In a lawsuit Mercedes-Benz calls 鈥渦nfounded,鈥?several owners of M-B diesel vehicles are suing over concerns their cars may emit more nitrogen oxide (NOx) than is legal. This is the second class-action suit against Mercedes for the same issue, both coming from the same law firm. In February, owners represented by Hagens Berman claimed their vehicles emitted extra NOx in certain conditions, mostly in low temperatures. But the law firm claims new third-party tests suggested the cars emitted elevated NOx in 鈥渧irtually all road tests,鈥?according to Reuters. Since Benz鈥檚 cars passed the dynamometer emissions tests, the filing suggests the company is using a defeat device similar to the ones found in certain Volkswagen diesels. The company responded today, saying 鈥渁 component that inadmissibly reduces emissions is not used in Mercedes-Benz vehicles,鈥?reiterating its position following February鈥檚 less-far-reaching lawsuit. The EPA has yet to open an official investigation into Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles, but it has requested information from the company. From our shooting-from-the-hip perspective, we鈥檙e inclined to think Benz is being unfairly targeted by owners who鈥檇 like to profit from diesel鈥 檚 flagging reputation as a green fuel (thank you very much, Volkswagen). We sincerely hope the company is innocent in this case, and not just because we are fans of diesel engines. After all, what good is a green fuel if it does more harm than advertised?

In a lawsuit Mercedes-Benz calls 鈥渦nfounded,鈥?several owners of M-B diesel vehicles are suing over concerns their cars may emit more nitrogen oxide (NOx) than is legal. This is the second class-action suit against Mercedes for the same issue, both coming from the same law firm. In February, owners represented by Hagens Berman claimed their vehicles emitted extra NOx in certain conditions, mostly in low temperatures. But the law firm claims new third-party tests suggested the cars emitted elevated NOx in 鈥渧irtually all road tests,鈥?according to Reuters. Since Benz鈥檚 cars passed the dynamometer emissions tests, the filing suggests the company is using a defeat device similar to the ones found in certain Volkswagen diesels. The company responded today, saying 鈥渁 component that inadmissibly reduces emissions is not used in Mercedes-Benz vehicles,鈥?reiterating its position following February鈥檚 less-far-reaching lawsuit. The EPA has yet to open an official investigation into Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles, but it has requested information from the company. From our shooting-from-the-hip perspective, we鈥檙e inclined to think Benz is being unfairly targeted by owners who鈥檇 like to profit from diesel鈥檚 flagging reputation as a green fuel (thank you very much, Volkswagen). We sincerely hope the company is innocent in this case, and not just because we are fans of diesel engines. After all, what good is a green fuel if it does more harm than advertised?

Although the GLK250 is not as fast as the GLK350, it excels in fuel mileage. The all-wheel-drive-only turbodiesel model is EPA rated 24/33/28 mpg city/highway/combined, while the GLK350 earns an EPA rating of 19/24-25/21 mpg for all-wheel and rear-drive models. Based on the EPA rating for combined mpg, the diesel-powered model has about a 122-mile range advantage over the gas model and a 95-mile advantage based on our observed driving. 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. 1990 AMG Styling Package (19-inch AMG wheels, front and rear bumpers, chrome skidplates, brushed aluminum roof rails, LED DRLs). 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.

The Mercedes-Benz GLK Class compact SUV was only introduced as a 2010 model but already engineers are hard at work testing a facelifted version due out later this year. This makes the facelifted GLK a 2013 model, with the new model year will come fresh new styling and a revised engine lineup promising greater performance and efficiency. The prototypes pictured here can clearly be seen wearing new--but masked--bumpers, both at the front and rear. Expect to see the hard-edged details of the current model softened a little, with the curvier look of the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz M Class being adopted. This will be especially true for the headlights, which on this prototype also appear to feature new LED elements. Major changes will also take place inside, with the current model's center console mounted gearshift lever expected to be swapped with shifter stalks located on the steering column. You'll notice the empty space in the center console where the gearshift lever used to be in some of the shots.

As for the engine lineup on this 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class, there鈥檚 a chance a new entry-level GLK250 model will pick up the highly efficient turbocharged and direct injected 1.8-liter found in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C Class range. Output should be the same 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque as found in the C250. The GLK350 model should remain, though this is likely to adopt Mercedes鈥?latest 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque 3.5-liter V-6--an upgrade of 34 horsepower and 15 pound-feet over the previous V-6. Also confirmed is a new diesel option for U.S. The 2013 GLK Class will be the sixth Mercedes model to offer a diesel option in the U.S., joining the likes of the E, S, M, R and GL Class models, which all feature a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine. The GLK is likely to sport a 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel making 204 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, an engine that鈥檚 already been emissions-certified for the U.S.