The time had come to replace my trusty old 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander. Repair bills were starting to outweigh the car’s value, signaling the need for an upgrade – something worthy of the “Keithmobile-E” designation. My criteria were simple: a vehicle similar to my Outlander, but newer, potentially a bit more refined. This naturally led me to the popular “compact SUV/crossover” category, a segment brimming with options.
My search spanned numerous vehicles across various model years. I wasn’t after a brand-new car, but neither did I want something too dated. After extensive research and test drives, my shortlist narrowed down to two contenders – one of which I’d previously reviewed. The ultimate choice, the vehicle that won me over, was a used 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK 250.
Mercedes GLK 250 Badge
It’s almost a given that the Mercedes Glk 250 exudes quality in every aspect. The interior provides a supremely comfortable environment, with everything meticulously assembled and thoughtfully laid out. My particular model came equipped with the premium touches one anticipates from Mercedes-Benz. While many of these features are becoming increasingly common in modern vehicles, they felt refreshingly new and exciting compared to the bare-bones features of my previous car.
Visibility from the GLK 250 is excellent, particularly for an SUV of this type. It certainly matches, if not surpasses, the visibility in my older Outlander. While a rearview camera is included, maneuvering the Mercedes GLK 250 in reverse is confidently achievable even without relying on it, eliminating any guesswork about hidden blind spots.
In terms of size, the Mercedes GLK 250 is strikingly similar to my Outlander, despite appearing larger at first glance. In reality, it shares the same length, nearly identical height, and is only an inch wider. This dimensional parity proved incredibly convenient, as the GLK 250 slotted perfectly into my garage space.
Technologically, the Mercedes GLK 250 features a user-friendly media system. Physical buttons for mode switching are conveniently placed and easily accessible – a feature I greatly appreciate, and one that is surprisingly absent in some modern cars. The integrated navigation system is functional and gets the job done, though it’s not exceptionally advanced.
However, the true deciding factor in choosing the Mercedes GLK 250 lay beneath the hood – the engine. The Mercedes GLK class offers two main variants: the 350 and the 250. The GLK 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, while the Mercedes GLK 250 boasts a diesel engine. Specifically, a 2.1-liter twin-turbo inline-4 diesel, generating a solid 200 horsepower and a remarkable 369 lb-ft of torque.
This impressive torque figure is the primary reason I opted for the Mercedes GLK 250.
Having test-driven both the GLK 350 and the GLK 250, I found the V6 engine in the 350 to be undeniably powerful, yet somewhat challenging to manage. The throttle response in the 350 felt overly sensitive – initially unresponsive, followed by an abrupt surge of power that was difficult to modulate, especially at lower speeds and during city driving.
In contrast, the Mercedes GLK 250 diesel engine delivered its power in a smooth, controlled, and predictable manner. True to diesel characteristics, the majority of its torque is readily available at lower RPMs, mirroring the power delivery I was accustomed to in my previous Outlander.
This abundance of low-end torque in the GLK 250 diesel also enhances its towing capability. The Mercedes GLK 250 boasts a maximum trailer weight of 3,500 lbs, significantly exceeding the towing capacity of my old Outlander. This makes the GLK 250 a surprisingly capable vehicle for hauling trailers or boats, adding to its versatility.
Despite a relatively modest horsepower figure for a vehicle weighing approximately 4,246 lbs, the Mercedes GLK 250 accelerates with surprising eagerness. There’s a momentary pause off the line, but the smaller of the two turbochargers spools up rapidly, providing near-instantaneous power delivery thereafter. The acceleration is consistent and linear – some might even describe it as relentless. While not the quickest SUV on the market, the Mercedes GLK 250 certainly feels faster than its on-paper specifications might suggest.
Even at highway speeds, the Mercedes GLK 250 retains ample power reserves. A simple press of the accelerator results in immediate and assertive acceleration, quickly reaching speeds beyond intended limits if you’re not careful. This readily available power makes highway driving and overtaking maneuvers effortless and confident in the Mercedes GLK 250.
