Most would agree that there are only a limited number of ways you cut the compact sport/utility vehicle. After all, with all of today's crash and safety regulations, there are clear restraints on what carmakers can achieve in terms of shape, size and layout.

In recent times, that has led to a raft of high-riding wagonlike creations--many attempting to offer loads of style but ultimately delivering very little in the way of real creativity. But it seems that Mercedes-Benz designers have managed to wring a fresh idea out of a familiar formula with the new GLK, essentially looking back in order to go forward.

By adopting design concepts that are almost 30 years old and combining them with a bunch of fresher ones, Mercedes has come up with an all-wheel-drive vehicle that offers a sizable amount of Old World charm along with the sort of contemporary engineering for which the German carmaker is renowned. The result is an interesting, if not exceedingly stylish, alternative to the likes of the new Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Infiniti EX35.

The new midsize SUV, previewed in March at the Geneva motor show in diesel-electric hybrid form, sits on modified underpinnings from the company's C-Class 4Matic, itself an all-wheel-drive version of Mercedes' junior-luxury-class contender.

In a move aimed at providing the ute with its own unique visual identity compared with its SUV sibling G-, GL- and M-Class models, the GLK receives a rugged-looking body that combines lots of sharp edges and sheer surfaces. The look, almost military in appeal, was inspired by that of the 29-year-old G-Class and is meant to convey a feeling of robustness and safety. It clearly won't be to everyone's taste, but it does manage to stand out from the crowd and won't be easily confused with other, more mundane models in the Mercedes line.

The moment your backside slides onto the driver's seat, you are aware that the approach Mercedes has taken with the GLK is a big departure from most other compact SUVs, many of which feel like a typical large wagon from behind the wheel. It all centers around the GLK's upright windshield. Mercedes says it took inspiration from the G-Class, and this is seen not only in the 50-degree rake of the windshield but in many areas of the interior as well.

To call it old-fashioned is probably going a little too far. The materials and trims are all very modern. But the shallow dashboard and upright seatbacks immediately remind you of four-wheel-drives from the past. This is no real criticism. In fact, Mercedes should be praised for being prepared to buck modern packaging trends in the search for a commanding seating position and a way of providing added space. It does, however, mean that this new Mercedes takes a little getting used to the first time out. That said, it is extremely comfortable over long distances.

Accommodation is quite generous, perhaps not class-leading but, thanks to the more upright packaging, better than in the C-Class wagon. Though a good deal smaller than the ML, the GLK has more room inside than its exterior dimensions suggest, especially for rear-seat passengers. Large door apertures also make entry easier--something that can't be said for all rivals. The cargo space is not exactly commodious, but there's a low sill and a flat floor even when the rear seats are folded away.

The GLK350 will come to the U.S. market in January 2009, powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 that Mercedes uses in seemingly every U.S. model. In the GLK350, it produces 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque.

Look for a GLK320 Bluetec featuring a 3.2-liter V6 diesel by late 2009. And while Mercedes will sell a 2.2-liter, 170-hp, four-cylinder diesel GLK220 model, don't look for that in the U.S. market. That model could form the basis for a hybrid combining a 204-hp twin-turbocharged version of the four-cylinder diesel with an electric motor, as previewed at Geneva.

Despite having a hefty 4020 pounds to haul, the 3.5-liter, four-valve-per-cylinder V6 does an admirable job of propelling the top-of-the-line GLK, combining smoothly with a seven-speed automatic gearbox to provide strong low-end acceleration and impressive performance at speed.

Mercedes claims 0 to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds, a 143-mph top speed and a combined average fuel economy of 22.2 mpg.

The dynamic standards are high in this class, and the new Mercedes comes close to matching the BMW and the Audi for outright handling prowess. On first impressions, we'd rate it well ahead of the Infiniti and Land Rover entries, too. Our test notes say things like "light but direct steering, excellent grip, moderate levels of lean."

Predictably, it is the ride that is most impressive. Long travel and well-matched spring rates ensure a first-class ride, both at low speeds around town and at higher ones out on the open road. There are no plans to equip the GLK with air springs like those available on the ML, and, frankly, it doesn't need them. As it is, the Mercedes sets the standard for ride comfort in the premium off-roader class. There are no sharp vertical movements, such as those evident in the BMW X3, and it always feels more controlled (less fidgety) than the Audi Q5.

