2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK Diesel Debuts: 2012 New York Auto Show

Among the three debuting Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the 2013 GLK crossovers bowed at the 2012 New York Auto Show today.

Consumers will be able to choose between two versions: the higher-level GLK 350 which comes with a 3.5-liter V6, or the more efficiency minded GLK250 BlueTEC, which comes with a 2.1-liter diesel engine.

While some Merc loyalists might find the 350 variant’s brawnier 302 horsepower rating attractive, we’re calling the cheaper diesel option a better bargain. That assertion is based on a couple of points. First, the GLK 250 BlueTEC only packs 190 horsepower, but a whopping 369 lb-ft of torque, which will be more readily apparent to most drivers.

Second, and more importantly, the diesel GLK hasn’t been offered before and signals Mercedes’ move toward bringing more European (efficient) drivetrains to the U.S.

Both models are offered in either rear- or all-wheel 4Matic drive and come with the seven-speed automatic transmission we’ve come to expect, for better or worse, from the brand.

Regardless of which version strikes your fancy, the GLK lineup will offer improved fuel economy over the 2012 model thanks to engine start/stop technology.

Technologically, Mercedes decided to debut it’s 360-degree bird’s eye view parking technology that gives a complete view of the GLK and objects around it, making parking more like a video game. As you would probably expect, the new GLK also comes with the brand’s technology-integration interface called Mbrace2, which offers social media integration among other features.

“The redesigned interior is even more premium and offers the same attention to detail that you can find in our luxury cars,” Joachim Schmidt, Mercedes’ head of sales and marketing said.

Exterior styling also gets a mild refresh with updated headlights accented by LEDs and an optional AMG package that adds 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a more aggressive body kit, though the 2013 model still looks a lot like its predecessor.