2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK has made its world debut in April and now is going officially on sale with a starting price of € 36 235.50.

The GLK comes with a newly designed exterior, which gives it more dynamic outlook and powerful stance. In the body one can easily see the combination of the classic elements of all-terrain vehicles with the design philosophy of the current Mercedes-Benz models.

The front and the rear of this unique Mercedes-Benz vehicle are now further emphasized by its stringent lines and expansive surfaces. And in addition to this the designers have thought about the comfort of the driver as well. They have included high seat position as a pivotal point in the interior, for it provides a commanding view of the traffic situation, with the body lines also designed for excellent visibility.

2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK

Looking further in the interior upgrades, there can be seen that the dashboard is completely transformed. For instance, a wide trim in aluminium or optionally in wood spans the entire width of the dashboard.

Moreover, the new round vents and additional trim elements in silver shadow also catch the attention. There is also included a three-spoke sports steering wheel, new upholstery colours and seat designs plus indirect ambient lighting featuring LED fibre-optic technology. The latter is offered for the first time on the GLK for the first time.

More importantly, the range of engines included is conjunction with low emissions and fuel consumption. The customers can choose up to six diesel models and one petrol engine.

The GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC one for example, features a four-cylinder diesel engine which is able to generate 150 kW (204 hp) of power and 500 Newton metres (370 lb-ft) of torque from a displacement of 2143 cc. The consumption of this model is absolutely amazing: on average, the compression-ignition engine consumes 6.1 to 6.5 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. The CO2 emissions here are 159 - 169 g CO2/km in NEDC combined mode.

Furthermore, the two rear-wheel-drive models GLK 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY come equipped with six-speed manual transmission. They also might amaze you, because they are even more fuel efficient.

What I mean is that both versions has a fuel consumption of 5.5 – 5.6 litres of diesel per hundred kilometers. Their Co2 emissions range between 143 - 147 g CO2/km in NEDC combined mode.

The top performer among the diesel versions however, is the GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY. It comes upgraded with additional 25 kW (35 hp) power increase. Despite this fact, it is still able to perform with 17 percent less fuel, and has a fuel consumption of 6.9 – 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The CO2 emissions here are 179 - 183 g CO2/km in NEDC combined mode.

The only petrol model offered is the GLK 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY petrol-engine. It includes the trailblazing engineering of the leading generation of V-engines which deploy BlueDIRECT technology to make its mark in performance and fuel efficiency.

2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK Interior

In terms of safety and security a brand such Mercedes-Benz is probably unsurpassed. The GLK comes equipped with innovative technologies. For the first time featured here for instance is the electric steering with STEER CONTROL, which 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.

Moreover, there are also included the Brake Assist (BAS), which offers additional brake power when emergency braking is detected, and ADAPTIVE BRAKE featuring Hill-Start Assist, and HOLD function, the AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system, the ESP® Electronic Stability Program with integrated trailer stabilisation and tyre pressure loss warning, permanent all-wheel drive and the 4ETS electronic traction system. All these are featured as a standard in the 2012 GLK.

What about the optional equipment? Here the customers can choose among many innovations, some of which include: ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, PRE-SAFE® anticipatory safety system, Active Parking Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, Intelligent Light System (ILS).

2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK pricing begins at € 36 235.50

• GLK 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: € 36,235.50

• GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: € 38,377.50

• GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: € 42,721.00

• GLK 220 BlueTEC 4MATIC: € 44,149.00

• GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC: € 46,142.25

• GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: € 49,742.00

• GLK 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: € 50,099.00

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Source: Mercedes-Benz