Mercedes-Benz GLK 2013

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK is the entry-level luxury SUV for the German carmaker's U.S. lineup. It's meant to appeal to a broad array of customers, blending power, performance and comfort in a fashionable package accented by angles and chrome. Power increases this year to 302 hp and 273 lb-ft from a 3.5-liter V6, up from the 268-hp, 258-lb-ft V6 of the same displacement in the 2012 model. It is a different engine, however, with stop/start, direct injection and the cylinders banked at a new angle. The seven-speed automatic is lightly modified for reduced torque-converter slip and improved efficiency.

The spotlight change under the hood is the addition of the turbocharged, direct-injected 2.1-liter inline four-cylinder diesel rated at 190 hp and an impressive 369 lb-ft of torque. The oil burner, badged GLK250 Bluetec, will arrive in showrooms in early 2013, following this September's debut of the gasoline-powered ute.

It takes a close eye to notice changes in the appearance of the GLK, though Mercedes lightly facelifted the lights, added LED technology, redid trim and added new 19-inch alloy wheels. An AMG appearance pack adds 20-inchers, front and side skirts and an AMG-styled grille.

The GLK seats five. Other new features include an updated instrument cluster and electromechanical steering. All told, Mercedes-Benz claims nearly 1,000 parts are new for the 2013 model. It comes in rear-wheel- and 4Matic all-wheel-drive models.