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2013 GLK Interior: Even Classier Setting, High Feel-Good Factor

The newly designed GLK interior offers design, a quality feel and a choice of materials on a par with higher classes of vehicle. The interior designers at the Mercedes-Benz Design Studio in Sindelfingen have undertaken a complete makeover of the dashboard, for example: a wide trim in aluminum or optionally in wood spans the entire width of the dashboard. The new round vents and additional trim elements in silver shadow also catch the eye. A high-end color display is optionally available for the instrument cluster. A three-spoke sports steering wheel, new upholstery colors and seat designs plus indirect ambient lighting featuring LED fiber-optic technology, which is available on the GLK for the first time, further enhance the feel-good atmosphere inside the car. The models with the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission are fitted with the DIRECT SELECT lever in ergonomically convenient position on the steering column tube. This frees up space in the center console for a stowage compartment, which is provided with a precision-finished frame in silver shadow and can be closed by means of a retractable cover.

The Interior Sports package which was available for the predecessor model has been upgraded, with sports seats featuring in the GLK for the first time. Other components are the 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather, black sports seats in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfiber with stitching in alpaca grey (alternatively real black leather upholstery), door center panels in ARTICO man-made leather with diagonal stitching, shift lever in nappa leather with chrome surround and sports pedals in brushed stainless steel.

GLK's Engines

The modern range of engines provides for drive comfort and attractive performance in all Mercedes-Benz GLK models in conjunction with low emissions and fuel consumption. In all, there is a choice of six diesel models and one petrol engine.

The GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC boasts the most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in the SUV world. The direct-injection engine rated at 150 kW (204 hp) and generating 500 Newton meters of torque from 2143 cc enables the GLK to perform superbly. Key merits are the engine's torquey character, its top speed and its flexibility. Despite its formidable performance, this GLK model is extremely frugal when it comes to fuel consumption: on average, the compression-ignition engine consumes 6.1 to 6.5 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (combined NEDC fuel consumption, provisional figure).

CO2 emissions stand at 159-169 grams per kilometer. Similarly to the GLK 220 BlueTEC 4MATIC model, it also complies with the EU6 emissions standard and the US BIN 5 standard.

The two rear-wheel drive models GLK 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with six-speed manual transmission are even more fuel-efficient. Both versions get by on 5.5 - 5.6 liters of diesel per hundred kilometers (143 - 147 g CO2/km). The top performer among the diesel versions is the GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY. 620 Newton meters of torque provide the V6 compression-ignition engine with exceptional power delivery from low revs.

The GLK 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY petrol-engine model makes its mark with the groundbreaking technology of the leading generation of V engines from Mercedes-Benz. At the heart of the BlueDIRECT technology package lies the third-generation spray-guided direct petrol engine with piezo injectors. In combination with multi-spark ignition, this technology offers further potential for fuel savings.

The AMG Sports Package for the 2013 GLK

For GLK customers who appreciate sporty elegance a comprehensive AMG Exterior Sports package is available, boasting hallmark design features from the renowned customization company. These include AMG front and rear apron, the specific radiator grille with two chrome slats, AMG LED daytime driving lights, 19-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels and a sporty suspension setup. The features are based on the extended Exterior Chrome package.

Infotainment: Better Entertainment, Better Information

The GLK is fitted with the Audi 20 CD radio as standard, with the following functions:

* Twin tuner
* TFT display with 14.7 cm (5.8") diagonal
* mp3/wma/aac-compatible CD drive
* USB interface incl. CD cover display
* AUX-IN socket in the center armrest
* Bluetooth interface with hands-free function and audio streaming for music transfer
* Telephone keypad

The GLK goes online with special infotainment offerings, offers its occupants concert-hall acoustics and provides new entertainment facilities for rear passengers:

