2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK
The first generation GLK didn’t have a conventional unveiling at an auto show like most cars do. Rather it was part of a grand scheme of product placement and film debut aimed at a susceptible and easily manipulated target demographic. Otherwise known as Sex in the City fans. The GLK was treated like a super star, flown in secrecy to Los Angeles under great secrecy before it was finally ready for its close up. In that first Sex in the City movie Kim Cattrall, hands down the campiest actor of the entire cast, was chosen as the driver of the previously unveiled Mercedes-Benz GLK crossover. And suddenly the world was introduced to the GLK. And it was a smash success.
Much like the entire cast of Sex and the City, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK has had a bit of a facelift. It’s still has it’s boxy 
characteristics although it’s been softened somewhat. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK has a slightly more aggressive appearance with its larger air dams and redesigned grille and headlights.
But we all know beauty only counts for so much and we always expect more from our vehicles and certainly Mercedes-Benz. So they’ve beefed up the latest GLK with the addition of a diesel-powered twin-turbocharged 2.1-litre inline four powerplant. Now the crossover runs at 190 horsepower and at 369 pound-feet of torque, which is 96 more than the gasoline-powered V6, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK diesel engine provides the kind of power you would expect from a car with its tradition and roots.
The 2013 GLK 350 is equipped with a renewed version of the M276 V6 engine developed for the 2012 SLK 350. It’s rated at 302hp with a torque churning up to 273 lb-ft. Mercedes-Benz has decided that all GLKs available from 2013 forward will be equipped with the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and they’ve opted to no longer offer the rear-wheel-drive GLK 350.
The driving experience of the GLK is satisfying but it doesn’t exactly knock you socks off. Certainly the BMW X3 or the Audi Q5 will offer far more excitement and enthusiasm. Mercedes-Benz is implemented electromechanical steering assist instead of hydraulic assist setup and for many this is an adjustment as the feel is quite different. But overall is a good move. For the interior the 2013 GLK gets noticeable upgrades with the addition of a variety of electronic safety features previously reserved for Mercedes E and S-Class cars. There is a newly designed dashboard that features circular air vents similar to those in the latest SL roadster.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 is available now and the Mercedes-Benz GLK250 BlueTec model will be following come November. Every GLK 350 will have the AMG Sports Package Exterior Design as a standard feature and as an available option to buyers opting for the diesel GLK 250. The greatest thing about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK is that we won’t have to suffer its presence through yet another Sex and the City movie. And for that we should all be very grateful.
