2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK Makes its First Video Appearance

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.

Neither the Q5 nor the X3 are sold in North America with the choice of a diesel engine, leading to Mercedes’ claim that the GLK is the first European midsize SUV to do so.

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.

The changes to the updated GLK-Class begin with a new nose designed to bring the compact Mercedes crossover more in line with the company’s most recent sedan and coupe models. A new headlight setup now comes with LED running lights; the two-bar grille has been slightly restyled with chrome inserts; and the lower grille is surrounded by a thick chrome trapezoid. At the back end, the GLK wears new taillights with LED and light pipe accents, a redesigned chrome skidplate, and new exhaust tips. The license plate also is now illuminated by LEDs, and the standard 19-inch five-spoke wheels have been restyled. If those aren’t big enough, Mercedes offers five-spoke 20-inch wheels as part of an optional appearance package.

There’s also a new AMG body kit that brings more aggressively styled bumpers and unique daytime running lights, although as with the 2012 GLK, there is still no dedicated performance model

New technology options include the Lane Tracking package, which features Lane Keeping Assist and a blind-spot warning system; and the Driver Assistance package, which has pre-collision braking, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Active Blind Spot Assist; and the Active Park Assist self-parking system. Among the other changes to the 2013 GLK-Class are the addition of two new paint colors, new upholstery and leather colors, and LED fiber-optic ambient lighting to the Full Leather package.

The final mechanical update is a move to electromechanical steering assist, instead of the previous hydraulic assist setup. Mercedes says the GLK’s steering remains “precise and responsive” and is highlighted by speed-sensitive assist and a variable ratio.

The 2013 GLK350 hits dealerships this summer, and the GLK250 BlueTec will debut in early 2013. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale dates.

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