   2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 Bluetec Diesel. Click image to enlarge |
Review and photos by Greg Wilson
Toronto, Ontario – The new 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 Bluetec 4Matic has finally crossed the pond from its birthplace in Bremen, Germany. Starting at $43,500, Canada’s first diesel-powered compact luxury SUV is now the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class with ratings of 8.3 city/5.9 hwy/7.2 combined (L/100 km) (34/48/39 mpg Imperial). Its combined 7.2 L/100 km is currently the best average fuel economy of any all-wheel-drive SUV on the market, including hybrid SUVs, according to Mercedes-Benz. Our initial estimates indicate that this is not just some marketing-inspired hype: during our day-long drive in a mix of city/suburban/highway driving in the Montreal/Kingston/Toronto triangle, we saw an average fuel economy reading of 7.3 L/100 km while one of our compatriots in another diesel GLK recorded 7.1 L/100 km. Its thriftiest luxury competitors, according to Mercedes-Benz, are the BMW X1 xDrive28i and the Audi Q5 Hybrid, which average 7.7 L/100 km and 7.8 L/100 km, respectively. In fact, the GLK 250 is even more fuel efficient than mainstream compact SUVs such as the Mazda CX-5 AWD and the Mini Countryman AWD both of which average 7.3 L/100 km.
The magic behind the GLK 250’s fuel economy numbers is its 2.1L twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine. With direct fuel injection and AdBlue urea fluid injection to reduce NOx emissions, the 2.1L diesel is efficient, clean and powerful – three words that haven’t always been associated with diesel engines. In fact, Mercedes-Benz claims their 2.1L oil burner is the most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine available in any SUV anywhere in the world. It pumps out 200 hp at 3,800 rpm and more importantly, 369 lb-ft of torque from 1,600 to 1,800 rpm. That propels the surprisingly lively GLK 250 Bluetec from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.0 seconds, not bad for an SUV that weighs 1,925 kg (4,243 lb). That’s about 1.5 seconds slower than the V6-powered GLK 350 which is now equipped with a more powerful 302-hp direct injection 3.5L V6 (up from 268-hp last year). However, the price for the V6’s extra performance is an additional 2.5 litres of fuel every 100 kilometres. The GLK 350’s combined fuel consumption is rated at 9.7 L/100 km (29 mpg Imp.).
The GLK 250’s excellent fuel economy is more remarkable when you consider that it is not equipped with the engine stop/start feature that is standard in the GLK 350. That feature saves gas by automatically turning off the engine while the GLK 350 is stopped in traffic. There is no word on when, or if, the GLK 250 will be available with stop/start.
  2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 Bluetec Diesel. Click image to enlarge |
Like the GLK 350, the GLK 250 offers a standard seven-speed ‘7G-Tronic Plus’ automatic transmission that received significant upgrades for 2013. It features less torque converter slip for quicker shifts and fewer vibrations thanks to a built-in damping mechanism. This is especially important in the four-cylinder GLK 250 where engine vibrations are more pronounced than in the six-cylinder GLK 350. In our test drive, we sensed very little mechanical vibration from the powertrain, and shifts were timely and smooth. Even the mechanical clatter of the diesel compression engine was virtually silent at cruising speeds. It’s only while accelerating or idling that some engine noise can be heard in the cabin, and while the GLK 250 is noisier than the GLK 350, it’s not enough to be bothersome. If you open the windows or stand outside the GLK 250 when it’s running, the diesel clatter is quite distinct, but not nearly as loud as, say, a diesel pickup truck.
Performance can be enhanced by activating the transmission’s driver-selectable Sport mode. Throttle response is more immediate and shifts are delayed for improved acceleration. Selecting Economy mode provides a more relaxed, and fuel-efficient, driving experience.
Surprisingly, the GLK 250’s towing capacity of 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs) is the same as the more powerful GLK 350. An optional trailer hitch is available for $675.
  2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 Bluetec Diesel. Click image to enlarge |
Though it looks tall and boxy, the GLK 250 handles and rides extremely well. Underneath its unit body construction is a fully independent suspension that absorbs uneven pavement and road undulations in a firm but forgiving manner. The GLK’s wide stance and 235/50R19-inch low profile tires provide very stable handling with minimal body lean and the new electromechanical steering provides a nice blend of steering ease and responsiveness. The standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is invisible to the driver on dry roads and it doesn’t seem to affect turning ability or the turning circle (11.7 m/38.2 ft.). But it’s a great feature in bad weather conditions.
Should you start to nod off at the wheel, standard Attention Assist sends vibrations through the steering wheel. Optional Driving Assistance Package ($800) features Blind Spot Assist to warn you of other vehicles in your blind spots and Lane Keeping Assist to warn you when the GLK starts to drift over the line. The Advanced Driving Assistance Package ($2,700) includes automatic steering and braking systems to help avoid imminent collisions: Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane-Keeping Assist, Distronic Plus and Pre-Safe.
