Autoblog

Next Mercedes-Benz GLK to get AMG variant? Not likely...

Zach Bowman — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 09:13:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

If you think Mercedes-Benz will slap an AMG badge on anything with wheels, think again. Word has it the German manufacturer will not offer buyers a performance version of the GLK, with Tobias Moers, director of AMG vehicle development, saying that he doesn't see a market for the car. That's not to say the picture won't change in the near future, however. According to CarAdvice.com, AMG is keeping a close eye on the arrival of the Porsche Macan.

"Maybe there will be a change in the market when the Porsche [Macan] comes up," Moers said, "but right now, no."

The real hitch in the giddy-up seems to be cost. Moers says developing the machine into something worthy of an AMG would represent "a huge investment." We can't exactly argue with that. Fortunately, AMG buyers have plenty of Mercedes-Benz models to choose from.

Next Mercedes-Benz GLK to get AMG variant? Not likely... originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz recalling 5,800 vehicles over potential fires

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Mercedes-Benz

It turns out Ford isn't the only automaker worried about car fire recalls these days. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today issuing a recall for potential fires on various 2011 and 2012 model year Mercedes-Benz vehicles, occurring from a fault with a fuel filter flange. The problem stems from an issue in the molding process that can allow the flange to crack, leak gasoline and possibly cause a fire.

Only a small number (5,800) of vehicles are affected by the recall, but it includes a total of eight different models (C300, CL550, CL63 AMG, E350, GLK350, S400 Hybrid, S550 and S63 AMG) across five vehicle lines (C-Class, CL-Class, E-Class, GLK-Class and S-Class). To fix the potentially hazardous problem, dealers will replace the fuel filter as a part of the recall, which goes into effect next month.

For the full list of affected models, check out the official NHTSA recall notice posted after the jump.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz recalling 5,800 vehicles over potential fires

Mercedes-Benz recalling 5,800 vehicles over potential fires originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK

Matt Davis — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives, Luxury

Littlest G Rocks The Box With Meaningful Improvements

We admit it: It's easy to dig the Mercedes-Benz GLK. Like many of our preferred Jeep models, the GLK presents itself as a true small, rugged all-rounder that you can use just about any way you need. Yes, the rectilinear design is polarizing, but for us, the poles seem to line up more often than not. And, granted, any sort of utility vehicle that presents itself all in white or off-white - inside and out in this tester's case - with 19-inch Pirellis is going to face a ribbing by manly men. Tooth-whitening brightness and fancy shoes aside, anything that aspires to emulate - even peripherally - the rep of the legendary G-Class is welcome anytime in our driveway.

A gnarly strong off-roader? With only a 3.27:1 rear axle available and two overdrive gears, not truly, no. But get the new Offroad Engineering Package on the 4Matic chassis and the GLK thumps along with its 4.38:1 first and 2.86:1 second gears almost as well as a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X 4x4. (We picked that one because the Jeep's base price is right near that of the GLK 350 4Matic and power is roughly the same.) Trouble is that this more rugged GLK package will not be made available in North America any time soon, so the optional $2,000 4Matic all-wheel drive system - with those same ratios - will have to continue to be enough for us.

That's a shame, because our offroad activities in this updated GLK - admittedly executed in a wonderfully torque-filled GLK 350 CDI on 17-inch Bridgestones with the offroad setup prepped specifically for this event - was solid stuff. It seems U.S. dirt country roads with occasional washboarding is realistically the meanest situation envisioned for Yankee GLKs, so U.S. owners are unlikely to know just how capable their vehicle's chassis can be when properly outfitted.

Continue reading 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK gets its diesel on

Noah Joseph — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel, Luxury

Like the existing GLK but not such a fan of its incredibly boxy styling? Or like the styling just fine but just wish it had a diesel? Well we've got good news for you, friends, because Mercedes-Benz has just taken the wraps off a revised model that aims to remedy both.

Not only does the 2013 GLK-Class get the familiar new family face, but what's behind it has been replaced as well. That means a direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 for the GLK350 that's more powerful and more efficient than the powerplant it replaces, and also a 2.1-liter turbodiesel that joins the family wearing GLK250 BlueTEC badging.

