It’s nice to know that in your garage is parked a machine that is capable and ready to take you to work in style or maneuver through the mountains to deliver you safely to your favorite sky resort. Mercedes-Benz has a solution and it is the mid-size redesigned 2013 GLK-Class sport utility.
The 2013 model year introduces us to bolder exterior styling, a more elegant and user friendly interior and a new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 engine with ECO stop-start. Also new is a more fuel efficient seven-speed automatic transmission and electromechanical steering. The GLK-Class is a mid-size SUV that fits below its big brother GL-Class. The 2013 model lineup consist of the GLK350 ($37,090), GLK350 4MATIC ($39,090) and the GLK250 Blue TEC 4MATIC (arrives early 2013).
The revised 2013 GLK-Class is dressed with a more athletic build and stricter angular lines that are shared with the full-size GL-Class. The exterior changes fall under the category of a mid-cycle refresher verses a full sheet metal change. The large Mercedes-Benz emblem in the grille is the center point of the front end. The side crease is angled upward extending just over the rear tails creating a sense of motion while standing still. At the rear is a chrome step and chrome trim spanning from exhaust tip to exhaust tip. The power rear liftgate (optional) adds to the ease opening and closing.
New for 2013 is the Adaptive Highbeam Assist that uses a windshield-mounted camera to control the vertical tilt of both the low- and high-beam headlights. The system is engaged by turning the headlight switch to “Auto” and turning on the high beam setting.
The 2013 GLK-Class offers two engine options. The first is the 3.5-liter V6 that generates 268 horses at 6000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque. The GLK250 Blue TEC carries a four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that is rated at 190 horsepower at 4200 rpm and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLK250 comes standard with AWD (4MATIC). As noted above the engines are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The GK350 handled turns with ease, while accelerating smoothly and quickly through the curves. The ECO stop-start system turns the motor off while sitting still to save fuel. The moment you slightly lift your foot of the brake the engine re-engages and you are ready to go. You do need to keep firm pressure on the brake or it will start up immediately, which if the light is still red then you will have to reapply brake force and if you aren’t careful the engine will start and stop a few times while waiting for the green light.
The interior was beautiful and much improved for 2013. The dash and doors have rich burl walnut wood trim wrapping features as it expands throughout the cabin. Large round vents replace the previous square vents. The seats are comfortable and double stitched. The screen is large and operates the radio, navigation, rear camera and climate control systems. A knob in the center console allows you to navigate through the screens and systems. The shifter is mounted on the steering wheel column and has an easy push up for reverse, down for drive and in for park.
Room for improvement:
- The back seat with three passengers gets a little crowded
Cool Features:
- ATTENTION ASSIST – Between 50 and 112 mph, the system identifies the erratic steering corrections drivers make as they begin to get drowsy and triggers an audible warning
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist
- Stop-Start Eco System
The standard safety equipment for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class include ten airbags, active front head restraints, Attention Assist, mbrace2, adaptive brakes with Hold feature, electronic Stability Program with Trailer Stability Assist, anti-lock ABS brakes, Hill Start Assist and tire pressure monitoring system. Another new safety option is the Lane Keeping Assist makes use of special computer analyzes images from a multi-purpose camera in the windshield to recognize lane markings. This system alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibrations in the steering wheel if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on. A separate option, Active Lane Keeping Assist (as well as Active Blind Spot Assist) incorporates an intervention feature, in which ESP braking automatically helps correct the car’s course if the driver doesn’t heed the initial warning.
In Summary – The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class has been restyled inside and out to a higher level of power, refinement and luxury. The results are a more powerful engine, improved handling and comfort and technology features everywhere; not to mention 54.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The exterior is outfitted in chrome accents, while the inside touts wood treatments and fine optional leather. The GLK is a vehicle fit for every day driving and exciting weekend get-a-ways.
Specifications
2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK360 4MATIC
Base price: $30,090 as driven: $53,075 (including destination and optional packages)
Engine: 3.5-liter direct-injection V6
Horsepower: 302 @ 6,500
Torque: 273 foot pounds @ 3,500 – 5,250 rpm
Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic
Drive: All-Wheel Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Turning circle: 37.7 feet
Cargo space: 24.7 cubic feet
Curb weight: 4,079 pounds
Fuel capacity: 17.4 gallons
EPA mileage: City 16 / Highway 21
Wheel Base: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper to bumper
Also consider: Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW 3-Series, Buick Enclave, Infiniti EX, Lexus RX
Yes, it is the Mercedes Benz of the year 2013. I also love to drive this GLK class Mercedes Benz. It gives a great experience of driving. Thanks for the best post.