2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK

The refreshed GLK has a more upmarket appearance as well as a boost in power. A refreshed version of the GLK has just been revealed by Mercedes-Benz, ahead of the SUV's debut at the New York Auto Show in April.Set to hit showrooms as a 2013 MY this August, the three-year-old car gets a reworked naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 that packs an additional 34hp and 15lb-ft of torque, giving the GLK350 302hp and 273lb-ft to play with. A choice of FWD and 4Matic 4WD is still on offer, as well as a clean-diesel engine that will also be offered for the first time in the U.S.The twin-turbocharged 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel is good for 190hp and 369lb-ft of torque in the GLK250 Bluetec 4Matic (4WD only). This and the GLK350 come with a revised seven-speed automatic transmission as standard, along with a new automatic start/stop system; however the GLK250 Bluetec won't make it to US showrooms until early 2013.Stylistic changes aim to give the GLK a more upscale appearance, such as the reshaped universal front bumper housing LED daytime running lights. There are also reshaped roof bars, reworked taillamp graphics and a substantial rear bumper fitted with an integrated protection guard.A new range of 17-, 19- and 20-inch wheels are available, while an AMG body kit is on offer for those keen on individualizing their rides.New instruments feature in the cabin, in addition to restyled ventilation units and expensive-looking trim applications. A column-mounted shift lever, dubbed the Direct Select, has been adopted and for the first time the GLK is being offered with optional sport seats. Optional entertainment systems include the marque's COMAND system, combined with a Harman Kardon Logic surround-sound system with twelve speakers, while the GLK also gets a host of optional safety systems. As per the latest C-Class, the refreshed SUV gets Attention Assist, collision avoidance Distronic Plus, anticipatory PreSafe anti-crash, Active Lane Keeping Assistant and Blind Spot Assistant. We'll have more pictures and additional details next month from New York.