2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 665 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are all wheel drive (AWD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK. (349 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK | 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GLK | GL |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 349 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 2515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4529 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1887 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1699 mm | 1839 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2756 mm | 3076 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 11.2 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 100 L |
