Mercedes-Benz entered the compact SUV fray in 2010 with the GLK 350, six years after BMW launched its compact crossover X3. While the BMW has soft lines and a lovely 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine, the baby Merc swaggers down the road with a tough-looking face and a powerful 3.5-litre V-6 engine.

Size-wise, the GLK fools the eye; it looks bigger in photos and on the street than it is. Its length and width are the same as a Honda CR-V. Style-wise, the GLK has one of the best looking, most distinctively designed looks in the compact SUV class. While the exterior might trick the eye making it see a larger vehicle, first-time occupants unanimously express surprise at how narrow the interior feels (with one inch less front shoulder room than in the BMW X3.)

However, an impressively tall roof, with 1.5 in. more headroom than the BMW, helps make up that deficit in space.

The GLK's cabin is all Mercedes-Benz -a luxuriously appointed space that's elegant and comfortable. The front, perforated Artico leathercovered seats (Mercedes' name for a high quality synthetic material) come with three-level heaters that, when set on high, will later switch to medium to avoid overheating. The seats are broad, comfortable and Teutonically firm. Burled walnut trim provides an organic, visual relief to the very angular dashboard lines. Our demo vehicle had the optional Premium Package ($3,400) that includes niceties such as lumbar adjustment, power panoramic sunroof, front/rear parking assist with rear-view camera, three-position memory (for seats, side mirrors, head restraints, tilt steering), and power tailgate.

Typical of Mercedes-Benz automobiles, the GLK's centrestack, with its audio, HVAC and ancillary controls, houses numerous buttons and switches, but the layout and design are easier to understand than those of many other cars from this manufacturer. Less than one minute of scrutiny is required to comprehend the underlying logic.

Closer inspection reveals subtle design elements that add character to the interior, such as the climate control dials that have knurled bezels and a font that is reminiscent of a vintage aviator watch. It's a small, but eye-pleasing design detail.

On the road, the GLK feels reassuringly solid. Mercedes has the uncanny ability to manufacture cars that feel like bank vaults, yet still perform impressively when pressed into sporting duty on snakey pavement. Some of our tester's road-going competence is the result of its excellent suspension, which some testers have criticized for being too soft, but I found it the perfect compromise for our severely potholed city streets.

The GLK drives like a good German sedan; except for slightly over-boosted steering. Its suspension is firm and inspires confidence if one chooses to attack corners mit Sturm und Drang, and capably prevents the queasy sensation caused by excessive body roll that lesser SUVs can inflict. The other part of the GLK's solid feeling on the road is the result of sheer mass. With a hefty curb weight of 1,940 kg, the "baby" Mercedes hauls 326 kg more weight down the road than a Honda CR-V and is heavier than the comparably priced Audi Q5 and BMW X3.

When first driving the GLK 350 I thought, "Typical Mercedes -throttle tip-in is slow," which caused me to believe that off-idle acceleration is leisurely until the 268-horsepower, 3.5-litre V-6 hits its stride at mid-power band. But that's in the default Economy mode. Once Sport mode is selected, throttle tipin is quick, the transmission holds engine revs longer before it upshifts, and the SUV takes on a much livelier demeanour.

Rear seat passengers enjoy good legroom, but the back bench is firm, like the front bucket seats. Still, the rear passenger compartment feels quite spacious and airy due to the considerable headroom and panoramic sunroof panel above the second-row seat.

At highway speed, the GLK has a composed ride that manages to soak up big bumps while still being communicative to the driver. A small amount of wind noise can be detected at the SUV's side windows.

My biggest complaint about the GLK is the unusually deep and wide door sills. Exiting the vehicle requires an effort to clear the high sill. In sloppy weather, avoiding shmutz on the backs of your legs will be difficult.

Overall, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4Matic is a very attractive package.

THE SPECS

2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4Matic

Type of vehicle: Compact premium SUV

Engine: 3.5-litre DOHC V-6

Transmission: 7-speed automatic, full-time all-wheel-drive

Power: 268 at 6000 r.p.m.; 258 lb-ft. at 2400 r.p.m.

Tire size: 235/45R20 Pirelli winter

Price: $43,500 base, $46,900 as tested with Premium Package ($3,400)

Fuel consumption rating (L/100km): 13.0 city; 9.3 hwy. (premium fuel)