A brief excursion away from the pavement revealed that the GLK is capable of delivering more in terms of off-road ability than most prospective buyers are ever likely to seek. Its approach and departure angles are put at 23 and 25 degrees, while its breakover and fording-depth figures are 19 degrees and 11.8 inches, respectively. The four-wheel-drive system is the same as that used on the C-Class 4Matic. It operates in combination with the ESP system to provide drive to those wheels with the best traction.

Mercedes seems intent on catering to off-road enthusiasts in a bigger way than most carmakers in this class do, with two optional packages aimed at bolstering the GLK's ability in the rough stuff. The first has 17-inch wheels and 235/60 R17 (front) and 255/55 R17 (rear) tires, new bumpers, black roof bars and a two-slat grille added to the mix. The second provides a program that changes the throttle mapping, gearbox shift points and ABS and ESP systems via a button on the center console, while adding hill-descent control, an AMG-style three-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles and a series of added displays, including an altimeter, a compass and an additional GPS coordinate function with the satellite navigation system.

The compact-SUV market is becoming increasingly competitive, but the GLK appears set to make an impression. As you'd expect from a car wearing the three-pointed badge, it is exceptionally well engineered, boasts high levels of quality and, with features such as Mercedes' Pre-Safe system, is among the safest in its class. The big surprise is that it manages to dish up the sort of performance and handling that can closely challenge the BMW X3.

Before you make any real decisions on its styling, do yourself a favor, and catch one in the metal. The new Mercedes may not possess the same sort of instant appeal as the smooth new Audi Q5, but the GLK certainly stands out from the crowd. And for many, that will count for a lot.


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M

looks a nice entry level suv.what a pity it wont be in right hand drive so it wont come to sa or i could see myself trading my c class for one off these due to our poor roaads where i live with all the potholes and stuff,,

This model is clearly going to be massive in the States. But why are they praising MB so much for creating a boxy-styled SUV? ....Jeep and Land Rover have never done anything else

i get what you saying but i think they actually rather praising mb for going down the gelandawagon way boxy then actually the exact boxiness off the car.i think they actually mean to praise mb for using the g class roots as a inspiration maybe i am wrong but i think thats what they imply

^ Yeah, I see what you're getting at.

It is a slightly Retro, but I can't really see any direct styling attribites taken from the G?

Even if it isn't nearly the last word in off-road capability, it's this spirit that endears me to Mercedes line of luxury SUVs (the ML, GL and now GLK). I don't want to traverse the Rubicon but at the same time a nice drive through the Kruger Park or Botswana is always appealing if you have something moderately capable. I don't see any real cues from the Gelandewagen but the emotions evoked are unmistakably similar.

I really, really like this car - and it represents an aspirational move up from something as versatile, but altogether less luxurious, as my current Forester. I like the comments about the ride - all too often unnecessary concessions are made regarding ride quality in order to embue an SUV with a false car-like driving sensation. Land Rover also get this right with the new Freelander 2. And I hear that the new Forrie is exceptional too (I'm waiting for my loan car to get delivered for a weekend's worth of driving impressions).

This GLK looks to me like it will be the SUV to beat in the premium compact SUV segment. A GLK 320 CDI will do nicely thanks.

Hmm, I can accept that is the intention with the GLK ....but I still am bugged by slight cynisism over the integrity of this.

Yeah, you have made yourself very clear on this vehicle in the past ...and I can appreciate where you are coming from.

It is not surprising that this will be the class leader ....maybe you should consider it Martin ...you really would be part of an exclusive group: GLK owners who actually go off road occasionally

Actually, the only factor that places it out of reach for me is the price. Assuming that the car is eventually available in RHD, it's aspirational status may still not justify the premium over a new model Forester. For me it's become more about function and the ownership experience than the aesthetic or image appeal of a vehicle. So whilst a GLK is undoubtedly a better vehicle is it better value for money? I fear not. And the same can be said for its direct competitors - the X3 and Q5.

Maybe so but neither BMW nor Audi are any more giving than MB when it comes to options you have to pay for when buying a new car. I was thinking of buying the new A4 and when I pulled all the numbers together and compare it to my new C class the Audi was 2.000€ more expensive with rughly the same equipmnet than MB.

Well as u all know this is my fav compact premium SUV,but do i wish in owning one? no thanx,C class suits me much better.