Mercedes-Benz GLK 2012, test drive

We were invited by Mercedes-Benz to a first test of contact with the GLK, the new range is undergoing a facelift in mid-career and now available at prices between 35,730 euros and 58,550 euros. Not many miles as we traveled during the test, which took place in Verona, Treviso and Venice, despite what we can tell you what news you see on the GLK 2012 and to share with you our first driving impressions. We assume that our approach was the most optimistic, at the bottom when it comes to the Mercedes-Benz classes marked with the letter "G", sniffs air safety, reliability, robustness, elegance, sportiness and exclusivity as well.

All the heart of the GLK 2012

Are you wondering why you do not read the first few styling changes, or those you find in the cockpit ... you're right. The fact is that at first glance, the GLK 2012, except for a small "smoothing" made ​​a few too many old corner that marked the previous model, no apparent news. Therefore we directed attention to the engines and the first technology to marry. The crossover will be declined in the German version 200 CDI (2.1-liter, 143 hp and 350 Nm of torque), rear-wheel drive, 220 CDI (2.1-liter with 170 hp and 400 Nm) and 350 CDI (3.0-liter V6 with 265 hp and 620 nm) with rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC and 350 petrol (3.5 liter V6 306 hp), 220 CDI and 250 CDI BlueTEC BlueTEC Euro6 Euro6 (2.1-liter twin-turbo 204 hp, 500 Nm) with the only four-wheel drive 4MATIC.

All-wheel drive versions are matched only to the 7G Tronic Plus with Start & Stop and Direct Select command at the wheel, while two-wheel drive versions offer a classic six-speed manual. According to the House, the interventions of technical refinement common to all versions have reduced fuel consumption and emissions: the record goes to the 200 CDI, credited with an average consumption of 5.5 l/100 km and emission of 143 g / km CO2, while the 350 CDI has increased the power output of 34 hp, compared to a reduction in consumption of 17%, up to 6.9 l/100 km and 179 g / km of CO2.

That said, it would be useless to tell you more ... We not lean at all after having traveled only a few kilometers. The truth is that we drove several GLK 2012, then with several engines: more or less are bright, snappy, it is certain that you are equipping a car with a certain weight and still tell us ... but you feel like going to experience driving fast and sporty aboard a GLK? We really do not have other vehicles that lend themselves to these aspirations, despite all the GLK has a great attitude, good braking, comfort has the classic Mercedes-Benz and if you can find the right feeling with the steering wheel, then yes you will find yourself comfortable! equipment and safety equipment We have not forgotten the rest ... we arrive at a Glance: the renewed GLK, recognizable by the new front headlights with new and updated for the interior, with new vents circular and modified finishes, will be proposed in Sport and Premium. The first is characterized by chrome tailpipes, polished aluminum roof bars, twin blade chrome in the grille, side guards and chrome trim, rear spoiler, interior finishes in Boston, black fabric with aluminum inserts on the dashboard, air conditioning and audio system with USB connection and Bluetooth. The Premium version is instead equipped with the AMG sports package that includes front spoiler, LED daytime running lights specific, bi-xenon headlights, AMG alloy wheels 19 "with tires differentiated, trapezoidal tailpipes, trim stiffened sports, Park Assist with Parktronic, arctic black leather sports seats with contrasting stitching, sport pedals, brushed aluminum trim, sport steering wheel and navigation system Becker Map Pilot with 3D maps. On request is available the system Comand Online, web applications with unprecedented, TV receiver and Harman Kardon audio system. Let the security sector, where the experience of the German manufacturer has prevailed in all its common sense. The new GLK is present the latest electronic driving aid, as Steer Control, which induces the corrections due to slight vibration, Brake Assist (BAS) for emergency braking and the Adaptive Brake, which integrates hill start and operation of the braking in the wet, keeping clean and dry friction materials. Do not miss the Attention Assist, offered as standard on Premium and the 4Matic, which monitors the driver's reactions, as well as the well-known Distronic Plus and Blind Spot Assist. version can also be equipped with the Sport Offroad package, through a special button can activate the Downhill Speed ​​Regulation (DSR), handling of specific maps of the engine and transmission management, proper calibration of Esp, Abs and 4ETS system for the dirt. The variant Offroad is equipped with underbody protection, raised suspension and a specific adjustment of the headlights Intelligent Light System (ILS), which rotates 6 degrees the beam of light towards the outside with symmetrical distribution of brightness. Just get on a GLK and know everything it can offer, to imagine ... or rather, to be convinced that his equipment levels have equipment belonging to higher-end cars. With seven engines in two versions, the GLK offers the most comprehensive ranges in the compact SUV segment.