2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Preview

Hardware

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 is powered by a 268-hp, 3.5-liter engine. The 6-cylinder powerplant is connected to a Mercedes 7G-Tronic 7-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. Power is permanently sent to either the rear wheels, or optionally to all four wheels through a new 4Matic AWD system. According to Mercedes, the innovative low-friction AWD driveline is engineered around a longitudinally installed engine, transmission and transfer case to reduce any fuel economy penalty at the pump. Under normal conditions, drive torque is split 45:55 between the front and rear axle with electronic oversight from the ESP, ASR and 4ETS dynamic handling control systems ensuring predictable control, according to the automaker. A newly developed multiple-disc clutch in the center differential is able to partially lock the front and rear axles under low traction conditions to improve vehicle responsiveness.

According to Mercedes, the GLK350's suspension system allows the vehicle to give a smooth ride while maintaining competence with off-road terrain. The solution was to configure the shocks to respond flexibly rather than lineally. Under normal driving conditions the ride is soft and comfortable for the occupants. If a situation calls for hard driving or abrupt evasive maneuvers, the suspension delivers harder setting to ensure stability. The steering is speed-sensitive to ease parking and slow-speed driving while retaining stability and road feel at higher speeds, the automaker explains.

When the GLK350 encounters off-road conditions, a "G" button in the center console activates a special transmission mode switching the 7G-Tronic into "softer" acceleration characteristics. The ESP changes to a special off-road function, and a switch-activated Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) program is able to maintain a controlled descent on steep downhill inclines. The standard wheels are 19-inch, cast-in aluminum alloy, with 235/50 tires.