Mercedes-Benz has launched its new compact SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, which is set to go against the likes of the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5. The GLK-Class has a sharp-edged boxy look to it, perhaps to pay homage to the larger G Wagon, which the GLK shares the G model letter with.
Mercedes-Benz says the design also allows the typical advantages of a proper off-roader to be offered on a compact SUV like large approach and departure angles and good ground clearance. It’s 4MATIX all-wheel drive system splits torque at a 45:55 front to rear split during normal conditions. A multi-disc clutch in the centre differential allows a basic partial locking torque of 50 newton metres between the front and rear axle.
There is a button labelled G that you can press to activate a special off-road driving program for the 7G-TRONIC transmission which softens the accelerator pedal so that you can modulate how much throttle input you want to put in more precisely. This makes it easier to tackle off-road conditions with low-friction surfaces. There is also a Downhill Speed Regulation system which lets you set a maximum speed and just let the GLK roll down a hill, with the DSR system controlling the braking automatically.
At launch, the GLK-Class is available in 4 variants – the GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the GLK 320 CDI, the GLK 280 or the GLK 350, with the first two being turbodiesel engines and the other two being V6 petrol engines. The GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY’s 2.2 litre inline-4 engine puts out 170 horsepower and 400Nm of torque between 1,400 to 2,800rpm. This engine is from the recently launched OM651 twin-turbocharged turbodiesel family. The GLK 320 CDI’s V6 turbodiesel puts out 224 horses and 540Nm of torque.
The petrol-powered GLK 280 and GLK 350 put out 231 horsepower and 272 horsepower respectively. Both turbodiesel and petrol V6 variants use Mercedes-Benz’s 7G-Tronic transmission which features 7 forward speeds and two reverse speeds.
More photos and 4 videos of the new GLK-Class available after the jump.
VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz GLK – Climb and Speed
VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz GLK – Fire and Ice
VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz GLK – Promo Video 1
VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz GLK – Promo Video 2
After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history. An avid electronic gadget aficionado as well as big-time coffee lover, he's also the executive producer of the Driven motoring TV programme.
mercs always never fail to deliver new techs in their new production cars. however i’m not really into this suv’s design.looks boxy..
just being annoying…. i’m first!!!
Kind of strange departure in terms of design for MB I think.
But I personally like it… the boxy shape has some character. Cool interior too!
Very boxy, definitely what Hitler would drive…
Somehow reminds me of Mitsubishi Airtrek…
Correct, does look like Airtrek. Design, looks like a C class with big wheels and higher from the ground level
i like the shape. a departure from the so-called ‘organic’ shapes we see today and back to the squarish designs of the early 80′s. basically i like retro stuff, so i kinda like the boxy shape of this car. the pajero io was also shaped like this. nice.
too bad it is only made in LHD and will probably not make it here officially.
i like da G wagon better..i dont think this looks gon go any wher..
i think it would look nicer if it was a bit wider… currently it looks long and a bit slim 4 an SUV. Not sure if people would go 4 the retro look but personally i might consider if its wider…
boxy.
Reminding of the olden day of Land Rover, that still using in Cameron Highland…
should target to Army and Police force.
I think of all the 3 compact SUV’s so far,
the Audi Q5 is the prettiest, followed by the BMW X3 and the ugliest would be this Mercedes GLK
re-evolution
its always back to retro when they’re bored with current design
X3 still nicer….
remove the Merc insignia and it will “transform” to Mahindra…
its not that good looking if compare with the M-class or X3, but no offense to the designers behind the project….
btw, the steering wheel is ugly……
To boxy.A pillar is so upright. in a couple of years it will look very dated. only thing nice is the 3 pointed star which enough to get buyers to buy one
I prefer GLK then Q5, this look more garang n macho than Q5, look sleeker for me…
erm…it looks like mpv from side view and too lowered for SUV..i agree the sterring sooougly…better change it…overall it still looks sophisticated
Is it available in Malaysia?
the interior looks cheap ang plastic for the glk but the q5 interior is superb and classy. the shape of glk remind me of my father old land rover of the 80′s and the q5 is nicer , to me q5 wins glk in any way and every way
the interior looks cheap ang plastic for the glk but the q5 interior is superb and classy. the shape of glk remind me of my father old land rover of the 80's and the q5 is nicer , to me q5 wins glk in any way and every way