Automotive News is reporting that MBUSA CEO, Steve Cannon, confirmed the arrival of a diesel engine for the 2013 GLK-Class! The engine is expected to arrive as a 2013 model, at the same time the GLK-Class gets its’ mid-cycle refresh in the fall of 2012! The GLK-Class is already made with a variety of diesel engines in other markets. Most articles I have read are suggessting the US bound diesel GLK-Class will be the GLK250, a 4-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 369 lb/ft of torque but this is not confirmed.

Thank Mercedes-Benz! We love diesel!

It is an exctiting time for Mercedes-Benz! We have lots of new engines, technology and vehicles for the 2012 model year. Here is a quick rundown.

2012 C-Class Sedan – C350/C300/C63 August/C250 October

• Facelifted – more than 2000 new parts!
• C250 with 1.8L inline 4-cylinder direct injected, turbocharged engine with 201 horsepower
• C350 with 3.5L direct injected V6 with 302 horsepower
• New standard equipment including automatic transmission, rain sensing wipers, auto dimming mirrors, garage door opener, compass, HD radio, Bluetooth audio streaming, ATTENTION ASSIST amd adaptive brakes with HOLD function
• New paint and upholstery options
• Parktronic available
• New Lane tracking Package
• LED daytime running lights standard fro both sport and luxury models
• Color instrument cluster
• Media Interface relocated to center console
• Updated version of 7-speed transmission which provides better fuel economy

2012 C-Class Coupe – C350/C63 September/C250 October

• Same redesigned interior and improved standard features as the C-Class Sedan
• Standard Panoramic Sunroof
• Steering Wheel Shift Paddles
• 10-way power driver seat with memory
• Split folding rear seats
• Unique wheel 

2012 CL-Class – August

• New colors – Lunar Blue and Andorite Grey
• New 19″ AMG triple 5-spoke wheel

2012 CLS-Class – CLS550/CLS63 June/ CLS550 4matic August

• All-New bi-turbo engines with direct injection 402 or 518 hp
• World’s first fully-active all LED headlamps
• Electromechanical steering system
• Standard sport body styling
• Standard Navigation, Pemium sound and SiriusXM

2012 E-Class Sedan – October

• New direct injected engines – V6 with 302 hp and V8 with 402 hp
• New wheels and steering wheels for some models
• Wood/Leather steering wheel now availabel for both sport and luxury models
• New Lane Tracking package
• LED running lights for both sport and luxury
• Color instrument cluster
• Media Interface relocated to center console
• Updated version of 7-speed transmission which provides better fuel economy

2012 E-Class Wagon – October

• The E63 AMG wagon is coming!

2012 E-Class Coupe – E350 July/E550 October

• New direct injected engines – V6 with 302 hp and V8 with 402 hp
• LED daytime running lights standard
• New wheel for E350
• New interior colors – Red/Black and Natural Beige/Black leathers
• New Lane Tracking Package
• Standard shift paddles
• Color instrument cluster
• Media Interface relocated to center console
• Electromechanical steering on V8

2012 E-Class Cabriolet – E350 July/E550 October

• New direct injected engines – V6 with 302 hp and V8 with 402 hp
• LED daytime running lights standard
• New wheel for E350
• New interior colors – Red/Black and Natural Beige/Black leathers
• New Lane Tracking Package
• Standard shift paddles
• Color instrument cluster
• Media Interface relocated to center console
• Electromechanical steering on V8
• New Red soft top option

2012 GL-Class – GL450/GL 550 August/ GL350 October

• Acoustic Signal when locking/unlocking
• Improved Rearview camera software
• New ESP off icon
• New garage-door opener concept (multicolor LEDs)
• New paint colors – Dakota Brown & Pearl Beige
• New rear chrome trim for rear control panels

2012 GLK-Class – July

• Acoustic Signal when locking/unlocking
• Improved Rearview camera software
• new ESP off icon
• New garage-door opener concept (multicolor LEDs)
• Media Interfact port moves to center console
• New 20″ 5-spoke wheel with Appearance Package
• New Colors – Lunar Blue, Sapphire Grey, Diamond White & Cuprite Brown
• Keyless-Go is reduced to $640 

2012 ML-Class – ML350s September/ ML550/ML63 2012

• All New! Same Price! See previous posts for details

2012 R-Class – R350 gas August/R350 Bluetec October

• New direct injected V6 with 302 hp
• Acoustic Signal when locking/unlocking
• Improved Rearview camera software
• new ESP off icon
• New garage-door opener concept (multicolor LEDs)

