2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class - Comprehensive Technical Information

INTRODUCTION

The Mercedes-Benz GLK sport utility has been redesigned for the 2013 model year with nearly 1,000 new parts. The exterior features bolder styling, while the interior reveals more contemporary upholstery and a new dash that emphasizes the width of the cabin.

Smaller and lighter than its well-known SUV siblings, the 2013-model GLK is also equipped with a new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 engine with ECO Start/Stop, a more fuel-efficient seven-speed automatic transmission with Direct Select and electro-mechanical steering. A number of innovative safety features are available for the first time on the GLK, including standard ATTENTION ASSIST and optional DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE Brake, Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist.

Newest Star of the Mercedes-Benz SUV Family

Classed as a mid-size SUV, the GLK is a key member of the successful Mercedes-Benz SUV family that includes the full-size M-Class, which spurred the trend toward more car-like SUVs, as well as the larger GL-Class and the rough-and-tough G-Class. About 10 inches shorter than the M-Class, the GLK is also a few inches shorter than its primary competition - the Acura RDX, Infiniti EX and Lexus RX as well as European models such as the BMW X3, the Audi Q5 and the Land Rover LR2.

The Right Size for Today's Active Couple

At first glance, the GLK appears to be a smaller version of the GL, but a closer look reveals a modern interpretation of the iconic G-Class. In sharp contrast to the relatively soft forms of other similar vehicles, the striking, angular nose of the GLK sets it apart from the competition. From its steeply raked windshield to the integrated rear spoiler on its tightly styled roof section, the bullish shape of the GLK suggests power and agility. At the same time, the GLK is just the right size for today's active couple, whether it's parking in town while running errands or making a cross-country trip.

One of the Most Fuel-Efficient Mercedes-Benz Vehicles Ever

Following its 2009 debut in the small sport-utility category, the new GLK became one of the most fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz vehicles ever produced, and it's also the most agile member of the Mercedes SUV family. Like nearly all Mercedes passenger vehicles, the GLK features four-wheel independent suspension worthy of a sports car. With available 4MATIC full-time four-wheel drive and respectable ground clearance for off-road driving, its optional running boards, roof rack and skid plates emphasize the versatile SUV character of the GLK.

Impressive Interior Design and Safety Technology

Inside, the GLK has all the impressive design ambiance and safety technology of Mercedes- Benz cars. Standard equipment includes front, side, curtain and pelvic air bags as well as a knee air bag for the driver. With the curtain air bags covering front and rear seating positions, the GLK provides 11-way air bag protection. Much as the latest C-Class sedan has brought a new level of sporty driving and ride comfort to the sedan world, the GLK sport utility brings a new combination of agility and comfort to the SUV market. The GLK also broadens and extends the Mercedes-Benz sport utility line with cutting-edge engine and fourwheel- drive technology packaged in a stylish, fuel-efficient vehicle that's the perfect size for today's active couple.

Exterior

About a half inch longer and nearly an inch lower, the GLK for 2013 features bolder exterior styling at the front and rear that emphasizes its familiar angular character. Its width has been further accentuated, and new lights underscore its quality image. Although the midsize SUV bears an obvious family resemblance to its larger GL sibling, the GLK is more a contemporary reinterpretation of the rough-and-tough G-Class. An angular hood differentiates it from the soft, rounded lines of other similar-sized vehicles, and yet the GLK boasts wind-cheating, fuel-saving aerodynamics.

Bolder Bumpers

For 2013, the front and rear bumpers are sleeker, with new standard LED daytime running lights in front that sit below redesigned headlights, which reinterpret the flared design used in other Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The GLK radiator grille features two bold slats that bracket the centrally mounted star logo more gracefully and echo the latest design language of other Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

A wider rear bumper gives the vehicle a more youthful look, with its chrome exhaust tip integrated in the rear apron. The roof rails were also redesigned, and fiber optic cables and LEDs enhance the rear lights, giving the new tail lights a unique grid pattern at night. In addition, even the GLK license plate lighting makes use of eye-catching, long-life LED technology.

Taut Lines and Rounded Surfaces

Overall, the design language of the latest GLK features the interplay between taut lines and broad, rounded surfaces. Its two-box proportions includes short overhangs (for steeper approach and departure angles), while a sharp-edged nose, steeply raked windshield and sweeping roof lines make it clear that the GLK is a tough, practical sport utility vehicle. Its proportionately large wheels and tires complete the picture, also helping to increase ground clearance and off-road capability.

Interior

The interior design of the GLK complements its exterior styling. With the shift lever moved to the steering column for 2013, first impressions focus on its more spacious center console, broad interior width and the use of high-quality materials with contemporary surface treatment. The redesigned interior of the GLK includes a new dash with eye-catching burl walnut trim that spans the entire width of the dash. With new round air vents, the dash trim visually enhances the width of the cabin.

For 2013, the ambient lighting used on other Mercedes-Benz vehicles is optionally available on the GLK for the first time, and its use includes a line along the length of the dashboard trim.

A sturdy, high-quality synthetic leather called M-B Tex is standard, while optional leather includes new door panels with diagonal stitching. A new 4.5-inch color display screen in the instrument cluster, redesigned eight-way power seats and a three-spoke leather steering wheel with shift paddles underscore the updated interior. Also available are comfort head restraints, which can be adjusted at the side bolsters for ideal comfort and side support.

Quality Equipment

Standard equipment includes two-zone automatic climate control, power windows with express up and down, a tilt-telescoping steering column and cruise control. Complete with a cargo cover, the rear seat folds flat for an ample 54.7 cubic feet of cargo space, and a power liftgate is optional. Some of the other convenience options include a memory system that can recall the positions of the front seats and the steering column, an integrated garage door opener, auto-dimming mirrors and a Panorama sunroof.

