2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class at the 2012 New York Auto Show
- Competes with: BMW X3, Audi Q5, Cadillac SRX
- Looks like: The new diesel option could make the GLK one of the most fuel-efficient luxury SUVs on the market
- Drivetrain: 302-hp, 3.5-liter V-6; 190-hp, 2.1-liter inline-four diesel; seven-speed automatic transmission
- Hits dealerships: This summer
For the 2013 model year, the Mercedes-Benz GLK compact luxury SUV gets a mild refresh that includes a restyled front end, a new dash and the addition of a diesel engine.
Starting with the biggest change, the GLK gets a 250 Bluetec trim for the model year. Mercedes says this four-cylinder diesel is the most powerful ever to reside in an SUV; the direct-injected 2.1-liter inline-four makes 190 horsepower and 369 pounds-feet of torque. The GLK250 Bluetec comes standard with permanent all-wheel drive.
The GLK350 uses the same 3.5-liter V-6 from three years ago, though now it produces 302 hp and 273 pounds-feet of torque (up from 268 hp and 258 pounds-feet of torque). The V-6 now comes with a stop/start system to improve gas mileage, and the trim is available with either rear- or all-wheel drive. Both engines are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Up front, the headlights, front bumper, diffuser, grille and hood are restyled. The model now comes standard with LED daytime running lights and LED accent lighting lower in the bumper. The rear remains pretty much unchanged, though there's more chrome garnish and new LED lighting patterns in the taillights. New 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels come standard.
The cabin features a completely redesigned dashboard that looks more upscale than the former GLK's plastic-looking interior. The dash has a large burl walnut wood trim piece, redesigned radio and multimedia controls, and large chrome-ringed radial air vents. The transmission shifter has been moved from the center console to the steering-wheel column, a modern styling element seen on recent Mercedes vehicles. This frees up space for cupholders.
Newly available features include an automatic-self parking option and blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning systems. A drowsiness detection system is now standard.
The 2013 GLK350 goes on sale this summer, with the GLK250 Bluetec following in early 2013.
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The Audi Q5 looks better
There's never been a more powerful diesel engine in an SUV? 190 HP?
As FIA said... huh? What about the V10 diesel that VW offered?
"The most powerful diesel to ever reside in an SUV"? And the X5's 3 liter I-6 diesel with over 400 ftlbs of torque? Or the VW Toureg diesels with also a large amount of power. To bad we don't have the BMW m550d cars here.
I do have to admit that that is impressive hp output per liter for even a gasoline engine, but it isn't the most powerful.
"Mercedes says this four-cylinder diesel is the most powerful ever to reside in an SUV"
Most powerful four-cylinder.
Oh my gosh... Mercedes just transformed on of its handsome vehicles into an absolute mess. The hood looks like a protective Styrofoam you're supposed to remove after shipping. The V-6 mentioned I don't think is unchanged, I'm pretty sure this is a new engine for Mercedes-Benz. It used to be a 90 degree V-6, but now it's a 60 degree V-6 with direct injection.
WhyTF can't I read properly?
MB has a winner!!! I'm really glad more manufacturers are bringing diesels over to NA. This vehicle is practical for a family, fuel efficient (diesel), and very good looking!
I'm going to have a hard decision between this and the CX-5 (how big the price difference is). I wonder if this will require urea injections?
I do not think Q5 looks better. IMHO this new GLK is perfect and is the most beautiful in its class (Q5, XC60, X3...).
love my 2011 glk cant wait for the updated one