The GLK250 starts at a respectable $39,495 including $905 destination fee, and includes 4Matic all-wheel drive. This brings the GLK250 in well below the starting price of competitors like the Audi Q5 Hybrid, which starts at $51,795, including $895 destination fee. However, start adding things like the premium sound system ($810); Parktronic advanced parking assist ($970); a Premium Package with a panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, power liftgate and satellite radio ($3,450); the full leather seating package ($2,100); Comand navigation with rear view camera and voice control ($2,790); a Driver Assistance Package with all kinds of electronic driving aids ($2,950) and more, and you'll quickly arrive at my test vehicle's eye-popping price of $57,635. That's easily the price of a decently optioned ML350 4Matic, a much larger SUV. Mercedes-Benz says that the actual average transaction price for the GLK is about $45,000, so it would seem that not many people are ponying up for the fully loaded versions.

Garmin’s navigation will be fully integrated into Benz’s COMAND infotainment system, which also controls the radio, climate control, and Internet connectivity. According to Garmin, its system will operate much like current Mercedes navigation systems do, either with the COMAND rotary knob or by voice command. The navigation and map visuals will still be displayed on the infotainment screen and secondary commands will still pop up in the instrument panel. Our experiences with Benz’s COMAND system have been mixed. During a comparo that included a C350 sedan, we deemed Benz’s infotainment system as “pretty much OK.” And when we selected the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class as our most recent SUV of the Year, its COMAND system was on the short list of dislikes: “our whole team agreed that COMAND is in serious need of a major rethink.” Hopefully this new deal with Garmin is the start of better days for Benz’s infotainment system.