If you have a spare $120,000 to spend, you might like to take a look at the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, and most notably the GLK350, which has been one of our favorites for a few years now. There are some rather notable updates this year for the GLK; the V6 engine is more powerful AND fuel efficient, and the new turbodiesel GLK250 Bluetec will be released to much fanfare later in the year.
The GLK350 has been around for three years now, and it is a quality compact luxury crossover. If you are looking for the competition, then look at the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Volvo XC60. All have more interior space which may be a consideration if you have a family of small ones. However, if you are a married couple without kids, or your kids are now gone from the home, then the GLK350 is hands-down the pick of the litter regarding performance and construction.
The GLK has a 3.5-liter V6 that will give you 302 horsepower and an EPA rating that as of yet has not been announced. It has a standard seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. The GLK250 Bluetec will have a turbocharged 2.1-liter four-cylinder engine that will give you 190 horsepower and 369-lb ft of torque. It can do 0-60 in 7.9 seconds, which is about average, and the EPA should be the best of the competition because of the diesel engine.
Safety is assured with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, and active head restraints. Standard equipment is plenty with 19-inch wheels, automatic headlights, LED running lights, cruise control, and a six-speaker stereo system just to name a few. There is of course a premium package with power liftgate, sunroof, driver memory functions and power-adjustable steering wheel.
Let’s face it, this is a Mercedes-Benz, and this will cost over $100,000, so we have come to expect quality craftsmanship and handling only the Germans can provide and guarantee. For that kind of money, you expect the best, and the best you shall receive with the GLK350 or GLK250 Bluetec.
Make no mistake about it, replacement parts are expensive for this model, as you would expect them to be. If you find one of these great cars at a salvage yard, you would be well-advised to pick up as many replacement parts as you can afford. Buying new parts from a dealership will break whatever bank you still have remaining after you have purchased this excellent vehicle.