What Looks Good, Feels Good

In large part, the high-quality appearance of the interior is the result of a special production process that leaves a seamless surface with no lines or joints. Robots spray a foamed surface skin onto the dash backing; this polyurethane skin is soft to the touch and can be thicker or thinner as needed.

Finished the same way for a uniform, high-quality appearance, a large glove box holds a power socket and an aux plug for the car's audio system. Blending into the lines of the dash and the tunnel console, the center console holds panels for the audio system and climate control, along with switches for other equipment such as heated seats. The glove box, front passenger air bag and center console are attached to an aluminum cross member that minimizes resonance and vibration. Lighter than a comparable steel one, this cross member is bolted to the A-pillars, giving them added strength in the process.

Now that the steering column holds the Direct Select shift lever, there's even more storage room on the center console. In addition to ample cup holders, a central controller is also located on the tunnel console as well as a hand rest that's contoured to provide helpful support when operating the controller.

Electronic Controller Instead of a Zillion Buttons

A standard-equipment 5.8-inch color display sits at the top center of the dash. Similar to the popular system launched on the top-of-the-line S-Class sedan and CL coupe, the electronic controller on the lower console works like a computer mouse to provide easy, quick operation of many functions that used to require scores of separate buttons and switches. By turning and pressing the aluminum controller, menus and sub-menus are displayed and selected for the audio system as well as the optional navigation system and integrated phone. These systems are also linked to the rocker switches on the multifunction steering wheel.

A High-Performance Instrument Cluster

The instrument cluster features three analog gauges that show engine speed, road speed, fuel level and coolant temperature. A new 4.5-inch color display in the center of the speedometer is linked to the multi-function steering wheel that can call up a variety of helpful information such as odometer, range, oil level, distance, time traveled and average speed and mpg. It can also display phone and audio system information - radio station, CD track or MP3 playlist. If the car is equipped with the optional COMAND navigation system, this display will also show next-turn directions or phone book numbers.

ECO Display

For the first time, the screen in the center of the speedometer can display an active fuel economy gauge, which helps the driver get the best possible gas mileage. In the fuel economy gauge, three bar graphs (labeled accelerate, maintain speed and coast) begin at the halfway point, and will decrease under heavy acceleration and frequent braking as well as increase when the car is coasting with no brakes on. All three bar graphs are topped out when the driver attains ideal fuel economy.

Concert-Hall Audio

Standard equipment in the GLK is a 100-watt, six-speaker audio system with an AM / FM / weatherband radio, single-CD slot and a Bluetooth interface. For the first time, the speakers use plastic membranes for better sound quality and improved durability. A MusicRegister feature enables CD "ripping" (saving) to a 40-gigabyte hard drive. A Gracenote database automatically identifies each track with its title, artist, album name and other information. The GLK can be equipped with optional SIRIUS-XM Satellite Radio, an iPod / MP3 media interface and a 115-volt power outlet.

Also optionally available is a harman/kardon LOGIC7 Dolby Digital/DTS 5.1 discrete multichannel, surround-sound system, delivering 450 watts of true studio sound experience. The LOGIC7 system comes with 12 speakers, including two surround-sound speakers and a subwoofer.

Bluetooth Integrated Phones

Bluetooth-enabled phones connect wirelessly to a standard hands-free system, which facilitates safe cell phone use while driving. The audio system is automatically muted during calls, and phone conversations make use of the audio speakers and two microphones built into the rear-view mirror. Call lists and phone address books can be shown in the instrument cluster display or the COMAND screen.

COMAND Navigation

The optional COMAND navigation system features a hard drive with map data covering all of North America. In addition to the high-resolution map display at the top of the center console, next-turn navigation instructions can also be shown in the instrument cluster central display. The navigation system is part of a Multimedia option package that includes enhanced voice control and a rearview camera that displays the area behind the vehicle whenever it's in reverse.

KEYLESS-GO

An optional KEYLESS-GO system uses several transceiver antennas in the car to sense the presence of the SmartKey fob. As long as the driver has the fob in a pocket or bag, gently pulling one of the door handles unlocks the car.

The driver starts the car by depressing the brake pedal and touching a button on the dash. KEYLESS-GO also makes it impossible to lock the keys in the trunk. If the keys are dropped into the trunk and the lid closed, the lid will automatically pop open in a few seconds.

PARKTRONIC

Also optional, PARKTRONIC uses six ultra-sound sensors in the front bumper and four in the rear bumper to detect obstacles in the system's field of view. The system provides audible warnings and displays the proximity of obstacles using bar graph displays - one on the center dashboard for the front and another for the rear that's visible in the rear-view mirror.

Active Parking Assist

The new electro-mechanical steering assist makes possible Advanced Parking Assist, which works with PARKTRONIC to provide stress-free parallel parking. Below about 20 mph, a "P" icon appears in the dash to show that an electronic parking space search is active. Whenever a parking space is found that's at least one meter (39.4 inches) longer than the car, an arrow appears next to the "P" icon.

When reverse is engaged and the driver confirms Advance Parking Assist is desired, the system initiates automatic steering as the driver controls acceleration and braking at speeds below 7 mph. The system can provide up to five corrections, after which the wheels are straightened.

Automatic Parking Exit

If the car is parked using Active Parking Assist, the system can also provide a helpful automatic exit feature. When "D" or "R" is engaged, the car asks whether the driver wants automatic exiting. If the driver says "yes," the system steers automatically to exit the parking space, while the driver controls the accelerator and brake.

To view the complete technical guide, please download the Comprehensive_Technical_Guide_2013_GLK-Class.pdf file.