like the Vision Package. It seems something is changing in the typically long list of very expensive extras.

Photos | R. Rodriguez