Mercedes GLK gets revised styling and a diesel variant

Mercedes-Benz has revealed a facelifted version of the 2013 GLK, two weeks before it is set to make its first public appearance at the 2012 New York auto show. Set to go on sale across North America in August, the boxy GLK gets a series of subtle styling changes three years after it was first introduced in America. They include reshaped bumpers with more prominent protection plates and integrated daytime running lights up front, revised LED headlamps and tail lamps, more prominent roof railings and fresh 17-, 19- and 20-inch wheel designs. There's also a new AMG body kit that brings more aggressively styled bumpers and unique daytime running lights, although as with the 2012 GLK, there is still no dedicated performance model. The engine choices have, however, been widened to include a twin-turbocharged, 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel engine in a new GLK250 Bluetec 4Matic. Already used in European versions of Mercedes utes that rival the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3, the engine delivers about 190 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Part of a renewed diesel push in North America, the Mercedes diesel engine was engineered with a urea-injection system that helps lower emissions to a level that sees the GLK250 Bluetec adhere to tough BIN5 standards—something that allows it to be sold in all 50 states. No performance or consumption claims for U.S. versions of the new diesel have yet been made official, but the European GLK250 Bluetec, which develops an added 11 hp, is claimed to hit 62 mph in 8.0 seconds, reach a top speed of 131 mph and return an the equivalent of 38.6 mpg (U.S.) on the European test cycle. Neither the Q5 nor the X3 are sold in North America with the choice of a diesel engine, leading to Mercedes' claim that the GLK is the first European midsize SUV to do so. The diesel variant is expected to arrive in early 2013. The GLK's existing naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 direct-injection gasoline engine was also upgraded. Power climbs by 34 hp and 15 lb-ft, providing the GLK350 with 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. European figures claim it accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds, tops out at 148 mph and boasts average consumption of 29 mpg (U.S.) in four-wheel-drive 4Matic guise. A rear-wheel-drive version of the GLK350 will also continue to be sold in North America. Both engines come with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. It was upgraded to include a standard stop/start system as part of a push to give the new model added fuel efficiency. Further changes come in the cabin. It receives new instrument graphics, a column-mounted gear selector—Mercedes' so-called direct shift stalk that frees up space on the center console for larger cupholders and added oddment stowage, round ventilation units and higher-quality trim panels. Among the options is a whole range of new safety features, including the anticipatory Pre-Safe system, collision-avoiding Distronic Plus, drowsiness-detecting attention assist, active lane-keeping assist and blind-spot assist. As part of an upgraded range of optional entertainment and system features, the facelifted GLK also offers a 360-degree parking camera. The first-generation GLK is produced at Mercedes-Benz's Bremen plant in Germany and at its joint venture factory run in cooperation with Beijing Auto Works in China. The second-generation model, now undergoing the first stages of development at the German carmaker's headquarters in Stuttgart, is also planned to be produced alongside the M-, R- and GL-class models and the fourth-generation C-class at the plant in Tuscaloosa, Ala.