2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
Prices: $33,900-$35,900

SANTA BARBARA  Calif. - A growing number of upscale models are entering the market for crossover vehicles, which combine car and SUV attributes. So Mercedes-Benz has jumped into the game with its new compact crossover, which has a prestigious nameplate and competitive pricing.

Mercedes knew the early 2010 GLK-Class would have to be special because it's up against premium compact crossovers such as the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Rover LR2. With more anticipated to come.

Mercedes said the GLK four-door hatchback is a new entry in what it calls its "SUV family," which began in 1997 with the arrival of its larger M-Class SUV. That one continues to be built.

Why the SUV label? Because Mercedes found at GLK consumer test clinics that most considered it more of an SUV than a car-based crossover because it has the rather boxy shape associated with SUVs. Most consumers associate crossovers with "jelly bean" shapes, said David Larsen, Mercedes-Benz USA product manager for the GLK.

The GLK is rather boxy to allow a roomy interior. But it's handsome enough, with an aggressive-looking grille, steeply raked windshield, fender flares and integrated rear spoiler on its tightly styled roof section. However, it could have done without the standard roof rails, which should be optional.

Mercedes also has given the GLK a strong engine and lots of equipment, besides the automaker's sophisticated 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

I drove the GLK with AWD over regular and twisting mountain roads during a media preview in Santa Barbara, Calif. Mercedes predicts 70 percent of GLK buyers will want AWD, but said a lower-cost version arrives this spring with rear-wheel drive for $33,900. The AWD version costs $35,900.

The GLK is roomy and nicely sized for urban driving, although it makes a good long-distance cruiser.

"The GLK is the right size for today's family, whether it's parking in town while running errands or making a cross-country trip," Larsen said.

The GLK also is fast, and steering, handling and braking remind one of a sporty sedan. There's decent ground clearance for mild off-road driving with AWD, although that system primarily is intended for superior traction on slippery roads.

Five tall adults fit in the 14.8-foot-long GLK, but the center of the rear seat is too firm to make the interior comfortable for more than four occupants. The large cargo hatch has a nifty looking chrome load sill that prevents luggage scuffing and helps allow easy loading. It's a small, but thoughtful, item. Rear seatbacks flip forward to appreciably enlarge the cargo area.

The new crossover is well-equipped. Leather upholstery is optional, but the standard GLK interior is upscale, with items including burl walnut trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, tilt/telescoping steering column, cruise control and a AM/FM/CD/MP3 eight-speaker sound system with auxiliary input.

Safety features include front-side, window and knee air bags.

Extras include a premium package with a panorama sunroof and power liftgate and a multimedia package with a navigation system and rearview camera for safer backing up--besides an upgraded sound system.

Drawbacks include flimsy-feeling plastic rear cupholers and power window controls set too far forward on the driver's door. They make it too easy to accidentally open, say, the left rear window instead of the left front one.

Buyers shouldn't be confused when ordering a GLK because it isn't sold with a bunch of different engines and transmissions. The only engine is a 3.5-liter, dual-overhead-camshart V-6 with four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing for added responsiveness.

The 268-horsepower engine develops nearly 90 percent of its maximum torque at just 1,500 rpm for quick starts and propels the GLK from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. It allows easy cruising at 80 mph. The top speed is reportedly 143 mph.

Dual chrome exhaust tips work with an authentic dual exhaust system. Many vehicles have a single exhaust system with phony dual outlets to simulate a genuine, performance-enhancing dual-exhaust system.

There are no plans to offer an ultra-high-performance version from Mercedes's hot rod AMG unit, but Mercedes hinted that a fuel-stingy diesel engine may become available.

The engine transmits power through no less than a seven-speed automatic transmission Unlike most transmissions, it skips up to three gear ratios if necessary when it downshifts--shifting directly from seventh to fifth gear, for example, or even from sixth to second. That helps the smooth transmission choose the right gear ratio for quick acceleration.

A Touch Shift feature lets a driver manually select forward speeds by pushing the gear lever slightly left or right to downshift or upshift while in the "drive" position. That works OK, but it's more natural to upshift or downshift an automatic with a manual mode by pushing the lever forward to upshift and pulling it back to downshift.

When not shifting manually, the GLK transgression adapts to changes in road grade and to an individual's driving style.

Fuel economy isn't a strong point with the gasoline engine, although there's little difference in economy between the AWD and rear-drive versions of this approximately 4,000-pound crosssover. The GLK AWD provides 16 mpg in the city and 21 on highways, while the rear-drive model delivers 16 and 23.

The four-wheel independent suspension and large 19-inch (20-inchers are optional) wheels easily handled road imperfections and helped allow adroit handling in the mountains and on freeways and city streets. Helping keep the GLK safely on roads during trying conditions are electronic stability and anti-slip systems.

Hefty anti-lock brakes with a brake-assist feature are controlled by a pedal with a linear action for smooth stops.

The GLK became immediately popular when it went on sale in January. By February, it beat popular models to become the top-seller "off the lot," according to J.D. Power & Associates.

As for demographics, my barber's daughter, a college student, even asked him about it.