GLK-Class

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK Engine Details Revealed

Words Jim Davis | March 23, 2012
The GLK 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY petrol-engine offers groundbreaking technology with the new V engines from Mercedes-Benz
Words Jim Davis March 23, 2012

The modern range of engines provides for drive comfort and attractive performance in all GLK models in conjunction with loaw emissions and fuel consumption. In all, there is a choice of six diesel models and one petrol engine. The key data* at a glance:

Model Cyl. cc kW/hp at rpm Nm from rpm 0-100 km/h (s) Vmax km/h l/100 km NEDC combined CO2 g/km
GLK 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4 2143 105/143 3200-4600 350 1200-2800 10.8 (10.3) 190 (195) 5.6-6.0 (5.5-5.6) 145-156 (143-147)
GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4 2143 125/170 3200-4200 400 1400-2800 8.7 (8.5) 205 (205) 5.6-6.0 (5.5-5.6) 145-156 (143-147)
GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY 4 2143 125/170 3200-4200 400 1400-2800 8.8 205 6.1-6.5 159-168
GLK 220
BlueTEC 4MATIC
4 2143 125/170 3200-4200 400 1400-2800 8.8 205 6.1-6.5 159-169
GLK 250
BlueTEC 4MATIC
4 2143 150/204 4200 500 1600-2800 8.0 210 6.1-6.5 159-169
GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY V6 2987 195/265 3800 620 1600-2400 6.4 232 6.9-7.0 179-183
GLK 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY V6 3498 225/306 6500 370 3500-5250 65 238 8.1-8.6 189-199

* provisional data

() figures for manual six-speed transmission

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 metres 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 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (combined NEDC fuel consumption, provisional figure).

CO2 emissions stand at 159-169 grams per kilometre. 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 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres (143 – 147 g CO2/km). The top performer among the diesel versions is the GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY. 620 Newton metres 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.

BlueEFFICIENCY measures for further reductions in fuel consumption

The excellent fuel economy of all GLK models is underpinned by a comprehensive package of BlueEFFICIENCY measures as well as by this state-of-the-art engine technology. In addition to the ECO start/stop function that comes as standard, these measures include the seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. Low-friction axle drives, electric steering and tyres with low rolling resistance also play their part in reducing fuel consumption.

7G-TRONIC PLUS, standard on all 4MATIC models of the GLK, boasts even lower converter slip and optimised efficiency. A central role is played by the new torsion damper, which effectively eliminates torsional eccentricities and vibrations in the transmission. The lower the rpm and the lower the number of cylinders, the more severe these can be. This results in a conflict of aims between comfort and fuel-efficient operation. Mercedes-Benz developers resolved this by using what is known as a twin-turbine damper, which is also fitted with a centrifugal pendulum on the diesel models. Depending on the rpm, this moves the centre of mass and allows comfortable operation even in the most economical operating range. Furthermore, the optimised damping allows a marked reduction in the slip of the torque converter lockup clutch even under low loads, which also contributes to fuel savings. This technology also allows an even faster response to driver commands via the accelerator pedal. Friction-optimised bearings and new transmission oil thermal management also help reduce fuel consumption.

The standard-fit ECO display in the instrument cluster further enables the driver to check his driving style with regard to the prevailing fuel consumption level, and to modify his driving behaviour as necessary.

Exemplary active and passive safety as standard

The revamped GLK again incorporates the integral safety concept in keeping with Mercedes-Benz’s brand philosophy, which is based first and foremost on real accident scenarios. The GLK’s highly robust occupant cell provides an effective foundation for the occupant protection systems in conjunction with the front and rear deformation zones. The GLK offers the following items of equipment as standard:

