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The GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic is priced comparably to the gas-powered models, with the GLK250 starting at $39,495 (including destination). That's $1500 more than the rear-drive GLK350 and $500 less than the all-wheel-drive GLK350. While gas and diesel fuel costs vary by region, the price gap closes because the gas V-6 engine requires premium. With a similar vehicle price and fuel cost, the fuel mileage advantage becomes a compelling factor in the GLK250's favor.

With an as tested price of $50,485, our tester came with optional $720 Steel Gray paint, $750 heated front seats, $3450 Premium Package (garage door opener, compass, auto-dimming driver side and rearview mirrors, power liftgate, panorama sunroof, MP3 hookup, SiriusXM radio, and 115-volt AC outlet), $1290 Lighting Package (adaptive HID headlights, cornering lamps, headlight washers, adaptive high-beam assist), $2790 Multimedia Package (backup camera, voice command with navigation and MB apps, in-dash six-disc DVD/CD changer, and 7-inch color display), $1990 AMG Styling Package (19-inch AMG wheels, front and rear bumpers, chrome skidplates, brushed aluminum roof rails, LED DRLs).

Missing from out tester was the $2100 Leather Package (leather upholstery, premium interior lighting, 10-way front passenger seat with memory, comfort-type head restraints), $810 harmon/kardon audio system, $650 push-button start, $850 Lane Tracking Package (blind spot assist, lane keeping assist), and $2950 Driver Assistance Package (Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe brake, blind spot assist, lane keeping assist, Pre-Safe predictive occupant protection system), $970 Parktronic with Active Parking Assist, $550 trailer hitch).

While a fully loaded example could reach just under $60,000 including the $1515 Diamond White Metallic paint, Mercedes suggests most GLK250 transactions will be in the $40,000 range.

For luxury buyers with fuel savings in mind, the Mercedes-Benz GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic gives up little in performance during most driving scenarios, yet rewards drivers with savings at the fuel pump. Besides, the money you save on fuel could be spent filling up a C-Class coupe or SLK roadster on weekends.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK250 Bluetec
BASE PRICE	$39,495
PRICE AS TESTED	$50,485
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV
ENGINE	2.1L/200-hp/369-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4
TRANSMISSION	7-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	4359 lb (54/46%)
WHEELBASE	108.5 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	178.3 x 74.3 x 66.9 in
0-60 MPH	7 sec
QUARTER MILE	15.3 sec @ 87.4 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	117 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.74 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	28.7 sec @ 0.57 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON	24/33 mpg
ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY	159/116 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS	0.81 lb/mile

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