Review and specifications
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
Based on the C-Class platform, the GLK has a smooth 3.5-liter V6 that delivers quick acceleration and 18 mpg overall on premium fuel. Ride comfort is solid and tranquil when cruising, but the low-speed ride is a bit unsettled. The GLK handles fairly nimbly, but doesn't shine at its limits. The high, upright seating position affords a commanding view out through the big windows. The front seats are firm but well-shaped. Leg room in the rear is stingy at best and the wide doorsills impede access. The controls are better than in many Mercedes-Benz models, but some still aren't exactly logical. A 2013 freshening considerably improved the car, with a new V6 engine that increased fuel economy to 21 mpg overall and more luxurious interior materials. A four-cylinder diesel engine is also available.
- Market value
- $6,925
- Fuel
- Conventional
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 5
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- 4-door SUV
- Drive type
- AWD
- Transmission
- Automatic, 7-speed
- Category
- Luxury compact SUVs
- Generation began
- 2010
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $6,925
- Retail value range
- $6,700 - $7,150
- Original MSRP range
- $35,880 - $37,880
- Trade-in range
- $3,385 - $3,815
Ratings
- Road test score
- 66/100
- Reliability
- 2/5
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 16 MPG
- EPA highway
- 21 MPG
- EPA combined
- 18 MPG
- Tested city
- 12 MPG
- Tested highway
- 23 MPG
- Tested overall
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $2,775
- Cruising range
- 305 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 2.5 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 7 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 131 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 52.5 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 178 in
- Width
- 72 in
- Height
- 66 in
- Wheelbase
- 109 in
- Weight
- 4,180 lb
- Maximum load
- 1,125 lb
- Towing capacity
- 3,500 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 5 in
- Front leg room
- 42 in
- Rear head room
- 5.5 in
- Rear leg room
- 24.5 in
- Cargo volume
- 31.5 cu ft
- Luggage
- 3+1+0
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 5/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 3/10
- SmartWay
- No
Brand context
About Mercedes-Benz
Most Mercedes-Benzes give their owners industry-leading comfort and technology. The cost of that experience is an expensive base price with expensive options and below-average reliability. The brand produces a wide variety of vehicles for the U.S., including coupes, station wagons, sedans, convertibles, and even two-seat sports cars. Its two- and three-row SUVs that we’ve tested have powerful engines and interiors that are roomy and quiet. Generally, Mercedes-Benz fit and finish, inside and out, is exceptional and helps justify prices. Mercedes-Benz’s EVs range from compact to large three-row SUVs. Across the lineup, controls for the complex climate and infotainment systems aren’t as intuitive as we find in other luxury vehicles. Like most European luxury brands, used Mercedes-Benzes can have expensive out-of-warranty repairs, although Consumer Reports has found used models with above-average reliability.
Vehicle ID: 6519 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.
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