Mercedes-Benz continues to push forward with its GLK-Class 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4MATIC, the company’s second best-selling product in Canada. With refreshed styling, upgraded interior materials, and a new diesel-powered GLK 250 BlueTec, this compact SUV will undoubtedly continue to sell well.
Personally, I feel the 2013 GLK 350 is for real estate agents and empty-nesters—basically, those consumers who desire a luxury SUV/CUV offering with adequate cargo space for smaller objects and are willing to pay over $40K for it.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, but as with most premium brands, super-refined vehicles such as the 2013 GLK350 are out of reach for most consumers or families requiring more practical space (and at the $45K price point, families can get into much larger SUVs for much less money). Nevertheless, the new 2013 GLK-Class hits all the marks, especially with the updated, bolder styling cues.
New GLK 350 features for 2013
Major changes to the 2013 GLK 350 are in the engine bay, including a new diesel-powered 2.2L Biturbo 4-cylinder engine in the all-new GLK 250 BlueTec, producing 190 hp and 369 lb.ft of torque (and not that you’d probably opt for a 6-speed manual, but the diesel GLK BlueTec only comes with 7-speed auto and 4MATIC standard).
Compare the 2013 model to our 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4Matic review here.
New 302 horsepower 3.5L V6 engine and refreshed exterior styling
The other engine change was a new direct injection in the powered-up 3.5L V6 engine. With 302-hp and great low-end torque, rated at 273 lb.ft of torque, this compact SUV is a rocket. Also new for 2013 is refreshed styling – the front-end still retains the newer, beefy styling common among the new Mercedes-Benz product line, however, the 2013 GLK 350 is even beefier, yet curved out nicely so it still looks elegant. The front end, in particular, retains the elongated, beefy design from last year but now looks much better…like it grew into its shoes.
Driving Dynamics: How does this luxury compact crossover perform?
So, with increased power via the upgraded 3.5L V6 and paired with the 2013 GLK 350’s Agility Control suspension with selective damping and the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive setup, you can imagine this premium compact CUV is a rocket. It certainly is.
The ride is super-smooth (we’d expect nothing less). This Agility Control suspension essentially manipulates each dampener at each wheel, toggling between soft and/or hard absorption as road conditions warrant. Paired with the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive setup, this GLK handles brilliantly on the open road.
Takeaway: is the 2013 GLK 350 worth buying?
Pros:
- Refreshed (beefier & curvier) exterior styling
- A new GLK 250 BlueTec diesel-powered offering
Cons:
- High price-point for compact size
- Pricey upgrades can add-up
For the diesel fans, the 2013 GLK 250 BlueTec with standard 4MATIC starts at $43,500 CAD MSRP; the 2013 GLK 350 4MATIC SUV starts at $44,900. My GLK 350 tester here, includes several upgrades, such as the Bi-Xenon headlamp upgrade ($1000); Command Navigation ($2400); and a Convenience package including a seating package ($1700), to name a few.
Overall, the refreshed 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4MATIC is much sexier and bolder than last year’s version (though subtle changes, they make huge impact). But this compact SUV comes at a steep entry-level price point, where $45K can get you into a full-size SUV from other makes. But I digress. This is Mercedes-Benz level. If massive cargo isn’t an issue but a refined yet sporty vehicle is, the enhanced 2013 GLK 350 is a good fit and arguably the best compact SUV in its class.
Interior and exterior 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4MATIC pictures
