QQQ

Don't panic... it is launched in China, not made in China.

April 21, 2008

MERCEDES-BENZ GLK MAKES GLOBAL DEBUT AT AUTO CHINA

Mercedes-Benz debuted the new GLK-Class sport utility vehicle at Auto China in Beijing on Sunday, April 20, and will make its North American dealer showroom debut in January 2009 as a 2010 model.

Powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5-litre V6 engine the 2010 GLK350 4MATIC™ will form the basis of the Canadian lineup, and will be riding on standard 19-inch 10-spoke wheels with 235/50 tires. The GLK features a 2,756 mm (108.5-inch) wheelbase and boasts unique design language which sets it apart from the rest of the highly successful Mercedes-Benz family of SUVs that includes the M-Class (which spurred the trend toward more car-like SUVs), the larger GL-Class, the R-Class and the iconic G-Class.

Showcasing bold exterior design, generous cargo capacity and 4MATIC™ all-wheel-drive, the GLK350 combines the perfect balance of styling, versatility and performance. The 2010 GLK-Class will be produced exclusively at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany.

Aggressive Styling and a Unique Personality

With its poised, confident presence, the GLK-Class leaves no doubt about its intent to conquer the compact premium SUV segment. In sharp contrast to the relatively soft forms of other similar-sized vehicles, the striking, angular profile of the GLK sets it apart from the competition. From its steeply-raked windshield to the integrated rear spoiler on its tightly styled roof section, the bullish shape of the new GLK suggests power and agility, and echoes the G-Class -- the iconic pioneer of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family.

Mercedes-Benz Design Chief Prof. Peter Pfeiffer adds: "With the G-Class we created a style icon that has been a benchmark in SUV design for the past 30 years. Combining this bold concept with the latest Mercedes-Benz design idiom makes the GLK a vehicle of genuine character."

Beautiful proportions (length 4,528 mm (178.3 in.), width 1,839 mm (72.4 in.), height 1,699 mm (66.9 in.)) and styling combine classic angular shapes together with the distinctive design features found in contemporary Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Taut lines and large, expansive surfaces mix with the traditional characteristics of a proper off-road vehicle, such as short overhangs, an upright front end, slim roof pillars, and a steeply raked windshield. Generous angles of approach and departure combined with impressive ground clearance allow the GLK to handle light off-roading with ease. On-road, the clear layout of the exterior and good all-around visibility, combined with a commanding seating position, enhances everyday practicality and relaxed driving, even in dense city traffic.

A Luxurious, Feature-Rich Interior

The GLK boasts a long list of standard equipment, including details not typically found in this vehicle class. Inside, a two-zone automatic climate control system, adjustable steering column, front seats with electrically adjustable height and backrest angle (including seat inclination adjustment) and manual lumbar support with two-way adjustment for the driver's seat are all standard on the GLK. Standard integrated Bluetooth interface for mobile phones, a microphone for the hands-free system and a central 12.7 cm (5-inch) colour display round out the list of interior appointments.

The 2010 GLK features all the impressive design and safety technology found in other Mercedes-Benz models, including standard front and side air bags as well as window air bags. Among its many comfort and convenience features is an available rear-seat entertainment system featuring two 20 cm (8 in.) screens, wireless headphones and an integrated dual-source DVD player.

The distinctive looks of the GLK exterior are seamlessly continued inside, with luxurious materials and precise detailing. The taught, sculpted lines of the dashboard dominate the interior, visually extending into the door panels to lend additional width to the generously dimensioned cockpit. Luxurious Burl Walnut wood with chrome trim highlights the dashboard and door panels at the front and rear, while the upper section of the dashboard encompasses the instrument cluster and the standard 12.7 cm (5-in) colour display). The driver's armrest features integrated cupholders and the standard controller for the audio functions and the optional COMAND multimedia system is located in ergonomically ideal positions between the front seats. Control of the individual menus is intuitive, following the familiar and well-proven layout used in the current C-Class and S-Class models. Additional shortcut buttons provide direct access to the most important main functions. Front and rear headroom figures are 1,010 mm (39.8 in.) and 1,008 mm (39.7 in.) respectively, while the cargo area boasts 660 litres (23.3 cubic feet) of storage. Cargo capacity balloons to 1,549 litres (54.7 cubic feet) when the 1/3:2/3-split rear seats are folded forwards.

4MATIC™ All-Wheel-Drive System

The all-wheel-drive powertrain at the heart of the GLK350 4MATIC™ is one of the most capable systems on the market. The dynamic ESP®, ASR and 4ETS driving systems work in concert to ensure top-notch longitudinal and lateral control and superb handling stability both on and off-road. Thanks to a compact, longitudinally designed engine, transmission and transfer case arrangement, the system offers various advantages over its counterparts equipped with a transversely installed drive unit.

The 45:55 torque distribution between the front and rear axle – along with the ESP®, ASR and 4ETS dynamic handling control systems – guarantees effortless and exceptional performance. Loss of traction on snow or ice is compensated for by the newly developed multi-disc clutch in the centre differential, which provides a basic partial locking torque between the front and rear axle. This arrangement produces a significant increase in traction while maintaining directional stability.