The interior has been updated as well, all of which Mercedes surely hopes will help it fend off advances from the Audi Q5, the BMW X3, Volvo's XC60 and the rumored baby RX from Lexus. Take a closer look at the updated GLK in our high-res gallery of live images from the New York Auto Show floor above and the stock shots in the gallery below for a closer look.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK gets its diesel on originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Revised 2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class makes easter egg appearance in GLK photos

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Earlier today, we showed you a brace of images starring the refreshed 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK that will make its debut at the New York Auto Show next month. But upon closer inspection, the folks at CarScoop found something very interesting hiding in the back of one of the GLK photos: the revised 2013 G-Class.

It's unclear exactly which G-Class model this is, though our best guess is that it's the standard G550. (Those wheels look much too tame for an AMG model.) The G-Wagen's overall design hasn't changed (that's fine, we like it just the way it is), but updates for the 2013 model year include LED running lamps under the headlights and redesigned mirrors.

Word on the street is that the G-Class will feature a reworked interior for 2013, including a new instrument panel, steering wheel and consoles. The big news, however, is that the G55 AMG will now make use of Merc's 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 found in the other AMG models, though it's unclear if its nomenclature will be altered. You know, because G63 AMG absolutely makes sense.

Mum's the word on when the official G-Class details will be released, but since the car appears to be finished and already posing for photos, we don't expect Mercedes-Benz to hold off for too much longer.

Revised 2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class makes easter egg appearance in GLK photos originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz GLK gets facelift, diesel option ahead of New York

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:49:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel, Luxury

When the doors open at Manhattahn's Javitz Center for the New York Auto Show in less than two weeks, Mercedes-Benz will have a refreshed version of its GLK-Class on display. But you needn't wait that long, as parent company Daimler has just released the full spectrum of details and photos of its updated entry-level crossover.

Decidedly evolutionary in its refresh, the 2013 GLK is characterized largely by the same sharp lines as the model it replaces, but now, the creases and sculpting is slightly more rounded and more dynamic in appearance. While the exterior has had its sharp edges smoothed out, the interior has likewise been updated, with those SLS AMG-derived retro air vents dominating the restyled dashboard and the gearshift lever moving to a stalk on the steering column in similar fashion to other recent Three-Pointed Star vehicles.

The biggest news, however, comes under the hood. While the existing GLK was only offered with a single engine, the new model will be available in two specs: the GLK350 with direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 now good for 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque (up from 268hp and 258 lb-ft), or the GLK250 BlueTEC diesel that, at 190 hp and 369 lb-ft, offers less power but far more twist from its 2.1 liters and four cylinders. While the updated GLK350 will be available starting in the summer, American buyers intent on the diesel will have to wait until early next year. Both are mated to a seven-speed automatic with stop-start system, and can be had in either rear-drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive.

There's plenty more to delve into in the press release after the jump, and a whole mess of high-resolution photos in the gallery, so check 'em out and watch this space for live coverage from the vehicle's unveiling in New York.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz GLK gets facelift, diesel option ahead of New York

Mercedes-Benz GLK gets facelift, diesel option ahead of New York originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Refreshed 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK to get diesel option

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel

Even though spy shots signal that exterior adjustments on the next Mercedes-Benz GLK will be subtle, there's one giant adjustment coming under the hood, and it smells like oil - in a good way. Automotive News says the revamped softroader will gain a new diesel engine option. For its part, Mercedes-Benz hasn't said which of its oilburners it will offer with the GLK, but it's been hinted that it could be the 2.1-liter turbo diesel mill with 204 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque that sees duty in models like the C-Class and M-Class in other lands.

The addition of the GLK and next C-Class will make seven Mercedes model lines offered with diesel in the U.S. With the GLK's fuel economy addressed, the hope is that the entry-level crossover can find roughly 13,000 more buyers per year and close in on 40,000-sales-per-annum threshold. The brand already offers far more diesels than its German competitors here, but still wants to raise percentage of diesel sales from 12-to-20 percent to 15 to 20 percent.

