As the SUV market matured, one of the last open niches was for small luxury SUVs. The GLK is Mercedes-Benz entry in this segment and is aimed at buyers that might not have otherwise been shopping the luxury brands. The GLK is smaller than its direct competitors from BMW and Audi. The GLK also offers a RWD in addition to the AWD. Buyers can choose between a fuel-efficient four-cylinder diesel in the GLK250 BlueTEC model and a 302-bhp V6 in the GLK350. Like other Mercedes models, the GLK350 does not include leather upholstery requiring an expensive upgrade away from the standard synthetic leather.

Mercedes updated the GLK-Class for 2013. Exterior updates include a new front fascia, grille, headlights and rear bumper. The interior has a new dashboard and the shifter has been moved to the column from the center console. The output of the 3.5l V6 has been increased to 302-bhp and a new four-cylinder diesel engine joins the lineup in the GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC model.