2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK250 Bluetec 4Matic Diesel: First Drive

We reviewed the newly restyled 2013 GLK350 last summer, with News Editor Jennifer Geiger finding it a bit compromised in V-6 form, with a smallish interior, fussy audio and navigation system, and styling that’s aimed at a male demographic (making the vehicle’s public debut as Samatha’s ride in the “Sex and the City” movie somewhat odd).

But now Mercedes-Benz is introducing the second powertrain for the GLK, with the arrival of the GLK250 Bluetec diesel, making the GLK the most fuel-efficient luxury crossover in the country. That suddenly makes the little trucklet a bit more interesting.

Underway, the 200-horsepower, 2.2-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine (it’s actually 2.145 liters, so some literature calls it a 2.1-liter) is quiet, smooth and provides plenty of torque. More than plenty actually, with an eye-popping 369 pounds-feet on hand at a low 1,600 rpm, which is good enough to scoot the GLK250 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. Frankly, looking at the numbers on paper, one expects it to be quicker – until you notice that the GLK weighs more than 4,000 pounds (in V-6 guise anyway; the GLK250 diesel’s numbers are not yet published), a hefty number for a small crossover. That number is midpack, however, with the Audi Q5 Hybrid tipping the scales at 400 pounds more, while the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque comes in nearly 400 pounds lighter. The GLK never feels underpowered, however, with the standard seven-speed automatic transmission handling motivation admirably, and it even becomes entertaining when switched to “sport” mode. Paddle shifters are present behind the steering wheel should you be one of the rare people who want to shift an automatic transmission. Even rarer for compact crossover owners, one would think.

The sophistication of the GLK’s ride and handling are impressive. The GLK handled southeast Michigan’s moonscape roads with amazing smoothness, damping out the majority of the cratered surfaces even at higher speeds. This becomes even more impressive given the GLK’s relatively short wheelbase and 19-inch wheels with low-profile tires. Handling is tight and firm, athletic even, requiring more effort than many luxury crossovers but rewarding with superior feel and control. Ripping down the back roads with the GLK250 is actually a lot of fun.

But the inclusion of the diesel engine is not supposed to be about fun, it’s supposed to be about frugality and fuel economy, and the GLK250 shines in this department. The engine is rated at 24/33/28 mpg city/highway/combined – better numbers than any other small crossover on the market, including the previous mileage champion Audi Q5 Hybrid, with its 24/30/26 figure. The Benz does require a tankful of “AdBlue” urea additive for emissions purposes, but this is not uncommon with modern diesels, and usually only requires filling at oil change intervals.

Compare the Audi Q5 Hybrid, BMW X3, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque and Acura RDX here.

Rear seats are a bit snug, as is the cargo area, but the seats do fold flat to create a decent-sized space. Previous reviews calling out the Comand infotainment system as fussy and difficult to use are still relevant; it should not take as many actions as it does to change presets, switch between media, operate the navigation system, etc. That said, the optional Harman Kardon premium sound system is outstanding, with a clarity and punch worth every penny.

Editor’s note: This post was updated on May 3 to reflect the correct “Sex and the City” character.

Related
Research Luxury Vehicles
More Car Reviews
More Hybrid and Alternative Fuel News