While many Mercedes-Benz models have been inducted into the pantheon of greats, with collector appreciation to match, the GLK compact crossover isn’t normally mentioned in the same breath as models like the 500E and the 300SL gullwing. However, there are always exceptions to the rule, because at least one GLK is highly desired. That’s because this particular 12-year-old upscale crossover utility vehicle just sold on Bring A Trailer for a whopping $38,000. I know what you’re wondering: why?
If you aren’t incredibly familiar with the Mercedes-Benz GLK aside from having seen a few in the wild, don’t feel bad. Few people pay close attention to compact luxury crossovers. Basically, think of this as Mercedes’ BMW X3 competitor for the early 2010s, a relatively small and blocky C-Class-based box that could haul everything an active urban professional could want while still fitting neatly in a downtown parking spot.
Initially, all U.S.-market GLKs came with a 3.5-liter V6 hitched to a seven-speed automatic transmission, and that’s exactly what we find under the hood of this 2012 GLK 350. Pumping out 268 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, it’s a smooth and tractable powerplant that could whisk this crossover to 60 mph in a reasonably brisk 6.5 seconds in Car And Driver instrumented testing. Good performance, but that alone doesn’t explain the hammer price.
The big reason this GLK 350 sold for $38,000 on Bring A Trailer is because it only has 1,019 miles on the clock. What you’re looking at might be the nicest GLK in the world outside of Mercedes’ own possession, a genuine case where trying to find another like it would be a nigh-on impossible task.
As a result, everything on this 12-year-old crossover is perfect. The underbody looks just about perfect, the headlight lenses are perfect, the carpet is perfect, the upholstery is perfect. Even though some of the photos in the listing are a bit low-res, the higher-resolution ones suggest this is as close to a showroom condition GLK 350 as you’re going to get in 2024.
Interestingly enough, the winner of this GLK wasn’t just one moonshot bid. In the last hour of bidding, five different bidders drove up the price from $28,500 to $38,000, meaning the hammer price wasn’t the product of one person’s obsession, but the product of several people’s obsessions. Indeed, the winning bidder commented, “This has been a ” Bucket list vehicle ” So, I know I paid A Lot, but where else would you find a virtually “NEW” one of these !”
The $38,000 12-year-old Mercedes-Benz GLK compact crossover is a reminder that car enthusiasm comes in all stripes. Some people love sports cars. Some people love trucks. Some people have affection for a particular crossover utility vehicle. The more cars that get enjoyed and cherished, the better, because it makes the culture richer. After all, sometimes the coolest old cars on the road aren’t the ones you’d expect to be cherished, but the ones you’re surprised are still around. Mark my words, this thing will be the hit of whatever the 2050 equivalent of Radwood is.
(Photo credits: Bring A Trailer)
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These GLKs have aged incredibly well, and really look the business. Plus, they had that bulletproof 3.5-liter N/A V6. I have an idea for a comparo:
GLK 350 vs gen. 2 RDX. Both of these were pretty late examples of luxury compact crossovers with standard, well-regarded N/A 3.5-liter V6 engines.
On the flip side, here’s one near me with 206,000-odd miles.
The winner must have very, very fond memories of rolling up to the tennis club in their GLK and swinging their younger hips past the valet
This makes no sense to me.
I’m with you. I have always liked the GLK, but I cannot fathom paying this much for one when one with slightly higher mileage could be had for a small fraction of that price. I can’t exactly see the GLK350 becoming the next 450SEL 6.9 anytime soon…
Friend had one that she traded in for a GLE during the pandemic. She got a good trade in value, but definitely not that much.
You know, I never minded these. It avoided being blobby and shapeless, which I appreciated. Plus, I think they look sharp in red. I don’t know why it’s anyone’s bucket list cars, but I’m not here to judge. I hope it’s everything they hoped it would be and more!
Seems perfectly reasonable to me – they were $38K before options new.
The 302hp 3.5L V6/7 speed Automatic is pretty bulletproof – and it’s not burdened with 4Matic.
I want to meet the person who had a 2012 GLK on their bucket list. What else is on their bucket list? A vacation to Appleton, Wisconsin?
While neither were on my bucket list, I actually think these GLKs are attractive for what they are, and back in August my first ever trip to Wisconsin was indeed to Appleton where I spent part of my vacation.
I feel like BAT, Cars and Bids, etc. have normalized this insanity in a way that’s going to be hard to come back from. We’ve seen a lot of ridiculous auctions, but this one is particularly absurd to me. This is literally a 12 year old lease mobile for upper middle class soccer moms.
You can go buy a nicer, newer, more interesting Mercedes off a lot for the same money or less. Hell you can get a certified AMG A35, GLA35, or GLB35 for this much money and at least have something peppy with a little extra flair and a warranty. Why in the name of god and all that is holy would you do this?
Nostalgia can be a hell of a drug but this will be worth less than 20 grand in the next year. Hell this dingus was underwater on it the second they hit bid. People keep complaining about how expensive cars are and then turn around and pay 40 grand for a 12 year old base crossover. GET IT TOGETHER, PEOPLE!
Ahem, insanity has been normalized across the board. Rationality is for losers.
At least there was no malice, petulance or willful ignorance involved, and any consequences are limited.
Good point. At least the consequences are limited to this one peculiar individual and aren’t going to foisted on the rest of us like um…other stuff that’s going on
But… but it’s a really ugly car
https://gifsec.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/but-why-gif-1.gif
It’s got more character than the generically blobby GLC
$38,000 for a perfect POS.
If nothing else I can appreciate that this is someone who knows what they want beyond reason