2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Revealed

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the 2013 GLK-Class crossover ahead of its public debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show next month.

Mercedes-Benz says there are nearly 1000 new parts in the 2013 GLK-Class, as the crossover benefits from visual upgrades, more equipment, and mechanical upgrades.

Starting with the exterior, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK has adopted a new look, but one that's still distinct -- and distinctly Mercedes-Benz. In front, newly designed headlights and bumpers with standard integrated LED daytime running lamps are led by a redesigned grille; in back, new LED taillamps come standard atop a new bumper design. Underneath are a variety of new wheel designs, while appearance and AMG styling packages are available to further enhance the GLK's visual appeal.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK gets two significant upgrades in its engine bay for the 2013 model year.

For the first time in the U.S., the 2013 GLK will offer the choice of a clean-diesel engine option. The 2.1-liter diesel in GLK250 BlueTec provides 190 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The new diesel GLK will come only with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

As for what's beneath the GLK350's re-sculpted hood, you'll find an all-new V-6 engine producing more horsepower and torque, but consuming less fuel. Thanks to direct fuel injection, the 3.5-liter six-cylinder produces 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, while an advanced start-stop system works in conjunction with the GLK's advanced 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.

Continuing inside, the 2013 GLK features an all-new interior, trimmed in an equally all-new selection of upholstery colors and combinations, including an available full leather seating package. Greeting the driver, a new steering wheel and instrument cluster sit atop a redesigned dash featuring turbine engine-inspired air vents. In a nod to the all-new M-Class, the new dash is spanned by a wide slab of wood and accented by available ambient lighting. Technology takes a step forward as well, with groundbreaking mbrace2 technology as standard and an optional multimedia package. And by simply moving the gearshift to the steering column, we've created space in the center console for a roll-top storage bin.

A range of stylistic changes are aimed at providing the GLK with a more upmarket appearance. There are now a newly reshaped universal front bumper housing LED daytime running lights for both front- and four-wheel drive models, lightly altered headlamps (with new LED optics on versions with the optional Intelligent Light System), reshaped roof bars, reworked taillamps graphics and a more substantial rear bumper with an integrated protection guard. Customers can further individualize the Mercedes-Benz with an AMG body kit. Also available is a new range of 17-, 19- and 20-inch wheels.

Naturally, being a Mercedes-Benz, the new GLK was built with safety in mind. Standard safety equipment includes 11-way air bag protection, NECK-PRO active front head restraints and ATTENTION ASSIST driver-drowsiness monitor. Available safety options includes the Lane Tracking Package -- a bundling of Lane Keeping Assist with Blind Spot Assist -- in addition to the all-new Driver Assistance Package, a combination of Lane Keeping and Blind Spot Assist with DISTRONIC PLUS and the PRE-SAFE® predictive braking system.

The 2013 GLK350 hits dealerships this summer, while the GLK250 BlueTec won't be seen in U.S. showrooms until early 2013. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale dates.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK for European market:

In Europe, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK will come with a choice of six diesel models and one gasoline engine.

 The key data at a glance:

() figures for manual six-speed transmission

The GLK250 BlueTec 4MATIC boasts the most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in the SUV world. The direct-injection engine rated at 150 kW (204 hp) and generating 500 Newton meters of torque from 2143 cc enables the GLK to perform superbly. Key merits are the engine's torquey character, its top speed and its flexibility. Despite its formidable performance, this GLK model is extremely frugal when it comes to fuel consumption: on average, the compression-ignition engine consumes 6.1 to 6.5 liters of diesel per 100 kilometres (combined NEDC fuel consumption, provisional figure).

CO2 emissions stand at 159-169 grams per kilometer. Similarly to the GLK220 BlueTec 4MATIC model, it also complies with the EU6 emissions standard and the US BIN 5 standard.

The two rear-wheel drive models GLK200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and GLK220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with six-speed manual transmission are even more fuel-efficient. Both versions get by on 5.5 – 5.6 liters of diesel per hundred kilometers (143 - 147 g CO2/km). The top performer among the diesel versions is the GLK350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY. 620 Newton metres of torque provide the V6 compression-ignition engine with exceptional power delivery from low revs.

The GLK350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY gasoline-engine model makes its mark with the groundbreaking technology of the leading generation of V engines from Mercedes-Benz. At the heart of the BlueDIRECT technology package lies the third-generation spray-guided direct petrol engine with piezo injectors. In combination with multi-spark ignition, this technology offers further potential for fuel savings.

Prices:
- GLK200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 36.235,50 Euros
- GLK220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 38.377,50 Euros
- GLK220 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: 42.721,00 Euros
- GLK220 BlueTec 4MATIC: 44.149,00 Euros
- GLK250 BlueTec 4MATIC: 46.142,25 Euros
- GLK350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: 49.742,00 Euros
- GLK350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: 50.099,00 Euros