Performance can be enhanced by activating the transmission’s driver-selectable Sport mode. Throttle response is more immediate and shifts are delayed for improved acceleration. Selecting Economy mode provides a more relaxed, and fuel-efficient, driving experience.
Surprisingly, the GLK 250’s towing capacity of 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs) is the same as the more powerful GLK 350. An optional trailer hitch is available for $675.
  2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 Bluetec Diesel. Click image to enlarge |
Though it looks tall and boxy, the GLK 250 handles and rides extremely well. Underneath its unit body construction is a fully independent suspension that absorbs uneven pavement and road undulations in a firm but forgiving manner. The GLK’s wide stance and 235/50R19-inch low profile tires provide very stable handling with minimal body lean and the new electromechanical steering provides a nice blend of steering ease and responsiveness. The standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is invisible to the driver on dry roads and it doesn’t seem to affect turning ability or the turning circle (11.7 m/38.2 ft.). But it’s a great feature in bad weather conditions.
Should you start to nod off at the wheel, standard Attention Assist sends vibrations through the steering wheel. Optional Driving Assistance Package ($800) features Blind Spot Assist to warn you of other vehicles in your blind spots and Lane Keeping Assist to warn you when the GLK starts to drift over the line. The Advanced Driving Assistance Package ($2,700) includes automatic steering and braking systems to help avoid imminent collisions: Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane-Keeping Assist, Distronic Plus and Pre-Safe.
The GLK’s diesel powertrain is not the only big change for 2013. The GLK 250 receives most of the same mid-cycle upgrades as the 2013 GLK 350 that was introduced last summer: revised exterior styling, a new interior design with higher quality materials, the improved seven-speed automatic transmission, new electromechanical steering, new driver-assistance safety features, and new infotainment features.
Exterior changes for 2013 include a new two-bar grille, revised headlights, new bumpers, LED daytime running lights, aluminum roof rails, lower chrome bumper underguard, chrome trim on the doors, rear LED tail lights, and dual chrome exhaust tips. The GLK 250 gets standard 19-inch tires and alloys while the GLK 350 gets standard 20-inchers.
    2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 Bluetec Diesel. Click image to enlarge |
Interior upgrades for 2013 are more substantial: a new dashboard design with higher quality materials, a wide swath of dark ash wood trim and ‘jet-engine inspired’ air vents; a new silver colour scheme for the instruments with a new Eco mode indicator; and a new 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with 12 buttons and paddle shifters. For the driver, the biggest change is probably the new transmission shift lever on the steering column, which replaces the floor shifter. Mercedes’ tiny electronic wand shifter with a push-button Park setting is best operated with two fingers. It’s not something you yank on like a regular column shifter. Some delicacy is needed. The best thing about it is that repositioning it to the column freed up space in the lower console for a storage bin and a couple of cupholders under a sliding roller blind.
There’s another change to the controls this year: the cruise control and turn signal stalks switched places on the left side of the steering wheel. The turn signal is now on the top and the cruise stalk on the bottom.
Standard equipment in the GLK 250 includes Mercedes’ ‘Artico’ simulated leather upholstery, real Nappa leather wrapped around the multi-function steering wheel, dark ash wood trim, dual zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats, Audio 20 stereo with USB port, wireless Bluetooth telephone and audio functions and text-reading function; a 4.5-inch colour display in the instrument cluster, a 5.8-inch colour display in the instrument panel, and split-folding rear seatbacks.
