The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 gets 22 MPG combined. It’s not going to win any fuel efficiency awards, but that’s the reality. It’s what you get with a compact luxury SUV that offers confident all-weather performance, a strong build, and the Mercedes-Benz brand. GLK350 buyers value refinement and reliable engineering over saving every last drop of premium gas, and that’s an intentional decision.

City and highway performance

The GLK350’s 3.5L V6 engine, paired with a smooth 7-speed automatic transmission, delivers power predictably and responsively. Expect 19 MPG in city driving. That number reflects that the engine works harder navigating stop-and-go traffic, and the vehicle has considerable weight.

On the highway, the GLK350 does better, achieving 26 MPG. This shows it’s good for longer trips where the engine can cruise more efficiently. The 7-speed transmission helps with this, keeping the engine at the right speed for both power and fuel savings on the highway.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 at $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles a year and using the average national fuel price from when it was calculated. Your actual fuel costs will change based on your driving, the roads you drive on, and local fuel prices. But, $2,650 gives you a benchmark for budgeting and comparing the GLK350 to others in its class. Because the GLK350 needs premium fuel, this cost highlights the financial commitment of owning a luxury vehicle.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are standardized, but real-world gas mileage can be different. Hard acceleration, frequent short trips, and long idling can all hurt fuel efficiency. Owners who drive gently and avoid unnecessary idling will likely get closer to the EPA estimates. Also, keeping tires inflated and following the manufacturer’s service schedule will help gas mileage. Check out GLK350 MPG across all years to see what owners have submitted.

How it compares

The GLK350’s gas mileage is about in the middle for compact luxury SUVs. The BMW X3 xDrive28i, with its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, gets a slightly better 24 MPG combined.

The Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro, another competitor with a turbocharged four-cylinder, gets 23 MPG combined. The Acura RDX, with its V6 engine, gets the same 22 MPG combined as the GLK350. For GLK350 buyers, the tradeoff of V6 power versus fuel efficiency is often worth it, especially considering its strong build and all-weather ability. If fuel consumption is a large concern, check out all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic flow to avoid braking too much. The GLK350’s V6 has good torque, so you don’t have to speed up hard to keep up with traffic. Smooth acceleration will save gas and reduce wear on the engine.

Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and lower fuel economy. Regularly checking tire pressure is an easy way to improve gas mileage.

Minimize idling, especially when the engine is cold. Modern engines warm up fast while driving, and idling uses gas without going anywhere. If you will be stopped for more than a minute, it’s usually better to turn off the engine.

Don’t carry extra weight in the vehicle. Extra weight makes the engine work harder, using more gas. Remove anything you don’t need from the trunk or cargo area to help fuel efficiency.

On highway drives, use cruise control. Cruise control helps keep a steady speed, which can improve gas mileage compared to manually using the gas pedal. Be careful of road conditions and traffic and turn off cruise control when you need to for safety.