Mercedes hints the diesel GLK 250 will be the most fuel-efficient offering in its segment.
We’re going to be seeing a crowded crop of compact crossovers in the coming months, and there’ll be something for seemingly every wallet, with all-new offerings as well as updates like the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK set to roll into showrooms.
It seems the German maker will be updating both ends of its crossover line-up, TheDetroitBureau.com previously revealing the new GL that will make its debut at the New York Auto Show next month. Now, we can take a closer look at the 2013 Mercedes GLK –which will also make its first appearance in the Big Apple.
For those with a weak grasp of the Teutonic tongue, that “K” makes all the difference. It’s German for “kurz,” and like the SLK and CLK designations, means a downsized model. In this case, the smallest of the Mercedes-Benz crossovers, designed to compete with the likes of the BMW X3, the Audi Q5 and even the Cadillac SRX.
The timing of this modest update probably couldn’t be better considering that rising fuel prices have lots of buyers looking to downsize. Better yet, Mercedes is signaling that the 2013 GLK will offer a new diesel option that could make it the most fuel-efficient offering in the compact luxury crossover segment.
More wood, bigger air vents and a new COMAND system mark some of the more obvious interior updates.
Nose on is where you’ll see the most distinct visual changes, with new LED accent and daytime running lamps standard fare for 2013, along with an updated bumper, grille and hood. The new GLK also gets new 19-inch, 5-spoke wheels and a few subtle rear end tweaks, notably including revised LED taillamps.
The interior gets a more significant update, with the new GLK looking decidedly more modern and exclusive. The all-new dash features plenty of real burl wood – as well as a new COMAND infotainment system layout and new, chrome-ringed air vents. Moving the shifter from the center console to the steering wheel, meanwhile, frees up some useful space for cupholders – or, if you prefer, a cellphone cubby.
The 2013 GLK350 will hit showrooms first and will be powered by a carryover 3.5-liter V-6 making 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The one notable change is the addition of Stop/Start functionality. This allows the engine to instantly shut off when you’re idling, say, at a stop light. Lift your foot off the brake and the engine automatically fires back up. By some estimates that could yield at least 3% better mileage, especially for those stuck in stop-and-go traffic.
The good news is that Mercedes expects best-in-class mileage from the GLK250, with its direct-injected 2.1-liter BlueTech diesel making 190 hp and 369 lb-ft. The bad news is that it won’t reach the U.S. until early next year.
The diesel GLK 250 will come exclusively in permanent all-wheel-drive configuration, the GLK 250 with either rear or AWD. Both versions of the GLK will share a 7-speed automatic.
Look for plenty of high-tech gadgetry, including the updated COMAND system, as well as optional blind-spot monitoring, lane-change warning and even a self-parking system. Among the new safety gear, the GLK will sound a warning if it detects the driver getting drowsy.
Incidentally, the V-6 with AWD is expected to launch from 0 to 60 in just 6.5 seconds. Apparently, we’ll have to wait a bit to get precise fuel economy numbers, however.