* Apple iPad rear integration Plus. The convenient, ergonomic and crash-safe docking station for the iPad is optionally available in the rear of the GLK. The mount can be tilted and turned by 180°, all connections remaining accessible. In addition, the battery can be charged via an integrated USB interface with the aid of a charging lead
* Central colour display in the instrument cluster offering photorealistic quality
* Becker MAP PILOT: fully integrated navigation module with 2D/3D map display, navigation information shown on the display of the Audio 20 CD, operation via central controller and acoustic output of driving recommendations via the vehicle's loudspeakers
* COMAND Online multimedia system: fast hard-disc navigation with high-resolution 17.8 cm colour display, free use of the integrated Mercedes-Benz apps and call-up of internet sites, LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system, USB interface and AUX-IN socket in the center armrest, telephone module with Bluetooth (SAP profile) in the armrest for telephony and internet connectivity
* In conjunction with COMAND, a TV tuner for digital TV reception (DVB-T) is being offered in the GLK for the first time
* Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system including 7-channel DSP amplifier and 2-channel booster with a total output of 510 W in conjunction with 12 high-performance loudspeakers, Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS

Assistance Systems

Assistance systems familiar from the S- and E-Class enable a further improvement in active safety and driver-fitness safety in the new GLK and take the compact SUV to the top of its market segment. Optional equipment includes the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system or the PRE-SAFE anticipatory safety system. Additional assistance systems, including active variants, are optionally available. One example here is Active Parking Assist, enabling fully automatic manoeuvring into and out of parking spaces. To facilitate manoeuvring when visibility is poor there is a backup camera with guide lines or - for the first time from Mercedes-Benz - a 360° camera. This feature uses image information from four cameras in the front and rear areas and in the exterior mirror housing to generate a bird's eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings. The undistorted image is presented to the occupants in real time on the central COMAND display. In addition to the functions of the backup camera, it also enables monitoring of the areas to the side of the vehicle and in front of the vehicle, thus helping to avoid inadvertent collisions during manoeuvring. Guide lines provide additional assistance, the 360° camera marking the vehicle's movement range according to the steering wheel angle.

Additional systems are optionally available as individual items or in special packages. The Driving Assistance package Plus comprises DISTRONIC PLUS including BAS PLUS, PRE-SAFE Brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist. The Parking package combines the described 360° camera including Active Parking Assist for automatic manoeuvring in and out of parking spaces and PARKTRONIC. The Lane Tracking package includes Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist. The Offroad Engineering package continues to be available, ensuring that the vehicle is well able to assert itself away from paved roads with Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR), off-road driving program (adaptation of transmission shift points and accelerator characteristic), simulated "Gemtex" underguard in tough plastic and a raised suspension. Another new development is the Offroad Engineering package in combination with ILS. Offroad Light is available here for trips in difficult terrain. Specific headlamp settings provide for better off-road orientation by more widespread illumination of the field of vision.

Standard and Optional Equipment

All models come as standard with a comprehensive range of equipment and appointments designed to optimize safety, comfort and agility for the occupants or to relieve the strain on the driver both on long trips and in urban traffic. The standard scope of interior appointments includes electrically adjustable front seats with height and backrest adjustment, a folding armrest for driver and front passenger with stowage compartment, a folding rear armrest with double cup holder and stowage compartment, THERMATIC 2-zone automatic climate control, 12 V sockets in the center console and the luggage compartment, power windows all-round with one-touch control and automatic reversing function and a trip computer with current consumption indicator.

Rain sensor, Headlamp Assist, central locking with infrared radio remote control, cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter (except for GLK 200/220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY) and outside temperature indicator still all feature as standard, as does green-tinted heat-insulating glass all-round, heated, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors in body color with aspherically curved glass and integrated indicator and 17-inch 7-spoke light-alloy wheels.

The scope of individualization options for the new GLK models covers virtually every conceivable wish, particularly with regard to the broad choice of metallic and non-metallic paints and the vast range of interior options. In all, there is a choice of ten metallic and non-metallic paints and two special paint finishes in diamond white BRIGHT metallic and luzonite grey.

The interior guarantees the hallmark congenial Mercedes atmosphere and can be appointed in a variety of styles ranging from sporty to classically elegant. The spectrum of single-tone interior options ranges from alpaca grey through various beige tones to black, while the available two-tone design leather finishes are black/corteccia, black/porcelain and black/light brown.

Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4MATIC: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications