2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
Pictured: Mercedes-Benz GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC Sport-Paket AMG (X 204, Facelift) – Frontansicht, 24. August 2014, Düsseldorf. Photo: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Body styles
Glk 350 4matic 5dr SUV 4WD, Glk 350 5dr SUV RWD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
18 combined · 16 city / 22 hwy
Length
178.3 in
Curb weight
3,977–4,277 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 39 for similar models.
  • No recalls so far

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 10 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is a SUV - offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and 4-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.

It measures about 178 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,277 lb (Glk 350 4matic 5dr SUV 4WD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway), 5% worse than the 2012 SUV - average of 19 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 GLK-Class — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 GLK-Class →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Glk 350 4matic 5dr SUV 4WD178.3 in72.4 in66.9 in108.7 in61.8 / 63 in4,277 lb50/50
Glk 350 5dr SUV RWD178.3 in72.4 in66.9 in108.7 in61.8 / 63 in3,977 lb52/48

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
GLK350 4matic3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 7-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18-5%$4,550494
GLK3503.5L 6-cylAutomatic 7-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-14%$4,550494
Spend $10,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19 MPG2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.

Similar 2012 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (this car)18 MPGNot rated0
2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class13 MPGNot rated0
2012 Land Rover Range Rover22 MPGNot rated7
2012 BMW X321 MPGNot rated2
2012 Lexus RX29 MPGNot rated1
2012 Audi Q522 MPGNot rated6
2012 Volvo XC6021 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

No owner complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.

Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other GLK-Class years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2015 GLK-Class27178.3 inNot rated00
2014 GLK-Class27178.3 inNot rated00
2013 GLK-Class27178.3 inNot rated00
2011 GLK-Class18178.3 inNot rated00
2010 GLK-Class18178.3 inNot rated00

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →