Exteriror
The improvements to the front fascia are immediately noticeable thanks to the sleeker headlight design, revised center grille and a more sculpted front bumper with a thin strip of LED daytime running lights on the lower side vents. The roof rails are a new design and are lighter than the previous model’s. The rear fascia receives a new bumper, chrome exhaust tips and updated taillights that are lit with fiber optic cables and LEDs. While the changes sound slight, as an aggregate it modernizes the GLK in line with the new Mercedes look.
Interior
Thanks to a relatively short wheelbase and wide track, this baby SUV feels closer to a C-Class sedan on the road than it does to its cargo hauling stablemates.
The cabin of the 2013 GLK 350 4Matic also receives a host of upgrades. The dashboard has been reworked with new circular vents, and LED ambient lighting and color monitor for the instrument cluster are now available. For all its improvements, the driver’s seat is still part manual, requiring the use of a slider to move forward or backward. Reclining duties are automatic.
Radar Sensors
A new option for the 2013-model GLK, Blind Spot Assist uses dedicated radar sensors to monitor both blind spots behind the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver gets visual and audible warnings. A separate option, 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.
Engine
The 2013-model GLK is also equipped with a new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 engine with 302 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque, an innovative ECO Start/Stop system, a more fuel-efficient seven-speed automatic transmission with Direct Select and electromechanical steering. A fuel-sipping four-cylinder diesel model, the GLK250 BlueTEC, will arrive early next year.