Mercedes-Benz has given its smallest SUV, the GLK a facelift for the 2013 model year. The 2013 GLK gets a refreshed exterior, more standard equipment and a new diesel engine.
On the outside the 2013 GLK now has a more athletic look with styling cues borrowed from the current Mercedes-Benz sedans. It gets new headlights with LED daytime running lights, a revised grille, new taillights, a new rear bumper and redesigned roof rails. The 2013 GLK also rides on new 19-inch alloy wheels and the available Appearance Package adds 20-inch wheels. A new AMG Styling Package gives the GLK an even sportier appearance with 20-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke alloys, AMG front and rear skirts, AMG grille with two chrome louvers, AMG LED daytime running lights and aluminum roof rails.
The interior of the GLK has also been redesigned with a new dashboard. A leather multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles and a 4.5-inch color display in the instrument cluster are both standard. The Direct Select shifter for the seven-speed automatic transmission is now located on the steering column.
The 2013 GLK is now offered with two engines, the 3.5L V6 and a new 2.1L diesel engine. The V6 in the GLK350 packs 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque. It reaches 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 130 mph. The V6 also gets Mercedes-Benz’s ECO stop/start system for even better fuel economy.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC boasts the most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in the SUV world. The direct-injection engine is rated at 190 hp and generates 369 lb-ft of torque. Both the engines are mated to a seven-speed transmission.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 arrives this summer, while the diesel powered GLK250 will arrive early next year.