MLK- new small suv from MB, short version of ML (W164).. Enjoy..!!

 

When will the release be and what engine?

 

Not a very good idea..............But its a need due to the competition.

 

How big is that or how small is that? What is it's competition?

 

Competition-- X3, Acura RDX

 

Looks like a B-class with offroad abilities and yes MB will probably have to produce it due to the competition

 

The latest info being told to MB dealers is that the small ML (X or K) is on "hold". I don't know whether the price point is too low for MB to make money (ala Smart), but the competition seems to be expanding their selection of smaller SUV's. The X3 is getting a facelift, Audi has the Q5 (Q3?), Acura just launched the RDX, and Land Rover has the replacement for the Freelander due soon. VW is rumored to be developing a smaller Touraeg and the new Toyota RAV is selling very briskly. With gasoline still hovering around $3, it would seem to make sense to have a smaller MB SUV in the pipeline.

 

Exit the MLK, Enter the GLK !
From AutoBild through eMercedes.com

Auto Bild Reports On Mercedes' Rumored Entry-Level SUV
Posted June 28th, 2006 at 11:45 AM CST

As you may remember, many, many moons ago we brought you spy photos of what was then called the Mercedes MLK, a BMW X3 fighter that reportedly will share a number of components with the upcoming C-Class.

Now, in an article published by the insightful kids over at Auto Bild, it's being reported the MLK moniker is a distant memory, replaced instead by the new and improved title of the "GLK." But the fun doesn't stop there, ladies and gentlemen - Auto Bild's article then goes on to state what we can expect to see from the GLK, based on... well I'm not really sure what it's based on, but I'll stoke the rumor flames anyways, and let you form your own conclusions.

Obviously, as the rendering implies, the GLK will look like a smaller variant of, you guessed it, the GL-Class. Flared wheel arches, angular shapes and a broader, masculine stance all give way to what appears to be a mini-GL. As for the GLK's underpinning's, it reportedly will still share a nearly identical chassis to the one found on the forthcoming C-Class, or more specifically, the C-Class 4MATIC variant. Differences between the GLK's "Direct Control Chassis" and the C-Class' chassis will include longer spring travels, higher wheel loads and larger wheels.

Power for the new model is expected to be provided by a total of four engines - one four-cylinder and three six-cylinder variants, with engines being paired specifically with both 4X2 and 4X4 models. On the rear-wheel drive GLK, a new 2.2 Liter CDI producing 190 horsepower is supposedly in development, along with a 231 horsepower 3.0 Liter V6. As for the four-wheel drive GLK, a 3.5-Liter 272 horsepower V6 is planned, along with a 224 horsepower 3.0-Liter diesel.

And finally, what Mercedes would be complete without a wealth of technological gadgetry? Brake Assist, Distronic Plus, ABS, ESP and the new COMAND system are all expected to be featured on the new GLK, along with the typical CD, telephone, and MP3 functions.

Pricing for the GLK is expected to come in around EUR 20,000 less than the GL, with the new model possibly debuting as early as 2009.

Rumors - you gotta love 'em.

For more info, head over to Auto Bild to read the full article, translated from German for your viewing pleasure.

 

Looks like an Opel Zafira, not a good news for the class and style of the MB!

I am disappointed with this little Frankenshtain!

 

yuck!
i like the idea of and MLK better