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10 Things You Need To Know About The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

Benjamin Hunting
by Benjamin Hunting
August 8, 2013
5 min. Reading Time
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The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is a compact SUV that walks its own path in the luxury segment.  Stylistically out of step with most of its competitors, the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class aims at a different crowd and largely succeeds in its mission of providing comfortable and practical utility wrapped in a high class package.  For 2013, a number of changes have been made to the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, and while it isn't all-new it does offer a higher degree of refinement to go with some important mechanical updates that elevate its driving experience to a loftier level.

Let's take a look at 10 things you need to know about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.

01. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Features Revised Styling

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is unique amongst other compact luxury suvs in that it avoids the slippery, bulbous, car-inspired shapes found on many of its competitors and instead embraces a softer take on the 90-degree angles of the military-esque full-size G-Class truck.  It's a design decision that suits the crossover well, for although the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class rides on a comfortable sedan-based platform (and comes with fresh LED running lights and tail lights, a new rear bumper, and a new grille), its image is that of a more functional, and handsome off-roader.  Inside, the German automaker has improved the quality of the materials throughout the vehicle's cabin, which helps the GLK-Class remain competitive with its Teutonic brethren, and it also gains trim (wood or aluminum) that is easier on the eyes.

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02. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Offers A More Powerful Gas Engine

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class features an updated entry-level engine.  The 3.5-liter V-6 found under the hood of the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class might post the same displacement, but it packs more of a punch thanks to the introduction of direct fuel injection.  The end result is 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, which represents a boost of 34 ponies and 15 lb-ft of twist compared to the year before.  A seven-speed automatic transmission is included free of charge with the GLK350 V-6 model, and the SUV can sprint to 60-mph from a standing start in just under six and a half seconds.

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03. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Can Be Had With Turbodiesel Power

A brand-new turbodiesel engine debuts in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, available at a slight price premium over the gas-only V-6.  This 2.1-liter, four-cylinder diesel unit combines an iron block with an aluminum head, and it produces 190 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque due to the presence of two turbochargers.  The engine found in the GLK250 BlueTEC (the moniker attached to the turbodiesel version of the SUV) is also offered in the E-Class sedan.  When examining the Mercedes-Benz stable of people movers, only the range-topping G-Class SUV is not available with a diesel option in the United States for 2013.

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04. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Is More Fuel Efficient

As one might expect, the introduction of both a heavily-revised V-6 and an all-new turbodiesel four-cylinder motor means that the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is now more efficient than ever before when it comes to fuel consumption.  The six-cylinder GLK350 is rated by the EPA at 19-mpg in stop and go driving and 25-mpg on the highway, while the BlueTEC model checks in with 24-mpg around town and 33-mpg during highway cruising.  Aiding and abetting each of these engines is a new automatic start/stop feature that eliminates idling - standard with all GLK-Class models.

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05. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Makes All-Wheel Drive Available

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class features an available all-wheel drive system for the GLK350 and an identical standard all-wheel drive system for the GLK250 BlueTEC.  All-wheel drive is a very popular option on the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, with well over half of models sold in the United States going out the door spinning all four wheels.  Although not capable of handling extreme terrain like a traditional, low-range four-wheel drive system, the 4MATIC all-wheel drive that is paired with the GLK-Class is adept at handling rutted roads, mud, and even deep snow.  Just don't try taking it off-road like its much more rugged look-alike G-Class sibling.

 Photo by Mercedes-Benz

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

06. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Provides a Respectable Level of Standard Equipment

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class - regardless of whether found in gasoline or diesel form - comes with a decent amount of standard gear.  All versions of the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class start out with the brand's imitation leather (MB-Tex) upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, power adjustments for the front seats, dual automatic climate control, the COMAND vehicle interface, and a CD player.  The GLK-Class also features cruise control, 19-inch rims, and tinted glass for the rear doors and cargo area, and its headlights come on automatically (a surprisingly common omission in a number of new vehicles).

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07. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Trades Trims For Options Packages

Like most Mercedes-Benz automobiles, in order to live the luxury life it is necessary to load up the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class with one or more options packages.  The Premium 1 package is a good place to start, as it includes a panoramic sunroof, additional adjustments for the driver's seat, self-dimming mirrors, satellite radio, a USB interface for the stereo system, and a power tailgate.  The Multimedia package includes a navigation system and rearview camera, as well as voice controls for the COMAND system, while the Full Leather Seating package swaps out the MB-Tex for genuine cow hides, a memory feature for the front passenger seats, and ambient lighting throughout the cabin.  The Driver Assistance package installs advanced safety equipment, the Lighting package provides HID adaptive headlights (including an automatic high beam feature), and the AMG Styling package and the Appearance package each dress up the outside of the SUV.

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08. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Offers Decent Interior Room

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class might not rival mid-size SUVs in terms of its available space for passengers and cargo, but think of it as a C-Class wagon and you'll have a good understanding of what this compact sport-utility vehicle has to offer.  Leg room is not exceptional in the rear positions - however, taller passengers won't suffer from the claustrophobic cabin experience that other people movers deliver due to their plunging rooflines, as the Mercedes-Benz wears its tall, flat greenhouse with pride.  Cargo capacity checks in at 54.7 cubic feet with the back seat folded forward.

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09. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Features High Tech Safety

Each and every 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is packed to the brim with airbags.  Side airbags and forward airbags are found on both sides of the vehicle up front, side curtain airbags extend along the entire length of the passenger compartment, and the driver additionally benefits from a knee airbag.  Electronic stability control and traction control are standard with the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, while a blind spot monitoring system and a lane departure warning system are available as options. Adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning is also on the list of equipment that can be added to the GLK-Class.

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10. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Presents An Alternative Luxury SUV Choice

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class doesn't attempt to keep up with vehicles like the BMW X3 when it comes to driving dynamics.  Although the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is not as 'sporty' when pushed to the limit as its BMW competitor, and while it might lag behind the Infiniti EX37 in terms of driver engagement, it manages to bring to the table a level of comfort and grace that neither of these thoroughbreds can match.  The GLK-Class has been designed to handle your family's day-to-day driving without a thought of on-track performance, and as a result there are no sacrifices to be made in the form of a too-stiff suspension system or overly-heavy steering.  As a luxury lifestyle accessory, the Mercedes-Benz fits the needs of many premium compact shoppers while presenting a more conservative, and relaxed, image.

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