2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Preview

Optional Features

Included among the options available for the 2013 Mercedes GLK are leather seats, panoramic sunroof, hard-drive navigation system, premium Harmon/Kardon sound system, and a power tailgate. The new GLK can also be equipped with several new features, including Parktronic Active Park Assist, which helps the driver squeeze the GLK into tight parallel parking spaces, and the Lighting package, which includes bi-Xenon headlights with active curve illumination and new Adaptive Highbeam Assist technology. New LED fiber-optic ambient cabin lighting is available for 2013, as well as redesigned 20-inch aluminum wheels and a new AMG Styling package.

Under the Hood

The new 2013 GLK250 BlueTec has a direct-injected, 2.1-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. Because it generates 190 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque, Mercedes calls it "the most powerful turbo-diesel 4-cylinder in the world."

The updated Mercedes GLK350 gets a power boost for 2013. Its direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 engine is more powerful than before, now making 302 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque between 3,500 and 5,250 rpm.

Both engines are equipped with standard ECO Start/Stop technology, which turns the engine off when idling in traffic or at an intersection, and each is bolted to a new 7-speed automatic transmission that Mercedes says is more refined, responsive, and fuel-efficient. In standard format, the 2013 GLK-Class is rear-wheel drive. A 4Matic permanent 4-wheel-drive system is optional.

Safety

For 2013, the updated Mercedes GLK is equipped with nine air bags, three more than before. New additions include a driver's knee air bag and front-seat pelvic air bags designed to provide better side-impact protection. New Attention Assist technology is also standard on the 2013 GLK, a detection system that alerts a sleepy driver when it is time to take a break.

Additionally, the new 2013 GLK includes standard traction and stability control, and anti-lock brakes fortified with brake assist, brake hold, brake drying and priming, and hill-start assist features. An optional Lane Tracking package includes Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist technology. Taking these features a step further, the optional Driver Assistance package includes active versions of Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, and adds a Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control system, Brake Assist Plus, and Pre-Safe brakes.