Facelifted 2013 GLK Coming Soon; Possible Turbo Diesel in the Works?
Photo courtesy of MotorAuthority
Even though the GLK has only been around since 2010, it’s never to early for a facelift, is it? Apparently not, as the new compact SUV has been seen by the spies all around town. So what exactly is in store for the updated GLK?
Rumored to be officially unveiled either at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March, or at the the New York Auto Show a month later, the new GLK should feature numerous updates as well as a revamped exterior redesign. The new GLK, marketed as a 2013 model year vehicle, will likely be available for order sometime in autumn of 2012.
While it might seem a bit early to be redesigning such a new vehicle, this is in line with Mercedes’ update of the 2012
C-Class sedan exterior, from which the GLK takes many design cues. The
new C-Class features more aggressive headlamps than the previous
generation, as well as a revised front and rear bumper, which gives the sedan
a more aggressive road presence. Rumors have it that the GLK line of
SUVs will undergo a similar exterior redesign. As with the C-Class, we
can expect to see new front and rear bumpers, redesigned headlamps, and
new front grill work.
In addition to the exterior revisions, the GLK has been spied with
numerous interior updates. Based on spy shots of a 2013 GLK test mule,
there are rumors of a totally redesigned instrument cluster, as well as a
dash-mounted gearshift. It’s possible that Mercedes will do away with
the center console shifter altogether, a direction that Lexus has gone
with several of its luxury vehicles.
The biggest addition to the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is rumored to be the
addition of a turbo-diesel model. Likely to come under the guise of the
GLK 250, rumor has it that Mercedes will offer its acclaimed 2.1-liter
diesel four-cylinder, which produces 204 horsepower and 369 lb/ft of
torque in the European model GLK. The turbo-diesel option is a good move
on Mercedes’ part to address the concerns of environmentally-minded
buyers, as the 2.1-liter is capable of over 30 miles per gallon on the
highway in its European form.
The GLK will likely retain its 7G Tronic, seven-speed automatic
transmission. However, there are rumors that Mercedes will also offer a
version of its seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox on the GLK, as well as
other models in its 2013 lineup. This fits Mercedes’ ongoing trend of
more environmentally-minded vehicles, as the dual-clutch transmission
will likely offer better fuel mileage, as well as an increased fun
factor.
Sound good? What else would you like to see in the redesigned 2013 GLK? Let us know in the forums!