One of the premier compact luxury SUVs on the market today is the Mercedes-Benz GLK350. Liking what it has, Mercedes made no changes to the GLK-Class for the 2012 model year. That’s a good thing when you take into account the attractiveness of its interior, as well as the performance and smooth ride the GLK350 provides.

The Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is available in only two trims: the GLK350, which is rear-wheel drive (RWD), and the GLK350 4Matic, which is all-wheel drive (AWD). Both trims come standard with a powerful 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine that achieves 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission with TouchShift manual shift control and overdrive. Fuel economy for the GLK-Class, which takes premium gasoline, is rated at 16 mpg city/22 highway.

Both trims of the GLK350 are equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, power windows, power locks, a tire pressure monitoring system, remote keyless entry, 8-way power front seats (with driver's lumbar support), rear window defogger, a 600-watt AM/FM/single-CD audio system with 8 speakers and MP3 capability, Bluetooth HandsFree technology, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, leather-wrapped steering wheel (with audio and cruise controls), leatherette seat trim, roof rails, a first aid kit and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels (with all-season tires). The mbrace communication system is an available option for both GLK-Class trims, as are Parktronic park assist, heated front seats, and a 510-watt Harman Kardon LOGIC7 with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound system with 11 speakers.

For those buyers looking for upgrade packages, you’ve come to the right place. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class has no fewer than 7 different upgrade packages that are available for both trims. For example, with the Premium 1 Package, upgrades include a panoramic moonroof, rain-sensing front windshield wipers, power liftgate, 115-volt AC power outlet in cargo area, driver’s seat memory with 4-way lumbar support, Sirius XM radio with a 3-month subscription, auto-dimming driver’s side and inside rear-view mirrors, digital compass display in inside mirror and programmable garage-door opener. Upgrades to the Full Leather Seating Package add leather upholstery throughout the cabin and premium interior lighting. The Lighting package upgrade adds adaptive bi-xenon headlights (with a headlight washing system), cornering lights and LED taillights.

For techies, there is the Multimedia Package or the COMAND Package (both of which require either the Premium 1 Package or Sirius XM radio) available for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class. Both packages have a hard-drive-based navigation system with 6GB of music storage, a 7-inch high-resolution color LCD screen, DVD/CD player, memory-card slot, enhanced voice control for audio, telephone and navigation, and Sirius XM Traffic. The Multimedia Package adds a rear-view camera that is not included in the COMAND Package. Buyers can also opt for either the Appearance Package or the AMG Styling Package. The Appearance Package has 20-inch twin 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires and aluminum roof rails, while the AMG Styling Package has all that and adds AMG-design front and rear bumpers and LED daytime running lights.

In addition to focusing on passenger comfort, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class has numerous safety features standard to provide ample protection. These features include electronic stability control, electronic traction control, rear antiroll bar, rollover sensor, 4-wheel disc antilock brakes (with brake assist) and active front head restraints as well as front, side, and side curtain airbags. Additionally, driver and passenger pelvic airbags and a driver knee airbag are also standard. Externally, daytime running lights and fog lamps are also standard for both trims.

Interior color options for the GLK350 include Almond/Black and Black leatherette and Almond/Black, Grey/Black and Black leather. Exterior color choices are Black, Obsidian Black Metallic, Arctic White, Cuprite Brown Metallic, Mars Red, Steel Grey Metallic, Iridium Silver Metallic, Sapphire Grey Metallic, Palladium Silver Metallic, Pearl Beige Metallic, Diamond White Metallic and Lunar Blue Metallic.

Consumer reviews rate the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class as an extremely comfortable ride with adequate power and maneuverability. Many owners state that they like the fact that the GLK is stylish, yet still remains a practical family vehicle. Other note that despite being an SUV, the GLK rides like a much higher-priced luxury sedan, yet handles with the agility of a much smaller vehicle. The V6 engine receives good reviews for its delivery of acceleration when needed, especially when compared to similar SUVs.

Although somewhat pricey, especially once options and maintenance are taken into consideration, the 5-passenger Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class measures up well against competition such as the Audi Q5, Land Rover LR2 and Cadillac SRX. Although missing some touches, such as leather seats, that are standard equipment in other competing compact luxury SUVs, its performance, ride and affordability (when compared to other Mercedes) make the 2012 GLK350 a solid choice.