Benz debuts 2009 GLK

[Eric]

Following its world premiere at Auto China in April 2008, the Mercedes-Benz GLK is being unveiled in its natural habitat for the first time. Boasting a body that is as practical as it is arrestingly succinct, an exceptional power spectrum and a bold personality, the new arrival has what it takes to redefine standards in the compact SUV class over all manner of route profiles – both on and off the road.

Brimming with genuine character, the new GLK-Class is set to take the world of compact SUVs by storm. Yet it is not just the distinctive all-rounder's practical and appealingly compact body form that sets it apart from the competition. It also brings together what were previously seen as entirely contradictory attributes, with supreme driving dynamics and outstanding driving safety going hand in hand with exceptional ride comfort courtesy of the AGILITY CONTROL suspension. Meanwhile the variable 4MATIC all-wheel drive system joins forces with the latest electronic control systems to deliver consummate on-road performance and superb off-road proficiency. It is precisely this kind of combination that lends the GLK such immense appeal and warrants the inclusion in the model name of the "G", an allusion to the archetypal Mercedes off-roader. As Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Daimler AG Board of Management comments: "The GLK rounds off our tremendously successful SUV family, transferring characteristic Mercedes qualities such as refinement, dynamism and safety to a compact format in the process. This has now significantly raised the bar in this market segment."

Superlative performance comes courtesy of the powerful yet economical four and six-cylinder engines. The BlueEFFICIENCY model – the GLK 220 CDI – features the new entry-level four-cylinder diesel engine from Mercedes-Benz, which develops 125 kW/170 hp yet only consumes 6.9 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres. The highly robust body is key to the pioneering passive-safety setup, the extremely low noise levels, the exceptional degree of interior comfort – to produce that typical Mercedes feeling of wellbeing – and the high value retention.

Furthermore, exemplary appointments and attractive equipment packages make the GLK stand out from the rest of the compact-SUV crowd. Plus, state-of-the-art systems – such as the leading-edge PRE-SAFE® safety concept and the Intelligent Light System (ILS) – are available in this market segment for the very first time.

Mercedes-Benz GLK Edition 1: attractive model to celebrate sales launch

The exclusive "Edition 1" model is being brought out to mark the sales launch of the GLK-Class. This particular variant, sure to be the subject of great demand, is based on the exterior design of the models with exterior sports package but also features 20-inch wheels, the electrically operated EASY-PACK tailgate and specially tinted privacy glass in the rear compartment. The interior is based on the interior sports package and has been upgraded to include further quality details, such as black/white nappa leather seats from the designo range, an AMG multifunction leather steering wheel, a black roof lining, aluminium trim elements and the COMAND APS system. The exclusive GLK models are available in calcite white in the basic version, although customers may specify any other paint finish. Engine-wise, the GLK Edition 1 can be combined with any of the V6 units.

[chiph]

Going off some of the pics I've seen:

1. I'm surprise the grill-to-hood transition is as abrupt as it is -- I would have thought with the Euro pedestrian safety guidelines, it would have been more curved.

2. The lines on the body are dramatic. A little too so, really.

3. I like the overall boxiness of the shape -- a lot more trucklike than it's competitors, and I like that.

4. Introducing it with the diesel is a good move -- it may be only 170hp, but it has 295 lb-ft. of torque. And will likely get 35+ mpg

5. I'm curious what it's cargo carrying capabilities are. Perhaps someone will post how many cases of beer it will hold (a more useful measurement that pure volume, as it tells you what the actual usable space is)

Chip H.