The big news for the GLK for 2013 is the addition of a diesel option for Mercedes' smallest SUV in the form of the GLK250 Bluetec. The 2.1-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder cranks out a respectable 190 hp and a substantial 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLK350 also gets an upgraded V-6 in the form of Mercedes' direct-injected 3.5-liter engine producing 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Both are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The GLK has been updated inside and out, with liberal use of LED lighting on both the exterior and interior, and the gear selector moved from the center console to a steering column-mounted stalk, as on the S-Class sedans and other models in Mercedes' lineup. Official fuel economy figures haven't yet been released, but we're expecting highway fuel economy figures on the Bluetec to be well above 30 mpg. The GLK350 will go on-sale in summer 2012, with the GLK250 Bluetec following later in early calendar 2013.