2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
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Vehicle Overview
Mercedes-Benz refreshed its entry-level GLK-Class SUV for 2013 with nearly 1,000 new parts, the automaker says. Models include the V-6 GLK350 and diesel-powered GLK250 BlueTEC®. Rear-wheel drive is standard.
Slotting below the M-Class, the five-seat GLK-Class competes in the crowded entry-luxury SUV field, which had just a few models a decade ago. Today, it includes the BMW X3, Lexus RX, Cadillac SRX and at least half a dozen others.
Exterior
The GLK's creased exterior bears the same angular profile as its predecessor, but Mercedes-Benz updated various elements. The headlights have LED daytime running lights — popular among cars of all types — encircled here with chrome. Two silver louvers stretch across the grille, which mounts Mercedes-Benz star emblem across the center. Redesigned roof rails, new taillights with LED piping, and LED illumination around the license plate round out the major exterior changes.
Nineteen-inch wheels are standard. Options include aluminum running boards, a panoramic moonroof and 20-inch wheels. An AMG® appearance package, named for the Mercedes-Benz performance division, includes more aggressive bodywork, a unique grille and unique LED daytime running lights.
Interior
The GLK-Class keeps similar dashboard shapes as before, with a redesigned steering wheel bordered by new, circular air vents. The instruments include a 4.5-inch color display, while the dashboard has a 5.8-inch screen atop the center controls. Dual-zone climate control and power-adjustable leatherette seats are standard, with genuine leather and LED dashboard lighting optional. Heated seats, iPod/USB stereo compatibility and a 7-inch dashboard screen with a navigation system and backup camera are optional. So is a harman/kardon® surround-sound audio system.
Mercedes-Benz moved the shifter for the seven-speed automatic to the steering column; the resulting space in the center console now has cupholders.
Under the Hood
The GLK350's direct-injection V-6 makes 302 horsepower and 273 pounds-feet of torque. That's up 34 hp and 15 pounds-feet, but it doesn't change the SUV's estimated 6.5-second zero-to-60-mph time, Mercedes-Benz says. The automaker also says the diesel four-cylinder in the GLK250 is the most powerful of its kind; it makes 190 hp and 369 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines use a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Automatic idle-shutoff saves fuel in stopped situations, maintaining systems like the climate control and restarting the engine as you take your foot off the brake. Electromechanical steering — versus the prior hydraulic setup — saves fuel, too.
Safety
Nine airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system are standard. Lane departure warning and mitigation systems, a forward collision warning system and a blind spot warning system are optional.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
Courage and boldness are the definition of mettle, and of the 2012 GLK-Class. Go-anywhere capability meets race-bred performance in a compact SUV with the full strength and deep character of a Mercedes-Benz.
Design
Crisp, taut and purposeful, the GLK-Class is designed to be flexible in accommodations while rigidly adhering to the Mercedes-Benz standard for driving satisfaction. So while its angular silhouette, powerful wheel arches and short overhangs convey its rugged strength, standard 19-inch wheels, a rear spoiler and dual exhaust reveal its penchant for performance.
Just because the GLK-Class is ready to climb mountains doesn't mean it can't hug the road along the way. The optional AMG® Styling Package elevates the "sport" in SUV with 20-inch AMG® wheels surrounded by sculpted lower body styling. LED Daytime Running Lamps and brushed aluminum roof rails highlight its functional form.
Beyond the grand vistas you'll enjoy through its large, upright windshield and generous windows, the GLK-Class also offers a sweeping view of the sun and stars through the optional Panorama sunroof. A vast expanse of heat-rejecting tinted glass lets all five passengers keep their outlook up.
When it comes to advanced technology, Mercedes-Benz is known for brightening the path ahead. The optional Lighting Package does so quite literally, with piercing Bi-Xenon headlamps featuring Active Curve Illumination and corner-illuminating front lamps. Bright white LED Daytime Running Lamps help garner the attention, and admiration, of other drivers.
Interior
The GLK-Class cabin is designed, crafted and equipped to put driving enjoyment and innovative technology close at hand, no matter how far you roam. A commanding view of the road, legible instruments and a convenient central controller combine elegant design with useful, and user-friendly, features.
The GLK-Class 60/40-split rear seatbacks fold flat in a single motion, for up to 54.7 cubic feet of cargo space. A 12V socket and optional household-type 115V outlet offer convenient electrical power. A chrome load-sill plate helps protect the rear bumper. And a power liftgate is optional.
The optional Multimedia Package helps you negotiate distances far and near. The COMAND® navigation system features a high-resolution 7-inch display, a fast 40GB hard drive, and real-time SiriusXM Traffic updates. An iPod®/MP3 Media Interface puts your playlists at your fingertips. And to make backing up easier, a rear view camera is also included.
An optional 11-speaker harman/kardon® Logic 7® system outputs 510 watts of digital surround sound. Add the optional Multimedia Package and you'll have enormous array of listening choices, including SiriusXM Satellite Radio, iPod® integration, a 6GB Music Register for uploading MP3 files, plus a 6-DVD/CD changer and memory card reader in the dash.
The optional Mercedes-Benz mbrace® system can help you plan a trip, remember where you parked, handle an emergency and much more. From your car, online or via the mbrace® Mobile App on your iPhone®, mbrace® integrates nearly 20 security, destination planning and convenience services. And every 2012 GLK-Class equipped with mbrace® includes a complimentary 6-month trial subscription.
With the optional KEYLESS-GO®, you can leave your key in your pocket or purse. Sensors in the outside door handles let you lock and unlock the doors with a touch, and you can start the engine with just a push of a button.
Performance
The GLK350 is one small SUV that makes a super-sized impression on the road. Its 268-hp 3.5-liter V-6 delivers rich torque any time you need it, whether climbing a long hill or rushing to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds.† And its smooth 7-speed automatic transmission offers the right response, right now, with driver-adaptive logic, a Sport mode and manual-style Touch Shift control.
Standard 19-inch wheels team up with a 4-wheel independent multilink suspension. The innovative AGILITY CONTROL® system instantly recalibrates the shock absorbers with every change in the road surface, for an ideal balance of calm composure and crisp handling response that reveal its sport-sedan soul.
Safety
Available 4MATIC® all-wheel drive integrates our 4-wheel Electronic Traction System. 4ETS® continually redistributes the engine´s torque to the wheels with the best grip, even if that´s only one wheel. And with a permanent 45:55 front/rear torque split, 4MATIC® offers sporty handling on dry roads, too
Wherever you seek adventure in a GLK-Class, you travel with the pioneering spirit of Mercedes-Benz engineers, inventors of the first crumple zone and the Electronic Stability Progam (ESP®). With a legion of advanced safety systems, including nine standard air bags, a high-strength steel body and advanced adaptive brakes, your GLK-Class is well-prepared for when misadventure seeks you.
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