It is strange how small changes in exterior can have a big impact on the car’s appearance. The updated Mercedes-Benz GLK looks all-new, although basically only things that have changed are the lights. Both the headlights and rear lights have been restyled. Beneath the new headlamps are the LED daytime driving lights, which are standard in the GLK. At the rear, GLK has new rear lights and a new underguard, which is optionally available in chrome. The chrome-plated tailpipes integrated to the rear apron are a standard feature. In addition, the roof rails have a new design and there are also new wheel designs in sizes 17, 18 and 19 inches available for the updated GLK.
Inside the car, there is a new three-spoke steering wheel, new seat design and upholstery colours and a new dashboard with round air vents. Aluminium or wood trim spans the entire width of the dashboard. In the cars fitted with the automatic transmission, the lever is now positioned on the steering column. The optional Interior Sports package for GLK has been updated. It comes with black sports seats in man-made leather/microfibre with stitching, while the real black leather upholstery is available as an option. Other features in the Interior Sports package are the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather, door centre panels in man-made leather with diagonal stitching, shift lever in nappa leather with chrome surround and sports pedals in brushed stainless steel.
The engine range includes four- ja six-cylinder diesels and a six-cylinder petrol variant. The petrol-engined GLK 350 is the most powerful model in the range delivering 306 horsepower from its new 3.5-litre V6 engine. GLK 350 can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6,5 seconds and the top speed is 238 km/h. The top of the diesel range is the GLK 350 CDI. It is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 that offers 265 horsepower and mighty 620 Newton metres of torque. Due to its huge torque, the diesel is actually faster in sprint from zero to hundred. Well, the difference between these two cars is only 0,1 seconds, but still. The 2.2-litre diesel powers the rest of the range, which includes models GLK 200 CDI, GLK 220 CDI and GLK 250 CDI. The 200 CDI and 220 CDI are available with the manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, while all the others have a 4Matic four-wheel drive and the seven-speed automatic transmission as standard.
This 220 CDI 4Matic is propably one of the most popular version in the new Mercedes-Benz GLK range. The 2143cc, four-cylinder diesel delivers 170 horsepower and 400 Newton metres of torque. It provides good enough performance for all your daily driving needs. The sprint from zero to hundred takes 8,8 seconds and the top speed is 205 km/h. Not quite sporty, but thanks to the 400 Nm of torque, the GLK 220 CDI 4Matic is enjoyable to drive. The NEDC combined fuel consumption is just 6,1-6,5 litres per hundred kilometres, so it is also pleasently economical.
Although a rear-wheel drive could handle the engine’s power quite easily when driving on asphalt in good weather, the four-wheel drive offers extra stability when driving in the rain or on the gravel road. Especially in the winter time, the 4Matic is agreat addition to this SUV. In normal driving conditions, the 4Matic four-wheel drive system distributes 45 percent of the torque to the front wheels and 55 to the rear wheels providing a well-balanced driving experience.
Specification
Engine
- Diesel
- 4-cylinder
- 2143cc
- Turbo
Power
- 125 kW (170 hp) / 3200-4200rpm
Torque
- 400 Nm / 1400-2800rpm
Transmission
- 7-speed automatic
- AWD
0-100km/h / 0-62mph
- 8.8 seconds
Top speed
- 205 km/h
Fuel consumption
- 6.5 l/100km
CO2 emissions
- 168 g/km
