2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is largely a carryover, with no redesign or major mechanical update. The main change is expanded standard airbag protection, including a driver knee airbag and front pelvic airbags.
About the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
1st generation (X204), second U.S. model year, before the 2013 exterior and interior refresh.
Mercedes-Benz positions the GLK-Class as a compact SUV with the feel of one of its sport sedans. The core pitch is an upright, easy-to-see-out-of shape with SUV cargo flexibility, paired with a strong V6, tidy road manners, and a heavy focus on safety. Versus softer rivals, the GLK leans more toward solid build quality, confident highway driving, and a more squared-off, traditional SUV look.
The 2011 GLK 350 is an upright compact SUV with a road-focused feel, a 268-hp V6 and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The standard version has rear-wheel drive, while the GLK 350 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive for better traction on wet or slippery roads. Both have nine airbags, Bluetooth, a 5-inch color display, power front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control.
What changed, by category
2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift |
| Drivetrain | RWD | 4MATIC AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 268 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 54.7 cu-ft | 54.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.1 in | 35.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Remote Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class?
The main change for the 2011 GLK-Class is expanded standard airbag protection. Mercedes-Benz added a driver knee airbag and front pelvic airbags, increasing the total to nine; the engine, transmission, driveline choices and overall design otherwise carry over.
Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class a redesign?
No, the 2011 GLK-Class is not a redesign. It remains part of the first X204 generation and keeps the same basic exterior, interior and mechanical setup as the 2010 model.
Does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class have nine airbags?
Yes, the 2011 GLK-Class has nine standard airbags. The setup includes the newly added driver knee airbag and front pelvic airbags.
Does the 2011 GLK-Class have all-wheel drive?
The 2011 GLK 350 4MATIC has all-wheel drive, while the regular GLK 350 has rear-wheel drive. Both use the same 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 and seven-speed automatic transmission.
Is the 2011 GLK-Class meaningfully different from the 2010 model?
No, the 2011 GLK-Class is not meaningfully different in performance or design. Its main advantage over the 2010 model is the broader standard airbag setup, including driver-knee and front-pelvic protection.