Images of Mercedes’ upcoming GLK recently surfaced after it was spotted on the set of the Sex And The City movie and now Mercedes-Benz has released official images of the compact SUV dubbed the Vision GLK Freeside.
Although still in its concept form, the GLK is posed to cause a quite a stir when it makes an appearance at the Detroit Show because, if these images are anything to go by, the GLK looks quite close to production. Nothing like the size of the big-brother GL, the GLK is a crossover because of its similarity in design to the GL, but with the size of an M-Class – especially with its platform based on that of the new C-Class estate.
The styling is undoubtedly GL-sourced with many sharp, angular lines complementing the bold shape that started with the original G-Wagen. The only deviation from the usual SUV styling that might get it on-the-shelf-street-cred are the custom 20-inch alloy wheels that come standard. Although the ride height indicates that this crossover may be destined for a little more than motorway cruising, the thought of the low-profile 20’s bundu-bashing is enough to send a chill down anyone who knows how pricey those rims are to repair…
The Vision GLK Freeside is powered by two petrol engines and an all-new diesel variant. The petrol will be two V6’s, most likely the 170 kW and 200 kW 2,8-litre and 3,5-litre that are currently doing service in the Daimler AG line-up. The new Bluetec 2,2-litre four-cylinder diesel unit features fourth-generation commom-rail direct injection, a two-stage turbocharger system and is good for 125 kW. There is also a rumour that an AMG-fettled GLK with a (detuned) Affalterbach-sourced 6,2-litre V8 producing upwards of 330 kW may be introduced as well.
All models will be available with the 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission and the new 4Matic all-wheel drive that has a 45:55 percent distribution of drive torque between the front and rear axle. Driver aids include ESP, ASR and 4ETS dynamic handling control systems and Downhill Speed Regulation for steep inclines.
Unlike most concepts, the Vision GLK Freeside doesn’t feature out of this world gizmos and a quirky interior. The interior is marked by high-quality materials such as cebrano wood, chrome and black leather – even the detailing is precise. The facia, with its three-dimensional trim, creates an illusion of impressive width and houses controls for the Intelligent Light System, Comand APS infotainment centre, rear-seat entertainment system with two screens and Thermotronic 3-zone climate control.
The final version of the GLK is expected to be ready for the Beijing Show this April, with the car launching into the US market from January 2009. Because driveshaft packaging presently disallows right-hand drive models, the GLK will initially be unavailable for markets like the UK, South Africa and Australia – though if fixed, the GLK could make it to right-hand drive by 2010.