For those of you craving the latest Mercedes reviews all in one convenient location, we've got 'em, all neatly packaged in yet another Review Roundup installment.  In this episode, four Mercedes models are put through their paces - the new GLK-Class, the C63 AMG, the C350 and the new SLK-Class - with the reviews hopefully helping shed some insight as to what to expect from each.  As is the case with all our Review Roundups, you can find excerpts from each review as well links back to the full articles immediately below.

Enjoy.


Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (via Motor Trend)
Reviewer's rating: Unspecified

"Mercedes engineers provided Motor Trend with an early introduction to their new BMW X3 rival at the SIP off-road test center in the Pyrenees mountains about two hours outside of Barcelona, Spain. Though the drive wasn't optimal (the special off-road package on the test vehicle won't be offered in the states), it did provide an early and revealing glimpse at this newest and smallest of Benz SUVs, headed our way in January.

'Smallest' is a bit of a misnomer, as the GLK isn't small. Compared with its larger ML sibling, the GLK rides on a 6.2-inch-shorter wheelbase and stretches 10 inches shorter in overall length. Yet at 4400 pounds it's still a bruiser. Chunky, GL-like styling (which doesn't translate well in photos) adds to the impression of size; the GLK is nearly as square-jawed as the long-gone Jeep Cherokee. The chiseled edges continue inside the cabin, resulting in a serious, almost severe flavor. The message is clear: Mercedes doesn't want its new crossover to be thought of as a 'soft-roader.'

While the GLK, at least with the off-road package, is unquestionably better in the dirt than the pavement-optimized BMW X3, it's no hard-core SUV. For one thing, it lacks a two-speed transfer case. And the braking-controlled, open-differentials 4Matic system simply can't deliver the rock-crawling ability of, say, a Jeep Wrangler. As we bypassed a rock wall any Wrangler could've climbed, Matthias Boumann, a Mercedes stability and traction-control engineer, admitted, 'Now you see that there are some limitations with this system.'

To Mercedes's credit, the market for "real" SUVs simply doesn't exist in this luxury-biased category. The vast majority of GLK shoppers are looking for a safe, comfortable rig that can get them through the occasional snowstorm or muddy mountain trail. For that, the basic 4Matic GLK should handily suffice.

Inside, the GLK offers ample shoulder room and good overall visibility. Sandard equipment on U.S. models will include dual-zone climate control, navigation, COMAND multi-media control, crisp leatherette, and Bluetooth. Options include leather, a rear-view backup camera, and a Panorama sunroof. While the Euro-spec GLK you see here features aluminum interior trim, U.S. models will sport Sienna pine wood accents. "

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Mercedes-Benz C350 (via Inside Line)
Reviewer's rating: 2nd place out of two

"Cars of the three-pointed star built many moons ago are known for their hewn-from-steel character. It's been said that those days are gone, and that the modern Benz isn't built like it used to be.  We'd like to respectfully disagree. The automaker has fortified the current-generation C-Class with some of that Old World substance. From behind the wheel, the C350 feels reassuringly solid, from the thunk of the doors as they shut close to the chunky action of the shift lever on the center console. Yet this feel of mechanical gravitas doesn't come at the price of sheer weight, as the 3,621-pound Benz is 250 pounds lighter than the Audi A4.

This works to the Benz's advantage in straight-line acceleration, where the baby Benz just plain thrashes the A4. The 60-mph mark comes up in 6.3 seconds (6.0 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip), fully 0.6 second quicker than the A4. Similarly, the Benz sails through the quarter-mile in 14.5 seconds at 96.5 mph, a half-second quicker than the Audi.

It might be that Mercedes has gone a little too far with the sense of substance in its character, however, because this car always feels a little inert compared to the A4. At casual speeds, the C350's tautly damped wheel action hints at a dynamic treat that doesn't fully materialize once you pick up the pace.

When the roads go all noodly, the Benz is Julie Andrews — it demonstrates impeccably good manners but just doesn't quicken your pulse. So it was no surprise when the C350 posted 65.8 mph in the slalom, trailing the A4's performance by more than 4 mph. The Benz's suspension damping is firm and well-controlled, while ultimate grip of 0.84g on our skid pad is just a tad less than the Audi's result.

Functionally, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 doesn't miss a beat, particularly in the utility of its intuitive multimedia interface, which is the polar opposite of the clunky interface found in previous-generation Benzes. At the same time, the interior of the C-Class is slightly design-y yet cold and unfriendly, as if Sister Mary Margaret were lecturing you about ergonomics.

None of the C's shortcomings are terminal. On the contrary, we reckon the inclusion of the European-market sport package and some of the Euro interior features would do a lot to wake up the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350."

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Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (via NewsOnline.co.za)
Reviewer's rating: Unspecified

"This creature, with its 336kW, 600Nm, 6.3 V8 engine, was not designed to please the likes of Al Gore. I doubt, though, that the German AMG design team spends much time worrying about the opinions of politicians. If they did, they wouldn’t bother with cars like the C 63. And the world would be far, far less fun.

Acceleration is nothing short of mind-blowing, blasting the 100km/h mark in 4.5 seconds (some even cite under 4 seconds). Top speed is governed at 250km/h and, having done close to that, trust me when I say this is a 300+km/h car. And, if you’re brave enough to take your eyes off the road at such speeds, you can watch the fuel gauge drop almost as fast as the speedo needle rises.

Alright, fair enough, that’s with everyone testing the car at high speed. But who then, buys such a car and does not plan to drive it at high speed? Sure, even stationary, it will bolster your reputation to stardom; where men lean out of the windows of their Ford Focuses to pay homage to your motoring superiority; and where women cast you looks describable only in the likes of Penthouse Magazine. But once you’ve experienced the pure power of the 6.3 V8, you simply cannot drive it at sensible speeds.

Unless, of course, like me, you’re trying to make it back to the dealership without the humiliation of a phone call for a canister of fuel. It’s times like that when you realise the exclusivity of cars such as this. For now, I shall have to stick to my Sherman tank."

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Mercedes-Benz C350 (via Chicago Sun Times)
Reviewer's rating: Unspecified

"For the first time, the SLK has a new generation of audio and telematics componentry for improved user-friendliness. For instance, all audio systems come with built-in hands-free capability with Bluetooth technology. A new optional media interface enables mobile audio devices such as the iPod to be fully integrated into the audio system and operated from its control panel. A voice-control system also is optional for the first time.  The retractable power hardtop remains a prime SLK attraction and quickly goes down and up.

My test SLK had the automatic transmission. It upshifts smoothly and downshifts instantly, although in a jerky manner at expressway speeds if the accelerator is floored. The new "direct-steer" system with variable power assistance was rather heavy but provided agility on twisting roads, steering comfort when parking and kept the car feeling assured in straight-line highway driving. The number of lock-to-lock steering wheel turns is reduced about 25 percent.  Handling is sharp, and the ride is firm but supple. Powerful brakes are controlled by a progressive-action pedal.

Long, heavy doors are inconvenient in tight parking spots, and extra effort is needed to enter or leave the low-slung SLK. Supportive seats in the fairly roomy cockpit provide good grip in curves and comfort during highway cruising. The glovebox is tiny and the covered console storage compartment is set back a bit too far. But doors have storage pockets and large outside handles, besides easily grasped inside ones. Gauges are easy to read at a glance, thanks partly to red needles, but sound system controls are small.

The SLK has come a long way since its introduction. The 2005 model finally seemed worth the price, and the nicely built new version with its solid engineering and Mercedes prestige and resale value is definitely worth the money."

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