Happy New Year! I know it is not even September but with all of the new 2020 models arriving from Mercedes-Benz it seems like the future! We have already received the resigned GLE-Class, the refreshed GLC-Class and the 2020 E350.
We have quite a few models coming in the new year that you might not be familiar with just yet. In fact, there might be a few I am not totally familiar with just yet! The Future Models section at www.mbusa.com is a good place to start.
GLB
Our SUV line-up has grown substantially over the years. The G-Class has been around since the 70's but the first modern luxury SUV was the ML (now GLE) for 1997. Since then we have added a larger SUV, the GLS-Class, and two smaller models, the GLA-Class and GLC-Class. Well, it turns out there was still a little room and the GLB-Class is coming for 2020! I haven't seen it in person yet but it seems to have the interior technology from the new A-Class and a exterior with a few more corners than all of the other SUVs. That is good news for the square SUV fans!
EQC
This will be the first vehicle in the EQ sub-brand from Mercedes-Benz. It looks to be approximately GLC-sized but with a full electric drive system and impressive new technology. It is very powerful, charges quickly and will be a great option for customers looking for full electric capability.
GLS-Class
The all-new GLS-Class should arrive late 2019. It is a little larger, a lot more luxurious and now available with Captain's Chairs! People have been asking for captains chairs since the beginning of time! We have already started our order list for the GLS450, GLS580 and the yet-to-be-announced AMG variant. Don't wait! The vehicle is currently being built and there might be a stampede when it is released to the dealership!
The all-new GLC300 is scheduled to arrive in December! One dropped by today and someone happened to park a GLK next to it! I thought it was the perfect opportunity to so a side-by-side comparison.
The new GLC is the direct replacement for the outgoing GLK. The new nomenclature tells you it is the SUV aligned with the C-Class sedan. It is larger, plusher and less boxy than the GLK.
I know the new nomenclature is making it hard to keep track of what is what in the world of Mercedes-Benz. The addition of coupe variants to the small and mid-size SUVs is not making it easier! So, when I saw this article about the new GLC that says there are just 11 things to know, I was thrilled!
Everyone is reviewing the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK250 Bluetec right now! It is a great combination of efficiency, power and good looks. Here is a roundup:
My First GLK250 Bluetec Owner
"I did not expect to be this impressed! I knew I would like it...but this is even better than I hoped for!"
"The engine is so refined and insulated from the cabin that it's hard to detect any “dieselness.” Brakes are responsive, the steering steady and sure, the body control good. Nothing seems to upset the serenity of the driving experience, much like the unwavering steadiness of its big brother GL."
"Moving the GLK250 Bluetec at a fairly snappy pace is a new 2.1-liter, four-cylinder twin-turbodiesel mated to Mercedes' seven-speed automatic transmission. The package delivers 200 horsepower and an impressive 369 pound-feet of torque and Mercedes estimates 0-60 acceleration at 7.9 seconds."
"The sophistication of the GLK's ride and handling are impressive. The GLK handled southeast Michigan's moonscape roads with amazing smoothness, damping out the majority of the cratered surfaces even at higher speeds."
"The advantages of diesel engines are numerous, and most American drivers have no clue about the upsides. Such power-plants are more efficient than standard engines, improving mileage and overall energy output. They're more reliable because they don't need a high powered electrical ignition system. They run cooler, cleaner and longer – all while being easier to supercharge."
"The GLK250 BlueTEC 4Matic starts at $38,590, which falls in the middle of the $37,090 GLK350 and $39,090 GLK350 4Matic. Our fully optioned tester rang in at $50,485, and before you guffaw, know that an Audi Q5 Hybrid starts at $50,900 – that's without a single option box ticked."
Me
"Please come drive the GLK250 yourself if you have doubts. It is amazing! I love it!"
The 2013 GLK250 Bluetec has been listed in our order banks with a base price of $99,999 for months now. Those 9's are really just a place holder until there is actual pricing to fill in. Today the GLK250s have real prices!
Base MSRP $38,590 plus $905 Destination and Delivery
There is no official release date yet but we are hoping to see them at the dealerships by early May.
I just drove the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK250 Bluetec! It was great! I felt like it had plenty of power and pick-up. I can't wait for it to arrive at the dealership (hopefully within the next couple of weeks).
The trainer who has been driving for the last 3000 miles says his best mileage has been 37mpg on the highway and below is the current trip odometer.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK250 Bluetec will be out first 4-cylinder diesel when it is released this spring! Details have just been published in the Future Models section at MBUSA.com.
Exceptional fuel economy: up to 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway
4MATIC all-wheel-drive technology
Enhanced 7-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles
Advanced AGILITY CONTROL suspension
ATTENTION ASSIST driver-drowsiness monitor
Available Driver Assistance Package featuring DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control with PRE-SAFE® Brake, Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist
LED Daytime Running Lamps and new LED Tail lamps standard
Available Appearance Package and AMG Styling Package