Power is transmitted to the wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission that can only be described as “buttery smooth.” During normal driving conditions, gear changes are virtually imperceptible. The transmission shifts gears swiftly and, unlike many modern automatics, responds promptly and willingly to manual gear changes when desired. A particularly clever feature is its ability to automatically downshift to assist with speed control when descending hills – a feature I’ve not encountered in any other automatic transmission.
Of course, the Mercedes GLK 250 is equipped with AWD – Mercedes’ renowned 4MATIC system. This all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction and stability, even in slippery conditions, effectively harnessing the diesel engine’s power and providing confident handling in various weather conditions.
The diesel engine incorporates variable valve control, but the power delivery remains consistently smooth and linear throughout the rev range. There are no sudden surges or peaks in power, contributing to the refined and controlled driving experience of the Mercedes GLK 250.
Remarkably, even with its robust AWD system and a somewhat boxy aerodynamic profile typical of SUVs, the Mercedes GLK 250 achieves impressive fuel economy figures of 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. In real-world driving, my experience suggests it often exceeds these figures. Combined with a 17.4-gallon fuel tank, the Mercedes GLK 250 offers an exceptional cruising range, making it ideal for long journeys.
Furthermore, the Mercedes GLK 250 provides a remarkably comfortable ride, even on extended drives. The suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a smooth and composed ride without feeling overly soft or detached, as is sometimes the case with overly compliant suspension systems. It strikes a perfect balance – supple enough to handle rough roads comfortably, yet firm enough to inspire confidence when cornering for a vehicle of its size and weight.
Regarding the diesel engine itself, having driven several diesel vehicles previously, including an Audi A4 wagon and a Fiat 500L, I’ve become accustomed to their unique characteristics. Diesel engines typically deliver their power lower in the rev range, negating the need for high RPMs. The addition of turbochargers further alters the driving experience compared to naturally aspirated engines. The significant advantage, of course, is the abundance of torque. While not necessarily outright speed demons, diesel-powered vehicles are undeniably quick and responsive in real-world driving scenarios.
In an SUV application, a diesel engine like the one in the Mercedes GLK 250 seems particularly well-suited. It provides ample power to move a heavier SUV chassis, while remaining fuel-efficient. It’s surprising that diesel SUVs aren’t more prevalent, especially in markets like the US, where larger vehicles are popular.
The Mercedes GLK 250 does have a few minor drawbacks, none of which were deal-breakers for me, but they are worth considering, and your priorities may differ.
Chief among these is the rear seat legroom, which is… adequate, but not generous. As mentioned earlier, the GLK 250 shares the same overall length as my Outlander. However, the GLK 250 has a larger engine bay, and this extra space appears to have been carved out from the rear passenger area. The front seats and cargo area are virtually identical in size to my old Outlander. Rear legroom isn’t exactly cramped, but it’s not particularly spacious, especially if the front seats are pushed far back. For me, this wasn’t a major concern as I rarely have rear passengers, and I don’t position my seat excessively far back. However, for those who frequently transport more than two occupants, this might be a significant limitation.
Adding to the rear passenger experience, the rear wheel arches intrude slightly into the rear door openings. This makes ingress and egress to the rear seats a bit more awkward than ideal. It’s not excessively difficult, but it is noticeable. Passengers with mobility issues might find getting in and out of the back of the Mercedes GLK 250 challenging.
Another minor peculiarity of the Mercedes GLK 250 is that later model years relocated the transmission lever to the steering wheel column. While not resembling the clunky column shifters of older vehicles, it does require a period of adjustment. More than once, I instinctively reached for a gear lever in the center console before remembering it’s now a small stalk on the steering column.
Despite these minor shortcomings, I wholeheartedly believe the Mercedes GLK 250 is a fantastic compact SUV. The diesel engine transforms the driving experience, making it genuinely enjoyable, and despite its luxurious comfort, it retains a practical degree of “utility.” If you’re in the market for a stylish and comfortable small-to-medium SUV, the Mercedes GLK 250 is definitely worth a serious look.