The GLK’s diesel powertrain is not the only big change for 2013. The GLK 250 receives most of the same mid-cycle upgrades as the 2013 GLK 350 that was introduced last summer: revised exterior styling, a new interior design with higher quality materials, the improved seven-speed automatic transmission, new electromechanical steering, new driver-assistance safety features, and new infotainment features.
Exterior changes for 2013 include a new two-bar grille, revised headlights, new bumpers, LED daytime running lights, aluminum roof rails, lower chrome bumper underguard, chrome trim on the doors, rear LED tail lights, and dual chrome exhaust tips. The GLK 250 gets standard 19-inch tires and alloys while the GLK 350 gets standard 20-inchers.
    2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 Bluetec Diesel. Click image to enlarge |
Interior upgrades for 2013 are more substantial: a new dashboard design with higher quality materials, a wide swath of dark ash wood trim and ‘jet-engine inspired’ air vents; a new silver colour scheme for the instruments with a new Eco mode indicator; and a new 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with 12 buttons and paddle shifters. For the driver, the biggest change is probably the new transmission shift lever on the steering column, which replaces the floor shifter. Mercedes’ tiny electronic wand shifter with a push-button Park setting is best operated with two fingers. It’s not something you yank on like a regular column shifter. Some delicacy is needed. The best thing about it is that repositioning it to the column freed up space in the lower console for a storage bin and a couple of cupholders under a sliding roller blind.
There’s another change to the controls this year: the cruise control and turn signal stalks switched places on the left side of the steering wheel. The turn signal is now on the top and the cruise stalk on the bottom.
Standard equipment in the GLK 250 includes Mercedes’ ‘Artico’ simulated leather upholstery, real Nappa leather wrapped around the multi-function steering wheel, dark ash wood trim, dual zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats, Audio 20 stereo with USB port, wireless Bluetooth telephone and audio functions and text-reading function; a 4.5-inch colour display in the instrument cluster, a 5.8-inch colour display in the instrument panel, and split-folding rear seatbacks.
Most optional features are offered in packages (see below), which has its disadvantages. For example, if you want Sirius satellite radio, you have to buy the entire Premium Package for $3,600. However, some things, such as the Harman/Kardon Logic7 surround system ($1,000) and leather upholstery ($1,990) are available as standalone options.
Based on the fact that approximately 80 percent of Mercedes-Benz’ mid-size ML and full-size GL SUVs sold in Canada are diesel models, the company believes the new GLK 250 Bluetec will account for a similar proportion of GLK sales. That seems like an ambitious goal in the compact SUV segment where diesel models weren’t even available until now, but apparently, demand for the diesel engine is high.
   2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 Bluetec Diesel. Click image to enlarge |
Why Canadian SUV buyers are mesmerized by diesel engines and car buyers remain unimpressed is a bit of a mystery. But if the GLK 250 Bluetec 4Matic turns out to be a success, I’m sure it won’t be long before other manufacturers begin introducing their compact diesel SUVs – and maybe it will spread to cars!
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 Bluetec 4Matic has a base MSRP of $43,500 while the 2013 GLK 350 begins at $44,900. The GLK 250 is already on sale at Canadian Mercedes-Benz retailers.
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Pricing: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 Bluetec 4Matic
Base price: $43,500
Options:
Premium Package – $3,600
Parktronic sensors and Active Parking Assist
Panoramic sunroof
Media interface for iPhone, iPod
Sirius satellite radio
Ambient lighting
Power tailgate
Convenience Package – $1,700
Keyless Go
Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel
Power lumbar support
Power adjustable front passenger seat
Heated steering wheel
Seating package
115-volt power socket
Storage box under driver’s seat
COMAND Navigation Package – $2,400
COMAND APS with HDD navigation
Rearview camera
Electronic compass
Integrated garage door opener
Driving Assistance Package – $800
Blind Spot Assist
Lane Keeping Assist
Bi-Xenon Headlamp Package – $1,000
Active bi-xenon headlights
Adaptive highbeam assist
Headlight washers
AMG Sport Package – $1,100
20-inch 5-twin spoke alloy wheels
AMG bodystyling
Stitched Artico door panels
Stainless steel studded pedals
Sport Nappa leather steering wheel
Advanced Driving Assistance Package – $2,700
Active Blind Spot Assist
Active Lane-Keeping Assist
Pre-Safe
Distronic Plus
Leather upholstery – $1,990
Harman/Kardon Logic7 surround system – $1,000
Trailer hitch – $675
Crash Test Results:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
