What's New for 2013
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class gets several significant updates for 2013. The V6 engine in the GLK350 makes more power and is more efficient, and is joined later in the year by a turbodiesel in the GLK250 Bluetec. Other mechanical changes include revised power steering and an engine stop/start system. This year's GLK also has a more elegant interior, updated styling and new standard and optional features.
Introduction
Since its introduction three years ago, the Mercedes-Benz GLK350 has been one of our favorite compact luxury crossovers. It brings much of the Mercedes promise -- rock-solid construction, a sophisticated ride and ample safety features -- to this growing vehicle segment. Now adding to its appeal, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK arrives with thorough updates outside, inside and under the hood.
The GLK's squared-off design aesthetic remains, but the front end now exhibits more slope and visual ornamentation. The differences seem minor at first, but once you park a vintage 2012 next to a '13, the outgoing model suddenly looks plain by comparison. Once you climb inside the cabin, you sense a similar change. The stark, Germanic environment feels warmer thanks to upgraded materials and a swath of rich wood trim, even though the layout hasn't really changed aside from a slight change in the location of the shift lever and turn signal stalk.
Turning the electronic key in the ignition brings to life a new V6 engine. It still displaces 3.5 liters, but direct fuel injection and other improvements push output to 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The difference is noticeable, and the GLK should now accelerate as quickly as anything in its class.
Improved engine efficiencies and a standard stop/start system also boost the GLK350's fuel economy. Later in the model year, the GLK250 Bluetec will be the first compact luxury crossover with a diesel engine and should deliver the best fuel economy in the segment.
The GLK also benefits from high-tech features first found on pricier Benzes. Adaptive cruise control automatically slows the GLK to match the speed of minivans clogging the lane ahead. A gentle buzz in the steering wheel from a lane-departure warning system lets you know if you veer too close to the line, while Benz's Attention Assist stands by in case you fall asleep or simply stop paying attention. There's also now an automatic parallel parking system.
Much improved from last year, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class feels a little more luxurious and special. Of course, nothing has been done to enlarge the backseat and cargo area, however, which remains smaller than most competitors. That's why families might consider the more spacious Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60. Yet for those who are single or whose kids have left the nest (or not yet arrived in it), the GLK is now an even more appealing choice.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class consists of the GLK350 and the diesel-powered GLK250 Bluetec that arrives later in the year. Models with the added name "4Matic" include all-wheel drive.
Standard equipment on the GLK350 includes 19-inch wheels, automatic headlights, LED running lights, foglamps, rear privacy glass, roof rails, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats, MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a cargo cover. Standard electronics features include Bluetooth phone connectivity, the COMAND electronics interface, the mbrace2 emergency communications system and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.
The Premium 1 package adds a power liftgate, auto-dimming mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, four-way driver lumbar adjustment, driver memory functions, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a 115-volt power outlet, satellite radio and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Full Leather Seating package adds leather upholstery, front passenger memory functions, upgraded head restraints and interior ambient lighting. The Lighting package adds adaptive bi-xenon headlights with automatic high beams and washers.
Adding the Multimedia package gets you a rearview camera, a navigation system and voice controls. The Lane Tracking package adds a blind-spot warning system and a lane-departure warning system. More safety equipment is found in the Driver Assistance package, which adds adaptive cruise control and enhanced versions of the blind-spot and lane-departure warning systems that take evasive action if the driver fails to do so.
The AMG Styling package adds 20-inch AMG wheels and aluminum roof rails along with unique LED running lamps and styling elements. The Appearance package adds the aluminum roof rails and different 20-inch wheels.
Stand-alone options include an automated parking system, keyless ignition/entry, the panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, a dual-screen rear seat entertainment system, satellite radio, the iPod/USB audio interface and a premium Harman Kardon sound system.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class comes standard with a seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, while "4Matic" all-wheel drive is an option.
The GLK350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. An automatic stop/start system shuts down the engine when the car comes to a stop to save fuel. Mercedes estimates that this engine will bring the all-wheel-drive GLK from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, while the rear-drive model should be a bit quicker. If accurate, this time would make the GLK one of the quickest compact luxury crossovers. The EPA has not yet released fuel economy estimates for the GLK350.
The GLK250 Bluetec gets a turbocharged 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel engine good for 190 hp and a healthy 369 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes estimates it'll hit 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, which is what you would expect from a diesel. On the upside, fuel economy should be tops for the class, as no competitor offers a diesel-powered engine.
Safety
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class comes standard with antilock brakes, stability control and traction control, active front head restraints, front side airbags, front pelvic airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag and a driver drowsiness monitor. The new-for-2013 mbrace2 emergency communications system provides automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance and a system that alerts the owner when a pre-selected speed or boundary is exceeded by another driver (say, a teen or valet). Blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning systems are optional.
In crash testing, last year's GLK received the highest possible rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side and roof strength tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Interior Design and Special Features
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class has a much classier, richer-feeling cabin than before, largely thanks to the curved plank of wood that stretches across the dash. What haven't changed are the GLK's top-notch materials, tight panel fits and precise build quality. Some shoppers might lament that leather upholstery isn't standard equipment, but the standard MB-Tex upholstery (technically vinyl) actually breathes better than leather, wears better over time and your friends will never tell the difference. Plus, no cows were harmed in the making of your Mercedes -- well, except for the leather used to trim the steering wheel and shift lever.
Cabin controls are a little complicated at first, but the combination of dashboard buttons, steering wheel controls and the multifunction COMAND knob provide a reasonable solution for the operation of the complicated stereo, navigation and telephone functions. The climate controls are simple to use, but are mounted a little low in the GLK.
Maximum cargo capacity is 54.7 cubic feet, which is less than every compact and midsize competitor (often considerably so). The same goes for backseat room, making it a better choice for singles or couples without kids rather than families. Headroom is ample for all passengers.
Driving Impressions
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK's most notable characteristic is its rock-solid feel over every bump and road imperfection. Even the worst potholes and railroad tracks pass with a muted thump. The well-damped ride might be too firm for some people, but the GLK is otherwise a well-tuned luxury vehicle that glides along freeways with comfort. And while not overtly sporty, the GLK still inspires confidence around corners with revised steering for 2013 (electric-assist versus hydraulic) that transfers a decent amount of feedback with a well-weighted feel.
The V6 engine is one of the GLK350's strong suits, delivering swift acceleration and better fuel economy than before. The new engine stop/start system operates seamlessly and limits the noise and vibration often associated with these systems. The seven-speed transmission can still be slow to downshift in its default setting, but selecting Sport mode sharpens up things considerably.
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