All Canadian GLKs 4MATIC equipped
Power from the stout V6 flows through Mercedes Benz's sophisticated 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission before being apportioned to all four wheels via their 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive technology. An off-road course validated the tenacity of this system.

From a dead stop mid-point up a muddy rock-strewn face that would challenge a mountain goat, sinking the throttle forced the all-terrain tires to dig into whatever footing they could find. The 4MATIC system moved the torque to and from wheels as traction was gained and lost resulting in the GLK sure-footedly clawing its way to the top, at which point multiple sighs of relief exhausted fear and stress from the bodies on board.

Canadian pricing is expected to start in the $40K range.

A slick descent to a log bridge over a creek provided the ideal opportunity to test the Downhill Speed Regulation program (DSR), which smoothly applies the antilock brakes in rapid succession to restrict the vehicle to any chosen speed between 6 and 18 km/h. A second series of sighs applied the successful conclusion of this dramatic undertaking.

GLK is fully stocked with Mercedes-Benz luxury and safety
The list of comfort and convenience features in the GLK is simply too long to recite. Trust me, the vehicle is loaded. The comprehensive array also includes the latest in safety and occupant protection. Worthy of specific mention, especially for those that take to the uncharted backcountry, is a navigation feature that will track one's route when and where roads don't exist or are unmapped. The function then reverses itself to lead the driver back to the start point along the same route.

GLK puts others on notice
Until now, manufacturers of premium compact SUVs had little to worry about from Mercedes-Benz. That's changed. The BMW X3 and Land Rover LR2 are hereby put on notice: the GLK has arrived, and it's squaring-off for a nasty fight. Canadian pricing is expected to start in the $40K range.


Photo Credit : Rob Rothwell, Mercedes-Benz