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SPY SHOTS: Mercedes GLK

Posted Nov 6th 2006 7:52AM by Noah Joseph
Mercedes is preparing a new compact SUV targeting the BMW X3, and spy photos of a test mule have been shot near the factory in Stuttgart, Germany.

The GLK fills a new niche in the Mercedes SUV line-up, together with the M-Class and G-Class. Like the SLK is a "kurz" (short) version of the SL roadster, the GLK is like a baby G-wagen. Based on the mechanicals of the next C-Class, the GLK's styling will ape the design of its big-brother GL, but on a smaller scale. The engine range is tipped to start (in the US market, at least) with Mercedes' 3.5-liter V6, with the mouthwatering possibility of a V8-powered GLK63 AMG in the cards at the top of the range, all driving through Mercedes' 7-speed auto transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive.

Insiders expect the GLK to hit the market as a 2009 model, with a possible unveiling at either Frankfurt '07 or Geneva '08. As always, watch this space for more info as it emerges.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

De_Tomaso je napisal/-a:Za GLKa smo lahko ponosni, saj je notranje kljuke narisal slovenec.


Čeprav resnično, šalo na stran.


Sam še vedno en vidim smisla v malih SUVjih. Je recimo bil X3 sploh uspešen model, kar se prodaj tiče.

De_Tomaso je napisal/-a:Resno?

Sicer verjamem na besedo, ampak vseeno bi lahko kje poiskal prodajne cifre. Sam sem se trudil, a google ne vrže nič točnega

De_Tomaso je napisal/-a:Za GLKa smo lahko ponosni, saj je notranje kljuke narisal slovenec.


Čeprav resnično, šalo na stran.


Sam še vedno en vidim smisla v malih SUVjih. Je recimo bil X3 sploh uspešen model, kar se prodaj tiče.

Officially Official: Mercedes calling new CUV the GLK

Posted Aug 8th 2007 2:27PM by Frank Filipponio
Well, we suppose MLK might have confused some people (and might have resulted in some lawsuits out of Atlanta). Mercedes has instead announced that its new compact CUV will officially be called the GLK. This new German-built crossover will debut in Europe late next year, with U.S. sales following in early 2009. M-B is said to favor marketing it as a compact SUV rather than a CUV, however, and apparently has butched it up. A boxy, but disguised prototype was shown to journalists recently who said it is much smaller and lower than a GL. The interior was uncovered and showed two-row seating, "white leather seats with black piping, black wood trim, the Mercedes COMAND-Plus single-knob controller for many electronically controlled functions, and a screen in the dash for a navigation system." The prototype was probably a high trim level, we guess. Guesses on pricing, however, put it under $40,000 to match the BMW X3's $38,775 starting price and fall far enough below the M-Class MSRP of $44,425. Predictions are that we'll see the GLK-Class debut in Detroit next January.

According to Automotive News, Mercedes has officially confirmed the name of their new SUV called, GLK. The GLK-Class will launch in Europe at the end of 2008 and U.S. launch, most likely Detroit, in early 2009.

At a special press event, Automotive News reports that one of the GLK test prototypes wrapped in black matte tape commonly seen in spy photos was on hand for closer inspection. The test prototype (as seen in our spy photo) had white leather interior with wood trim, COMMAND-Plus and only one row of rear seats. Unlike the M-Class and GL-Class which are made in Alabama, the GLK will be built in Germany.

Mercedes officials classify the vehicle as a compact SUV instead of crossover. They gave no hints to pricing, but it is expected to come in under $40,000 USD for the entry model to compete with BMW's X3 which starts at $38,775. Other competing models include Acura RDX, Land Rover LR2, VW Tiguan, upcoming Volvo XC60 and new Lexus and Infiniti entries.