Agility Control Suspension

The sophisticated Agility Control suspension on the new GLK-Class helps resolve a common paradox facing the SUV segment – how to create a vehicle that combines agile on-road comfort with off-road capability. For sporty, responsive handling, the suspension and, above all, the shock absorbers need to provide a certain firmness however, this may compromise comfort and limits off-road performance. If the vehicle is setup with softer dampers, dynamic handling naturally suffers. Thanks to "amplitude-dependent damping" the suspension can adjust to perform in either driving conditions. During normal driving on moderately contoured roads or slow off-road manoeuvres, the system responds softly, enhancing both the occupants' comfort and the vehicle's off-road capability. During more spirited driving or when performing abrupt evasive maneuvers, the dampers adjust to a harder setting ensuring optimum handling stability. Additionally, speed-sensitive power steering supports the driver with a precise balance of high-speed road feel and low speed maneuverability. Maximum power assistance is available during parking and off-road driving, while at higher speeds, the assistance is reduced in favour of greater handling stability.

In addition to a tire pressure warning system, the tried-and-tested Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) for the GLK incorporates a vehicle/trailer stabilization function, which helps maintain control while towing a trailer by applying the individual wheel brakes as required. The GLK offers a maximum tow rating of 1,588 kgs (3,500 lbs).

Complete Safety Package for Maximum Occupant Protection

In combination with the front and rear deformation zones, the GLK's high-strength passenger cell provides a highly efficient foundation for the occupant protection systems, which include:

• Adaptive, two-stage air bags for the driver and front passenger

• Front side-impact air bags

• Window bags across both seat rows from the A-pillar to the C-pillar

• Active head restraints for the driver and front passenger

• Crash-optimized pedal system

• 3-point seat belts for all five seats

• Belt tensioner and adaptive belt-force limiter for the driver and front passenger, belt tensioner and single-stage belt-force limiter for the outer rear seats

• ISOFIX child seat attachments

• Belt height adjuster for the driver and front passenger

• Belt status indicator for the rear passengers in the instrument cluster

Mercedes remains true to the philosophy that the best accidents are the ones that are avoided entirely. With this in mind, standard equipment for all GLK models includes Brake Assist (BAS), which shortens the braking distance significantly -- especially during panic braking -- to help prevent accidents or at the very least mitigate their consequences. The front section incorporates precisely defined crumple space between the body and the major assemblies beneath, allowing the hood to yield considerably if hit by a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist. Together with the specially designed front bumpers and the softer foam of the integrated bumper impact absorbers, these measures afford pedestrians a high degree of protection.

Proven V6 Powerplant

The new sport utility is smaller and lighter than its well-known SUV siblings, the GLK features a 3.5-litre V6 engine, a sophisticated seven-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC™ full-time four-wheel-drive. All of these components combine to give the GLK350 an impressive 0-100 time of just 6.7 seconds (estimated). Low overall weight (estimated 1,831 kgs (4,036 lbs) curb weight) and the exceptional aerodynamics for a vehicle of this design (cd figure 0.35) further contribute to the exceptional performance and low fuel consumption.

Much as the latest C-Class sedan has brought a new level of sporty driving and ride comfort to the sedan world, the new GLK brings a new combination of agility and comfort to the SUV market. The GLK also broadens and extends the Mercedes-Benz sport utility line with cutting-edge engine and four-wheel-drive technology packaged in a stylish vehicle that’s the perfect size for today’s busy family.

The widest range of SUVs

Mercedes-Benz offers the widest range of SUVs in the premium segment, the GLK being the brand's fifth model in the series. In response to customers' wishes, the company’s family of SUV’s has grown to include the R-Class, M-Class, GL-Class and G-Class. The new GLK is the latest addition to this successful line-up.

Bora20

No CDI information for Canada yet eh? I don't want another petrol engine.

DerekACS

Today, MB Canada posted an offer of $500 off the purchase or lease for any Pre-order of a GLK, providing the agreement is signed before February 28, 2009.

The fine print further states that the "offer can be combined with other incentives or offers issued by MB Canada Inc."

Given the deteriorating economic situation, my guess is there well could be additional incentives offered by MBC and most other auto manufacturers in the very near future.

B200Turbo

Sadly I talked to my dealer sales rep and was told that for this model year there is not going to be any CDI or Bluetec only 350 V6 gasoline engine.
Apparently cars are very limited for Canada

DerekACS

Unfortunately, this information seems to be correct. The most likely diesel version for NA is the 2.2L engine, which may be called the GLK250 Bluetec.
Although this 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine will be very economical, the car's performance will be significantly slower than the GLK350, with 0-100 kph acceleration more than 2 secs. slower. When you load this vehicle down with several passengers and luggage, the 2.2L might be rather slow.

The arguments for not putting the 3.0L V6 diesel into the GLK for NA include the potential cannibalizing of the ML320 Bluetec sales.

Another reason for introducing the 2.2L engine is to increase MB's CAFE figure for the US market.