Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class lineup is simple: the GLK 350 is the core rear-wheel-drive V6, focused on smooth gas power and premium comfort. The GLK 350 4MATIC keeps that V6 and adds all-wheel drive for wet or snowy roads. The GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC is the efficiency branch, pairing standard all-wheel drive with strong diesel torque and better fuel economy for commuting and highway travel.
The Base Model trim level — the GLK 350 — is the straightforward gasoline GLK, with smooth V6 power, rear-wheel drive, and an upscale cabin.
Best for: Drivers who want Mercedes comfort and V6 power without all-wheel-drive or diesel hardware.
Highlights
The All-wheel Drive trim level — the GLK 350 4MATIC — is the all-season gasoline GLK, retaining the V6 while adding traction for slippery roads.
Best for: Drivers who want smooth V6 power with added confidence in rain or snow.
Highlights
Adds 4MATIC all-wheel drive while retaining the Base Model’s 302-hp V6 and 7-speed automatic transmission.
11 in stock
The Diesel trim level — the GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC — is the mileage-focused GLK, built around strong low-speed pulling power and standard all-wheel drive.
Best for: Commuters and highway travelers who value fuel economy and diesel pulling power more than quicker gasoline-engine acceleration.
Highlights
Swaps the gasoline V6 for a 200-hp turbo-diesel four-cylinder, raising torque to 369 lb-ft and fuel economy to 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway while keeping all-wheel drive.
0 in stock| Feature | Diesel | Base Model | All-wheel Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC0 in stock | GLK 3509 in stock | GLK 350 4MATIC11 in stock |
| Engine and fuel | Turbo-diesel four-cylinder | 3.5L gasoline V6 | 3.5L gasoline V6 |
| Drive wheels | 4MATIC all-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | 4MATIC all-wheel drive |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 302 hp | 302 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Fuel economy | 24 city / 33 highway mpg | 19 city / 25 highway mpg | 18 city / 24 highway mpg |
GLK 350 identifies the gas V6 model. Adding 4MATIC means all-wheel drive. GLK 250 BlueTEC identifies the turbo-diesel model, which came with 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
The main difference is traction. The GLK 350 uses rear-wheel drive, while the GLK 350 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive. In later years, both use the same 302-hp V6 and seven-speed automatic.
Both have all-wheel drive, but their engines serve different needs. In 2013–2015 models, the GLK 350 uses a 302-hp gas V6, while the GLK 250 BlueTEC uses a 200-hp diesel with more low-speed pulling power and better fuel economy.
The GLK 250 BlueTEC pairs a torque-rich diesel with all-wheel drive and favors highway efficiency. The GLK 350 uses a smoother, stronger gas V6 and rear-wheel drive, making it the simpler choice for drivers who do not need extra foul-weather traction.
No. The GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC is the diesel GLK. It uses a 2.1-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder, a seven-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive on 2013–2015 models.
Yes. On a GLK-Class badge, 4MATIC means all-wheel drive. The GLK 350 without that badge is rear-wheel drive, while the GLK 350 4MATIC and GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC drive all four wheels.
A 4MATIC model is the better fit because it has all-wheel drive. Pick the GLK 350 4MATIC for gas V6 power or the 2013–2015 GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC for diesel efficiency and strong low-speed pulling power.
The 2013–2015 GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC is the efficiency-focused choice. Its diesel is rated at 33 mpg highway and produces 369 lb-ft of torque, giving it relaxed pulling power for longer trips.
A GLK 350 is the better fit. In post-refresh models, its gas V6 makes 302 horsepower, compared with 200 horsepower from the GLK 250 BlueTEC diesel. Pick the 4MATIC version if all-wheel drive also matters.
The GLK 350 is the straightforward choice. It combines the gas V6 with rear-wheel drive and avoids the added all-wheel-drive hardware found in 4MATIC models.
It adds all-wheel drive. The basic V6 powertrain and core cabin equipment remain similar, so the reason to step up is extra traction rather than a major luxury-equipment upgrade.
The core cabin setup is broadly similar across the later lineup. GLK 350, GLK 350 4MATIC, and GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC models share items such as dual-zone climate control, power front seats, MB-Tex upholstery, Bluetooth, and a 5.8-inch display.
Yes. The GLK 350, GLK 350 4MATIC, and GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC all use a seven-speed automatic in the eras when each was sold.