  • Airbags for driver and front passenger, kneebag for driver, pelvis bag for driver and front passenger, sidebag for driver and front passenger, windowbag for driver, front passenger and rear passengers
  • Seat occupancy recognition for front passenger seat
  • Crash-responsive pedals
  • ISOFIX child seat anchorage points in the rear and Top Tether attachment points on the rear of the rear seat backrest
  • 5 head restraints, height- and tilt-adjustable for driver, front passenger and in the rear, crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints for driver and front passenger
  • 3-point seat belts including mechanical belt height adjustment and belt force limiter for driver and front passenger plus automatic belt height adjustment on the outer rear seats, belt status display for rear seats in the instrument cluster
  • Pedestrian protection with active bonnet

Active safety is supported by the following items of equipment:

  • ADAPTIVE BRAKE including Hill-Start Assist, HOLD function, brake drying in the wet and priming
  • AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system
  • Antilock Brake System (ABS)
  • Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)
  • Brake Assist (BAS), assisting the driver with additional brake power when emergency braking is detected
  • Direct-Steer system with speed-sensitive power assistance and variable steering ratio
  • STEER CONTROL, supports the driver in unstable driving conditions by triggering an impulse which can be felt on the steering wheel, prompting countersteering by the driver in the correct direction
  • ESP® Electronic Stability Program including trailer stabilisation
  • 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with 4ETS electronic traction system (except for GLK 200/220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY)
  • Tyre pressure loss warning
  • Complete model programme, impressive equipment variants

The GLK offers a standard of equipment and appointments on a par with the premium segment, including details which are generally the reserve of higher classes of vehicle. With a total of seven model versions, the GLK furthermore offers one of the most comprehensive model ranges in the compact SUV segment*:

  • GLK 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 36.235,50 Euros
  • GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 38.377,50 Euros
  • GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: 42.721,00 Euros
  • GLK 220 BlueTEC 4MATIC: 44.149,00 Euros
  • GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC: 46.142,25 Euros
  • GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: 49.742,00 Euros
  • GLK 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: 50.099,00 Euros

All models come as standard with a comprehensive range of equipment and appointments designed to optimise 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 centre 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 colour with aspherically curved glass and integrated indicator and 43.2 cm (17-inch) 7-spoke light-alloy wheels.

The scope of individualisation 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 offers the most diverse range of SUVs

The most diverse range of SUVs in the premium segment comes from Mercedes-Benz. A total of five model lines are available in this globally growth-oriented market. R-, M- and GL-Class round off the successful family alongside the compact GLK and the classic “G” all-terrain vehicle.

The G-Class is the longest-serving model series from Mercedes-Benz, and has been in production now for 33 years. Originally designed back in 1979 as a vehicle for tough off-road use, the G-Class has undergone an astounding evolutionary process. Over the course of 33 years, Mercedes-Benz has refined the initially functionally oriented off-road specialist, providing it with a high-class interior and on-road handling on a par with the Stuttgart-based automobile manufacturer’s premium saloons. The G-Class is recognised here as the top model among the luxury off-road vehicles, also providing the gene pool for the other successful SUVs from the Mercedes-Benz brand. The G-Class has been voted off-roader of the year countless times over the past decades – most recently last year.

The R-Class is the model available in the largest number of different variants, its greatest merits being the exceptional comfort which it offers on long journeys and its highly variable interior with up to seven seats. The most successful Mercedes-Benz SUV, with sales topping 1,000,000, is the M-Class, which was premiered in 1997 and is regarded as the forerunner of all modern premium SUVs. The third generation was presented in 2011. It offers impressive performance both on- and off-road and has become established as a champion of efficiency: the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC gets by on 6.0 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres (NEDC fuel consumption).

The beginning of 2012 marked another milestone for the SUV models from

Mercedes-Benz. From the market launch of the G-Class 33 years ago until the end of 2011, over two million models were delivered to customers. The SUVs account for around one fifth of Mercedes-Benz’s global sales. The USA is by far the largest market for the entire SUV family, including the M-Class, the GLK and the GL-Class. The second-largest market for off-road vehicles as a whole is China, followed by Germany. The G-Class off-road classics are the most popular choice on the domestic market in Germany, while the R-Class enjoys the strongest demand in China.