2013 Mercedes GLK-Class

Exterior

The Mercedes GLK is already a very successful model, but thanks to the changes received, the crossover now has an even more athletic look. The 2013 model combines the classic offroad elements with the design language of the latest Mercedes sedans. The main changes include short overhangs, an upright front end, slender roof pillars, a steep windshield, and a taut roof line.

At the front of the GLK, Mercedes added newly-designed headlamps with LED daytime running lights framed in chrome and a redesigned radiator grille with two louvers painted silver with chrome inserts. The LED daytime running lights and locator lighting can be replaced with bi-xenon headlamps with active curve illumination if the Lighting Package option is chosen.

The roof rails have also been redesigned, with the rear a new rear receiving a new bumper, a new chrome skidplate, and chrome-plated tailpipe trim. The tail lamps have also been completely redesigned in both appearance and function. The car will be offered with standard 5-triple-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/50 R 19 all-season tires.

The optional MG Styling Package will add:

• 20-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke alloys
• AMG front and rear skirts
• AMG grille with two chrome louvers
• AMG LED daytime running lights
• aluminum roof rails.

Interior

The Mercedes GLK’s interior was also modified to offer a more premium feel and better comfort. Mercedes opted for a completely redesigned dashboard with a large trim piece in burl walnut, new round air vents, and further trim elements in Silver Shadow.

The new GLK will offer a premium leather multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles and a premium 4.5-inch color display in the instrument cluster as standard. Interested customers can also opt for a Full Leather Seating package that includes LED fiber-optic technology for the first time in the GLK, full leather seating (including door panels in MB-Tex), front passenger seat memory, and comfort headrests.

When it comes to technology options, the GLK will come with a six-speaker sound system with an AM/FM radio, single CD player and MP3 capability, as well as a Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling and a central controller with a 5.8-inch color display. Mercedes is also offering an optional Multimedia package that adds a larger 7-inch display with a rearview camera, enhanced voice control, and the COMAND system with hard-drive navigation.

Engine

When the new 2013 GLK-Class goes on sale in Summer 2012, the GLK350 will be the only option, offered in both standard and 4MATIC versions. In 2013, Mercedes will add a GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC version.

The GLK350 is powered by a 3.5- liter direct-injection V6 gasoline engine that delivers a total of 302 HP and 273 lb-ft of torque from 3,500 to 5,250 rpm. This engine will be offered with ECO stop/start system for even better fuel economy, particularly in city and suburban driving conditions. The second version, the GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, will be powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine rated at 190 HP and generating 369 lb-ft of torque.

Both engines will be offered with a standard seven-speed automatic transmission.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety features, the GLK is also pretty impressive. The list of standard equipment will include: ATTENTION ASSIST drowsy driver detection, 3 additional airbags for a total of 9 –dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, driver kneebag, driver and passenger pelvic airbag, and window curtain airbags for the front and rear, as well as NECK-PRO active front head restraints.

Other standard equipment includes:

• Seat occupancy recognition for front passenger seat
• Crash-responsive pedals
• 3 head restraints in the rear, adjustable for height and tilt.
• 3-point seat belts including mechanical belt height adjustment and belt force limiter for driver and front passenger plus automatic belt height adjustment on the outer rear seats.

Active safety is supported by the following items of equipment:

• ADAPTIVE BRAKE including Hill-Start Assist, HOLD function, brake drying in the wet and priming
• AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system
• Antilock Brake System (ABS)
• Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)
• Brake Assist (BAS), assisting the driver with additional brake power when emergency braking is detected
• Direct-Steer system with speed-sensitive power assistance and variable steering ratio
• ESP Electronic Stability Program including trailer stabilization
• 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with 4ETS electronic traction system
• Advanced tire pressure monitoring system

Prices

The new GLK will go on sale in Summer 2012. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

We don’t have to look far for a competitor for the new GLK because the German market has another luxury crossover ready to take it on. The Audi Q5 offers the same level of driving dynamics and luxury as the GLK and it is also just about ready for its facelift version. Mercedes was able to drop their model first, but once the Audi comes out, will it be enough to steal the Q5’s customers?

Meanwhile, the Japanese market also has a competitor for the GLK in the form of the Infiniti EX. Some consider the EX to be better than the two German models, but we don’t believe it’s as practical as its German counterparts. That being said, the EX is still more fuel efficient.