2012 G-Class – October

• Edition Select Package available. See previous post for details

2012 S-Class – July/S350 September

• New direct injected V8 with 402 hp means no Gas Guzzler tax
• The S350 Bluetec arrives with an estimated 20 city/ 31 highway MPG
• New colors – Lunar Blue and Andorite Grey
• The Sport Package gets a new 19″ AMG triple 5-spoke wheel

2012 SL-Class – July

• Premium 1 Package now standard
• Limited production in anticipation for the all-new 2013

2012 SLK-Class – SLK350 July/SLK250 2012

• All new for 2012
• New direct injected V6 with 302 hp
• Updated NTG 4.5 is amazing technology for nav and music
• See previous posts for more details

2012 AMG

• C63 AMG coupe arrives
• E63 returnes with 5.5 litre biturbo with 518 hp and 25% better fuel economy
• CLS63 AMG debuted in the spring
• SLS AMG roadster arrives

This is a great time to be a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast!

As the 2012 models begin production, Mercedes-Benz has announced some Special Value Packages to enhance the launch of these models! This information applies to the July production schedule and will continue until further notice.

2012 C-Class Sedan and Coupe

All vehicles will be equipped with the  S32 COMAND Launch Package. During this launch period the Audio 20 system and the 320 Multimedia Package are not orderable. The Rearview Camera has been made available as a stand-alone option.

S32 COMAND Launch Package – $930

• COMAND Navigation with single CD/DVD
• Voice Control

2012 GLK-Class

Two launch packages are available on the GLK-Class. S32 COMAND Launch Package or the new S33 Multimedia Launch Package. During this launch period the 320 Multimedia Package is not orderable but the Audio 20 is available.

S32 COMAND Launch Package – $930

• COMAND Navigation with single CD/DVD
• Voice Control

S33 Multimedia Launch Package – $2600

• COMAND Navigation with single CD/DVD
• Voice Control
• Universal Customer Interface
• Multimedia Interface Cable
• Rearview Camera

2012 SLK-Class

All vehicles will be equipped with the  S32 COMAND Launch Package which, requires Premium 1 Package. During this launch period the Audio 20 system and the 320 Multimedia Package are not orderable.

S32 COMAND Launch Package – $1150

• COMAND Navigation with single CD/DVD
• Voice Control

2012 E-Class Coupes and Cabriolets

All vehicles will be equipped with Premium 1 Launch Package or Premium 2 Launch Package.

S01 Premium 1 Launch Package – $3600

• Multimedia Interface Cable
• Rearview Camera
• COMAND with single CD/DVD
• Universal Customer Interface
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio
• Premium Sound
• Heated Seats
• Power Rear Sun Shade (coupes)
• Airscarf  (cabriolets)

S02 Premium 2 Launch Package – $6050

• S01 Package
• Heated & Ventilated Seats
• Headlamp Cleaning System
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Bi-Xenon Headlamps with Active Curve Illumination
• Corner Illuminating Lamps
• Heated Windshield Washer Reservoir
• Keyless GO

2012 ML-Class

All vehicles will be equipped with Premium 1 Launch Package or Premium 2 Launch Package.

S01 Premium 1 Launch Package – $3200

• Autodimming Mirrors
• Multimedia Interface Cable
• Rearview Camera
• COMAND with single CD/DVD
• Universal Customer Interface
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio
• Memory Package for Driver Seat
• Power Folding Mirrors

S02 Premium 2 Launch Package – $5050

• S01 Package
• Keyless GO
• Climate Controlled Cupholder
• harmon/kardon LOGIC7 Surround System
• Multi-Color Ambient Lighting
• Rear Compartment (n/a with 315 pkg)

Here are some of the changes that are coming to the 2011 models.

C-Class

• Sport sedans now feature LED Daytime Running Lamps and black headlamp inlays
• Enhanced P1 package includes split folding rear seat and rear sunshade
• Heated Seats removed from Premium 1 Package
• New Lighting Package with Bi-Xenons and active curve illumination
• New standard 17” wheel for C350 sport

CL-Class

• Refresh! New bumpers, hood, fenders, grille, headlamps, and taillights
• LED daytime running lights standard
• Driver Assist Package updated with Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist
• New standard 18” wheel
• Magnetite Black exterior color added (black base with metallic flake)
• Sahara Beige/Black interior color added