Refreshed 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK to get diesel option originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RENNtech fine-tunes its Mercedes GLK Pikes Peak Hybrid [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Motorsports, Hybrid, Performance, SUV, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz, Off-Road, Racing

RENNtech Mercedes-Benz GLK350 Hybrid Pikes Peak Rally Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Trucks and racing don't normally belong in the same sentence, but a few exceptions exist - the NASCAR Craftsman series, the Dakar rally, and, of course, Pikes Peak.

The legendary hill-climb competition has bred some of the most jaw-droppingly monstrous machines known to man. It also inspired the creation of the GLK350 Hybrid Pikes Peak Project which Mercedes-Benz tuner extraordinaire RENNtech unveiled at SEMA in 2008.

Three years later, RENNtech has revisited the concept crossover with a second version, bearing the most aggressive body kit this side of a Star Wars film set and coated in 3M's carbon-look vinyl wrap. (So, no, the body has not be recreated in actual carbon fiber.) Ostensibly based on the 3.5-liter V6 model, RENNtech's concept packs an additional electric boost developed in-house.

The show car is going on tour across America before it's retired to the Mercedes-Benz Classic Vehicle Museum in Irvine, California. Follow the jump for the press blast and video footage, and check out all the images in the mega-gallery below.

Gallery: RENNtech Mercedes-Benz GLK350 Hybrid Pikes Peak Rally Car

[Source: RENNtech]

Continue reading RENNtech fine-tunes its Mercedes GLK Pikes Peak Hybrid [w/video]

RENNtech fine-tunes its Mercedes GLK Pikes Peak Hybrid [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz GLK ready to storm SEMA

Alex Nunez — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Tuners, SUV, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the GLK SEMA show cars

Perhaps you've heard: Mercedes-Benz has this new SUV called the GLK, and it's not just the Sex and the City audience that's being targeted. The compact ute's getting-to-know-you tour will make a stop at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where four concept versions will be on display. We already told you about RENNtech's hybrid Rally Racer show truck, and now we have some info on the other three versions that'll join it in Vegas.

Naturally, BRABUS will represent, skinning the GLK300 Bluetec in Widestar duds, new wheels, and the de rigeur custom interior. No power upgrade yet, it seems, but knowing BRABUS, they'll have a version putting out approximately a trillion horsepower by the time the GLK is in customers' hands.

Boulevard Customs is prepping the GLK "Urban Whip", a garish creation sporting 26" wheels and a front end that likely depleted the world's supply of mesh grillework. Lord knows what all the other SEMA builders are gonna do now that they're faced with this crisis.

Finally, Legendary Motor Cars will show the Four Corners Rock Crawler, which rolls on big knobby rubber, has an integrated grille guard, and sports a set of roof lights. But all that's dress-up, because off-roading's not the angle. This GLK has some winch rig that lets it pull skaters into position to then grind on the truck's integrated side rails. (G-Wagen ambulance chase vehicle not included.)

Hey, no one ever said SEMA's about being particularly normal. We'll have plenty more live shots from the show in November.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz GLK SEMA '08 show cars

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz GLK ready to storm SEMA

Mercedes-Benz GLK ready to storm SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Mercedes calling new CUV the GLK

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mercedes-Benz

Is this the new GLK? While not an official shot, many seem to think so.

Well, we suppose MLK might have confused some people (and might have resulted in some lawsuits out of Atlanta). Mercedes has instead announced that its new compact CUV will officially be called the GLK. This new German-built crossover will debut in Europe late next year, with U.S. sales following in early 2009. M-B is said to favor marketing it as a compact SUV rather than a CUV, however, and apparently has butched it up. A boxy, but disguised prototype was shown to journalists recently who said it is much smaller and lower than a GL. The interior was uncovered and showed two-row seating, "white leather seats with black piping, black wood trim, the Mercedes COMAND-Plus single-knob controller for many electronically controlled functions, and a screen in the dash for a navigation system." The prototype was probably a high trim level, we guess. Guesses on pricing, however, put it under $40,000 to match the BMW X3's $38,775 starting price and fall far enough below the M-Class MSRP of $44,425. Predictions are that we'll see the GLK-Class debut in Detroit next January.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

Officially Official: Mercedes calling new CUV the GLK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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