“I wish the trunk space is a bit bigger and the storage on the door needs to be bigger too.”
Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is a compact luxury SUV known for its upright shape, upscale cabin, good outward visibility, and planted, car-like road feel. Sold in the U.S. from 2010 through 2015, it was Mercedes-Benz’s entry-level SUV before the GLC-Class replaced it.
The GLK kept the same basic character throughout its run: compact outside, solid and premium inside, and more square-cut than the rounded crossovers around it. Its traditional SUV shape made it easy to see out of, while its road manners felt closer to a sedan than a truck. A 2013 update modernized the styling and cabin, strengthened the gas V6, and introduced a more efficient diesel model without changing that core formula.
Strengths
- Its upright shape and generous glass make it easier to see out of than many more rounded compact SUVs.
- The cabin has the solid, upscale feel expected of an older Mercedes-Benz without putting it in a large, hard-to-park package.
- Its planted, sedan-like road manners make it well suited to commuting and everyday pavement driving.
- The gas GLK 350 delivers strong V6 power, reaching 302 horsepower after the 2013 update.
- The diesel balances strong pulling power with better fuel economy; in 2015 it was rated at 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Who it's for
The GLK-Class fits a used-car shopper who wants a manageable luxury SUV for commuting, city driving, and everyday errands but prefers a traditional upright design. It also suits someone deciding between the stronger, simpler appeal of a gas V6 and the fuel savings and low-speed pulling power of the later diesel.
Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class lineup
The GLK 350 is the core model and the one to pick for strong V6 power; it was sold with rear-wheel drive throughout the lineup’s run. The GLK 350 4MATIC pairs the same gas-powered character with all-wheel drive for shoppers who want added traction. Since the 2013 refresh, the GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC has served as the efficiency-focused alternative, combining standard all-wheel drive with a torque-rich diesel engine.
Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class generations
From 2010 to 2015, the GLK-Class spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation — X204 arrived for 2010.
1st Generation — X204 (2010–2015)
The GLK-Class arrived as a compact luxury SUV with upright, boxy styling, a V6, and either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A substantial 2013 update revised the exterior, cabin, steering, and engines before the GLK was replaced by the redesigned GLC-Class for 2016.
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2015
The GLK carries over for its final model year before being replaced by the GLC-Class for 2016.
2014
The refreshed GLK returns with only small equipment changes.
2013Mid-cycle update
Revised exterior styling, a redesigned dashboard, new steering, a stronger GLK350 V6, and the GLK250 BlueTEC diesel update the lineup.
2012
The GLK carries over with the same V6, seven-speed automatic, and rear- or all-wheel-drive layouts.
2011
A driver knee airbag and front pelvic airbags become standard; the rest of the GLK is largely unchanged.
2010New generation
The GLK-Class launches in the U.S. as a compact luxury SUV with a V6, seven-speed automatic, and rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of vehicle is the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class?
The GLK-Class is a five-seat compact luxury SUV with an upright, boxy shape. It combines a premium cabin and good outward visibility with a city-friendly footprint and a more planted, car-like feel on the road.
Is the GLK-Class the same vehicle as the GLC-Class?
No. The GLK-Class was sold in the U.S. from 2010 through 2015. Mercedes replaced it with the renamed and redesigned GLC-Class for 2016.
Did the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class have more than one generation?
No. Every U.S.-market GLK-Class belongs to the first X204 generation, sold from 2010 through 2015. A substantial 2013 refresh updated the styling, dashboard, steering, and gas V6, but it was not a full redesign.
Does the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class come as a hybrid?
No. The U.S. GLK-Class lineup used gasoline V6 engines, plus a turbo-diesel four-cylinder from 2013 through 2015. No hybrid version was offered in this model run.
Is the GLK-Class good for city driving?
Yes, especially for someone who wants an SUV without a large footprint. Its compact size and good outward visibility help in urban driving, while its upright body still provides useful SUV space.
What is the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class known for?
The GLK-Class is known for its boxy SUV styling, solid upscale cabin, good visibility, and planted road manners. It feels more traditional and upright than many rounded compact crossovers.
How practical is the GLK-Class for passengers and cargo?
The GLK-Class seats five and has 35.1 inches of rear legroom. With the cargo area expanded, capacity is 54.7 cubic feet. Its maximum towing rating is 3,500 pounds.
Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.
4.3
Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
(261 reviews)
“A used Mercedes is always great value. I would never buy one new but after initial depreciation, you are getting a great looking, feature dense package.”
“Love the great visibility of the GLK and styling and the 302 hp V6. Also it has a much better turning radius than the 2010 Volvo XC60 I traded in.”
“Road and wind noise is minimal below 55 mph. Going faster increases the overall noise in the cabin. I'm not sure which or both are making the noise. Still, we love the vehicle.”
“Mercedes Benz GLK 350 is an outstanding vehicle. However, if and when maintenance and/or repairs are required, it can be expensive.”
“There are cracking noises coming from the dash in the cooler weather. On the passenger side only.”