CLS-Class

• Sport body styling, sport steering wheel and 18” AMG wheels now standard

E-Class

• Bluetec arrives in late summer with 17” run-flats, sport or luxury
• Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist added to Driver Assist Package in E350/E550 sedans
• E63 gets alcantara headliner and stitched dash as standard
• Diamond White available starting in October production
• Wagon is standard with rear view camera and power liftgate
• Coupe gets new 18” AMG wheel in Appearance Package
• Cabriolet introduced with AIRCAP, AIRSCARF and trunk pass through

SUV Family

• New Mirror Design
• Blind Spot Assist Available (not on GLK)
• New Rear View Monitor reduces fish-eye effect
• Compass in rear view mirror – M/GL/R
• Diamond White paint available in October (not GLK)
• Barolo Red and Sand Beige discontinued (M/GL/R)

GL-Class

• GL550 gets a facelift
• New head restraints in 2^nd and 3^rd row
• Passenger seat memory added to P1

GLK-Class

• Driver Knee and front passenger airbags added as standard (9 total)
• LED daytime running lamps in lighting package
• Eco mode replaces Comfort mode
• Pearl Beige paint replaces Sand Beige paint

G-Class

• New wheel design
• Night Black paint added (matte)
• Tail lamp covers and turn signal covers deleted

M-Class

• LED daytime running lamps with bi-xenon headlamps
• ML63 gets new hood and headlights

R-Class

• Refresh!
• New from the A-pillar forward – fenders, grille, hood, bumpers, LEDs
• New 19” wheel
• New LED tail lamps
• New Rear bumper
• New seat design

S-Class

• S63 gets all-new 5.5 litre direct injection bi-turbo V8
• Contrast stitching with Premium and Exclusive upholstery
• Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist added to Driver Assist Package
• Optional Bang & Olufsen BeoSound surround-souns system with 15 speakers, 1200 watts and 16-channel digital signal processing
• Magnetite Black exterior color added (black base with metallic flake)
• Sahara Beige/Black interior color added

SLK-Class

• Sport Body Cladding added as standard
• Quartz Blue paint added
• No SLK55 AMG

Mercedes-Benz European Delivery is always a popular option for taking delivery of a new vehicle! There are so many benefits!

The European Delivery Program Spring Special Promotion has begun. For a limited time customers who take delivery between May 1 and June 30, 2010 will receive a 2nd night hotel accommodation, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz. There is also available 2-for-1 airfare from Lufthansa through the Mercedes-Benz travel department.

Model Year 2011 European Delivery Launch Dates:*

E350 & E550 Cabriolet   May 17, 2010

CLS and SLK-Class   June 21, 2010

C, GLK and E-Class   July 19, 2010

SL550, SL63 AMG   February 22, 2010

S-Class   November 15, 2010

*Launch dates are subject to change should there be a delay in the US retail release dates.

The European Delivery Program would like 90-120 days notice but there are ways to speed up the process! Please get in touch if you are interested in the program. You should also read my European Delivery customer testimonial to get another take on the benefits of this program.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK has been a great success in the compact luxury SUV segment. It is the best seller!

To further enhance this great design, Mercedes is introducing the AMG Styling Package. This package will be available to order in January and includes:

• AMG-designed front and rear bumpers with chrome skid plates
• 20″ AMG twin five-spoke wheels with all-season tires
• Aluminum roof rails
• LED daytime running lamps (does not require lighting package)

The AMG Styling Package will be priced at $1,970.

The Univeral Media Interface or UMI has generated a lot of interest and questions since it was launched for the C-Class and GLK last year. There have been some complaints about the system being slow and Mercedes has addressed that and launched the new and improved Nav + 4 with enhanced performance and funtionality.

Nav + 4 has the same features as UMI:
1 – Navigation with free live traffic
2 – iPod/iPhone Interface
3 – USB Interface
4 – AUX Interface
5 – Bluetooth Audio Streaming

The improvements to the system are:
5 times faster route calculation
5 times faster destination entry
5 times faster zooming
Day/Night changeover in real time
Updated navigation data
Alaska, Hawaii & Puerto Rico included

New functionality includes:
Reality View Pro (highway signs)
Traffic Lane Assist Pro (road splits)
Enter destination via map

This adaptor has been a little hard to find for some of my clients. Luckily, Mercedes has come out with their own. Called the PCMCIA Multi-Card Reader, it is priced at $102 and the part number is 6-7-82-3974. You should be able to order one from your local parts department.

A quick Google search will come up with cheaper readers that are meant to do the same thing, but these are meant to work with laptops and aren’t guaranteed to work with your car like the Mercedes version is. Also, I haven’t personally tested the Mercedes adapter with the larger SDHC cards so it may not read those.