Acknowledging that diesels are making inroads in terms of acceptability in one of the world’s largest markets, Mercedes-Benz of North America is planning to introduce a diesel GLK, concurrent with its plans to also introduce a diesel-powered C-Class. Today’s crop of diesel engines are far removed from their predecessors, which deserved their reputation as oil burners with their unmistakable clatter. Nowadays, diesel engines rival gasoline engines in terms of smoothness and power generation, while significantly offering higher levels of fuel efficiency with much lower harmful emissions.

For the 2013 model year, Mercedes’ GLK diesel model will sport a 2200 cc common rail engine with an output of 170 hp and almost 300 lb-ft of torque. To be known as the 220 CDI 4Matic, this CUV has already passed US emission laws. With the increased acceptance of diesels, Mercedes-Benz North America head Steve Cannon looks forward to sales figures in the “high 30s”, as opposed to the previous year’s sales of 24,300 units.