Mercedes-Benz to Reveal 2013 GLK Luxury SUV at New York Auto Show

Mercedes-Benz has announced it will reveal a refreshed GLK luxury sports/utility vehicle at the upcoming 2012 New York Auto Show in April. Introduced to the United States in the 2010 model year, Mercedes-Benz will update its entry-luxe GLK-Class SUV with a new design, exclusive equipment, premium infotainment and safety systems, and a new stable of efficient and powerful engines.

The newly designed exterior provides an even more dynamic character, combining the athletic design language of the current Mercedes-Benz sedans with classic SUV lines. As to be expected from Mercedes-Benz, the 2013 GLK promises abundant high-quality materials, state-of-the-art technology, and additional efficiency thanks to a standard ECO stop/start function that improves fuel economy, particularly in city and suburban driving conditions.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK Powertrain

The new 2013 GLK-Class of vehicles will be powered by a 3.5-liter direct-injection V-6 gasoline engine boasting 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque (up from 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque in the outgoing GLK). Mated to a standard seven-speed transmission, the improved powertrain boasts dynamic and smooth performance, accelerating the five-passenger SUV from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds (est.) and to a top speed of 130 mph. Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with 4ETS electronic traction system is optional. Fuel economy has not yet been announced, but expect an improvement over the 16 city, 22 highway, 18 combined miles per gallon offered by the outgoing rear-wheel-drive 2012 GLK. The GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC due in early 2013 will be powered by a 2.1-liter inline four-cylinder direct-injection diesel boasting 190 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK Interior

The revised interior of the 2013 GLK offers premium Burl Walnut trim and a choice of luxurious MB-Tex or Leather upholstery. Rain sensing wipers, central locking with infrared radio remote control, and cruise control are all standard, as well as privacy glass and heated, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors in body color with integrated indicators, premium leather multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, and a premium 4.5-inch color display in the instrument cluster. Heated front seats are available as a standalone option.

Standard infotainment equipment for the new GLK includes a six-speaker sound system with an AM/FM radio, single CD player and MP3 capability, as well as a Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling and a central controller with a 5.8-inch color display. An optional Multimedia package incorporates a larger 7-inch display with a rearview camera, enhanced voice control, and the COMAND system with hard-drive navigation. SiriusXM satellite radio and an iPod/MP3 media interface are included in the Premium1 package or are available individually as standalone options. Audiophiles can opt for the Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system including seven-channel DSP amplifier and two-channel booster with a total output of 510 watts in conjunction with 12 high-performance speakers, Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS.

2013 GLK-Class Safety and Technology

Standard safety equipment in the 2013 GLK compact sport/utility vehicle includes Attention Assist drowsy driver detection, a total of nine dual-stage airbags (driver and front passenger airbags, driver kneebag, driver and passenger pelvic airbag and window curtain airbags front and rear) plus NECK-PRO active front head restraints. Additional safety systems include tire pressure monitoring system; ABS; adaptive brakes with Hill-Start Assist, wet brake drying and priming; agility control suspension with selective damping system; Acceleration Skid Control; a brake assist system that provides the driver with additional brake power when emergency braking is detected; direct-steer system with speed-sensitive power assistance and variable steering ratio; electronic stability including trailer stabilization.

Available assistance systems familiar from the S- and E-Class deliver even greater active safety and improved driver fitness, taking the compact SUV to the very top of its class. The available Lane Tracking package features Blind Spot Assist & Lane Keeping Assist, while a Driver Assistance package offers Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe Brake, Brake Assist Plus, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist. Available as a standalone option is Parktronic with Active Parking Assist for automatic maneuvering in and out of parking spaces. And for added convenience, the GLK also offers a Keyless-Go system.

Ready to Shop for a New Mercedes-Benz GLK?

From the launch of the original G-Class 33 years ago until the end of 2011, more than two million Mercedes-Benz utility vehicles have been delivered to customers worldwide, accounting for around one fifth of Mercedes-Benz's global sales. Assembled in Bremen, Germany, the 2013 GLK350 will arrive in U.S. showrooms this summer, followed by the GLK250 BlueTEC in early 2013; expect the official Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Pricing to be released closer to the on-sale date. The GLK is just one of several utility vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz stable, which also includes the M-Class, the GLK-Class and the GL-Class. If you’re in the market for one of these luxurious Mercedes-Benz utility vehicles, why not visit TrueCar.com and connect with one of TrueCar’s Certified Dealers?