The Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 And GL 320 CDI

"The biggest surprise is the ride comfort, which is soft and cosseting, despite the GLK having impeccable body control. Thank Mercedes’ Agility Control system (think fancy shock absorbers) which know when to smoothe and soothe, and when to tighten and firm. Combine the clever shocks with decent mechanical grip, the 4Matic’s four-wheel drive traction and 45:55 rear-bias, and the GLK is surprisingly entertaining to drive.

Initial impressions of the Mercedes GLK are very promising. It’s more than decent to drive, pretty much ideal for its target market, and will give BMW and Audi a lot to think about. If you’re in the market for a premium but compact 4x4 you’d be foolish to overlook it, but with its aggressive looks and unless there’s a CDI badge on the back everyone else will treat you as a pariah."

"We followed an instructor in an M-class who got stuck on the steepest section and slid back down with minimum control and maximum luck. The lighter and nimbler GLK - which is loosely based on the C- class 4Matic wagon-duly mastered the hill. Keep up the momentum and the all-season tires find enough grip, the chassis provides enough ground clearance, and the electronic helpers distribute enough oomph to make sure the 4034-pound all-roader pulls through. In terms of wheel travel, overall compliance, and response to extreme obstacles, the steel-sprung GLK is every bit as competent off-road as an ML equipped with the optional Airmatic system.

Admittedly, 99 out of 100 owners won't ever take their GLK off-road. But we did, and we came away impressed. Although it's too early to tell exactly how the Baby G will fare on highways and byways, the compliant suspension, the communicative steering, and the convincing engine/gearbox combination suggest that this Mercedes will give the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3 a very good run for the money."

Read the full and more reviews at www.eMercedesBenz.com