Mom and Dad Styling In The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350
Stylish mid-size cars for the
average mom are usually hard to come by. Usually mid-size cars for moms or
better yet, for families in general are often seen in the form of minivans. In
the world of mid-size mom mobiles, style is often a hard thing to find. As
Benjamin Franklin once said "A house is not a home unless it contains food
and fire for the mind as well as the body." Most of the luxury mid-size SUV’s
fail to deliver this food and fire to the consumer. This ends as the 2012
Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 is introduced to the market of SUV’s/mid-size cars.
Immediately, upon viewing the 2012
GLK 350 you see the angular features and curvy nature of the sedan. The GLK is
much different than the usual SUV or mid-size car that appears to be boxy and conventional.
Although the GLK has only been in production since 2009, it has taken lessons
from others in the field that remains with the same traditional bulky styling
approach. It remains obvious that Mercedes-Benz had the words sleek and compact
in mind when this car was produced. The
interior presence is something unfamiliar for a mid-size/SUV car, as the car
looks like it can get you to work in style and yet also haul the kids to school
in the morning. The interior of this car gives off a comfortable vibe (which
may be needed when lugging children around) making any commute with kids more
bearable. On top of all this utility, you actually get some sport (for some
times the children aren’t in the car!) in this SUV. This GLK can make rather
mundane everyday driving quite fun.
Curb
Appeal (The Exterior)
This car really turns some heads on
the road, as it sticks out compared to other SUV/mid-size cars. While the GLK
is angular, it does not fall into the trend of looking like an architect’s
worse design plan. This car features many angles on the hood. Mercedes adopted
the idea from the big brother model, the GL-series, and made the hood line
slant downwards so that all the lines lead to the hood. At the same time these
angular lines are combined with a somewhat square stance. The mix between conventional,
angular, and curvy sets this vehicle apart from the crowd. Although, this car
can be called a “mini-SUV”, the high door line this car features also give the
illusion of added height similar to the GL-series. Overall, the exterior can be
described as stylistic compromise. Mercedes-Benz
has crafted a mid-size/SUV type car that keeps standard yet shapely features
while remaining to be an eye catching machine.
Interior
As you look at the interior of this
car, you feel engulfed in class and elegance. Surrounded by walnut inlays and
trimmings, the interior reminds driver of a spa-type atmosphere. Not only does
this machine make you feel at home, but it can be more accommodating to your
desires. With the Premium and Multimedia packages, this car completely changes
identity from SUV/mid-size car to near equivalent home. The Premium package
($3,200) makes this interior even better. It includes a panoramic sunroof which
makes you feel as if you are on your porch soaking up the summer sun.
Additionally, for those who thoroughly enjoy music this package also adds XM
radio, that makes even the worst traffic jams seemingly nonexistent. A favorite of many parents in this package,
is the power lift gate which makes unloading mounds of gear and groceries that
much more simple. Featuring 54.7 cu.ft of space, the GLK can easily manage even
your biggest grocery, shopping trips and pick-ups.
The Multimedia package ($3,000)
appeals to the tech-savvy parents. This package gives you the easy to control
and read 7 inch display Command system. Also, as an additional perk, XM/ Sirius
traffic helps you guide your way around congested areas to get to your kids or
destination faster. This XM/Sirius system
also allows for seamless iPod integration so your playlists are always at your
disposal.
In addition to the fantastic
features listed above, the GLK seems to be a good car to transport people
around in. The rich leather seats appear not only supportive but comfortable as
well. Passengers riding in this car
should have plenty of space. This is because the GLK rear row features 35.1
inches of leg room and 39.7 inches of head room. Even with the intrusion of the
optional panoramic sunroof, tall and long passengers won’t feel crammed.
Although seen as a mini-SUV/mid-sized car the interior features SUV like qualities.
Overall, the interior of the GLK 350 is one that every car manufacturer should
learn from. It mixes roominess, comfortableness, and elegance which usually don’t
describe mini-van or mini-SUV interiors.
Performance
Originally, SUV’s were built and
valued for their off road prowess and qualities and not for their on-road
performance. Lately, SUV’s are being built with a fair amount of on-road
prowess with the aim of tackling the urban jungle that is, your local community
or city. The GLK suspension helps in this task. The suspension consists of 4
wheel independent multi-link and shock absorbers that are constantly adjusted
via a program called “agility control”. Although, I have not personally driven
the GLK, rumor has it that this “agility control” feature enhances ride
quality, especially for city driving. Under the hood lies a 3.5 liter aluminum
head dual overhead cam (DOHC) V6 that produces 268 horsepower and 258 lbs/ft of
torque. This V6 engine also features multi-point direct injection in addition
to a ’knock sensor’. This engine should be quite responsive to any response you
may ask of it whether it be sensible driving or trying to show off to the red
light racers around town. Interestingly
enough, this GLK climbs from 0 to 60 in a stunning 6.5 seconds. Definitely, the
GLK is an SUV for thrills and chills per se.
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