2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class GLK250

Solid feel

Sophisticated ride and handling

Powerful V6 engine

Efficient diesel model

Luxurious, impeccably crafted cabin

Abundant safety features.

Much as with a cut of filet mignon, the compact size of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class doesn't necessarily translate into your getting less. Not only does this junior crossover boast impeccable build quality and a cabin trimmed in top-shelf materials, but its demeanor while on the move is also suitably refined. The GLK is utterly composed at high cruising speeds, and it rides and handles as well as most luxury sedans. And being a Mercedes-Benz, the sharply chiseled GLK feels like it's built out of a single block of granite.

There are two versions of the 2015 GLK-Class from which to choose: one for those who want to prioritize performance over fuel economy and another that does the inverse. The GLK350 packs a muscular, 302-horsepower V6 that moves the compact crossover with gusto, while the GLK250 Bluetec, though obviously not as speedy, uses a 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel to achieve an impressive combined fuel economy estimate of 28 mpg.

Many of the same high-tech features seen in Mercedes' big-money models are available in the GLK, though mostly as options to keep the base price of the GLK attractive to a wider swath of luxury brand intenders. That said, checking off a few option packages can very quickly boost the bottom line by 8-10 grand. The other demerits levied against the Benz include its rather small backseat and cargo areas, and small rear doors that make it difficult for taller adults to get in and out of that rear seat. This lack of practicality is the main reason the GLK fell short of our top marks and received a pair of "B" ratings.

As such, if you're looking for a more family-friendly crossover with ample space for people and things, then you may want to consider roomier rivals like the 2015 Acura RDX, 2015 Audi Q5, 2015 BMW X3 or 2015 Volvo XC60. But if the various charms of the GLK have you loving the idea of putting one in your driveway, then you certainly have our approval.

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is a compact, five-passenger crossover available in two trim levels defined by engine: the gas-powered GLK350 and the diesel-powered GLK250 Bluetec.

Standard equipment on both models includes 19-inch wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, LED running lights, foglamps, rear privacy glass, roof rails, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats (10-way driver and eight-way passenger), driver memory settings, power lumbar adjustment for the driver seat, MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a cargo cover. Standard electronics features include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, the COMAND electronics interface (with a 5.8-inch display), the mbrace2 emergency communications system and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio and an auxiliary audio jack.

The Premium 1 package adds a power liftgate, auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, a 115-volt household-style power outlet, satellite radio and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Leather package adds leather upholstery, memory functions and four-way lumbar adjustment for the front passenger seat and upgraded head restraints. Adding the Multimedia package gets you a navigation system, real-time traffic and weather, a 7-inch display, a rearview camera, 10GB of music storage and voice controls.

There are two lighting option groups. The Lighting package adds adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers and automatic high-beam control. The Ambient Lighting package brings just that for the interior. The Appearance package includes 20-inch wheels (19s on the GLK250) and aluminum roof rails. Rounding out the extensive list of option packages is the Sport package, which adds 20-inch AMG-styled wheels (19s on the GLK250), aluminum roof rails, unique LED running lamps and AMG-designed styling elements.

There are also a variety of safety-related options highlighted in the below Safety section.

Stand-alone options include running boards, a trailer hitch, an automated parking system, keyless ignition and entry, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a dual-screen rear seat entertainment system, satellite radio, the iPod/USB audio interface and a premium Harman Kardon sound system. Also available is a less sophisticated and less expensive navigation system that doesn't require the full Multimedia package.

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