German Car Forum

2008 Detroit Auto Show: 2009 Mercedes-Benz GLK

Did you really think Mercedes-Benz would have a press conference on the 2009 GLK and not pull out the Sex in the City card? Impossible, which is why the new compact sport-ute rolled out with some woman named Kim Cattrall riding shotgun. She's one of the lead characters of the TV show we're told. Since we spend all of our spare evenings wedging big blocks into straight axle 55s, Ms. Cattrall's appearance was a bit of yawn. She seemed to do it for Dieter Zetsche though, as the Mercedes-Benz CEO kept making jokes about her joining him for some schnitzel later on. She smiled politely, took a few photos and then headed for the door with boarding pass in hand.

Oh, and the GLK?









It looks pretty good in person, although we were told that the sportier Townside version shown today is a European model only. We’ll get something closer to the Freeside, which is a more luxurious model with wood trim in place of the metallic accents in the Townside. We were also able to confirm that the GLK will eventually offer a diesel engine option once Mercedes gets its current crop of SUVs up and running on the diesel. -- Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line


Straightline - 2008 Detroit Auto Show: 2009 Mercedes-Benz GLK


M

Damn, MB is on a roll. I just wish a lot of this stuff makes it into production .

LINK

M

So will Dr. Z have a role in the Sex and the City movie?

He'll be the sexual therapist.

No, but he'll get my automotive man of the past couple of years. i think what he's on his way to achieving is somehting of a renaissance for mercedes, especially after the mess that was Schrempf. Infact the strides mercedes is taking now,as well as some of the results they are achieving are quite so vast that i sometimes wonder if they all began with this man.
The CORE initiative, wholly improved reliability and quality and far far better cars generally as well as exceptional profits. the state mercedes was a few years back, it was a sitting duck for a much improved audi, never mind bmw in terms of sales and global positioning. Right now it's fighting for top honours in the auto industry once again. There's still work to be done but i think they are certainly on the right track. Just my thots on that

In an interview with Autobild, Peter Pfeiffer said that this line "shapes the light" that shines unto the GLK and hence people "get to see the various lines and shapes of the GLK" - something along those lines.

Bottom line is this was apparently created with "some artistic intentions" in mind.

''.........a power unit that is both economical and, thanks to BLUETEC, extremely clean," explains Daimler's Head of Technical Development Dr. Thomas Weber. "From its 2.2 liter displacement, this high-torque engine generates 204 hp and a world class torque of 369 lb ft that is available from as low down the rev range as 1,600 rpm."
This takes the new four-cylinder into performance dimensions that were previously the domain of three-liter six-cylinder diesels and large displacement V8 gasoline engines - and combines this with exemplary fuel economy. Weber again, "All this is made possible by innovations exclusive to Mercedes. For example, the latest in common-rail injection, new piezo injectors for 2,000 bar injection pressure, as well as two-phase turbocharging."
Just read this report about this diesel engine for the glk and apparently other models. This would be an all new unit right? Haven't really heard anything about all new merc diesels. Have i missed something guys? If so how do those numbers compare for the class 2.2l diesels? Where's our techies? Wimmer, Rob, Merc 1.....?

Anyone else think that that climate controls are way too low??

Although the gauges are old school MB, but they look hideous. I luv the Audi/VW style gauges.

LOL...you'll have to consult Wimmer on diesels. We only get the 3.0L V6 here so its hard to keep up with all 4-cylinder variants. I would guess this is an all new unit due to big numbers it generates, seems like the previous models were kinda weak IMO.


M

Ye just read now from your benz report apparently it's an all new diesel set to launch in 09. The numbers look good tho, well that torque... Is it true the glk doesn't launch inthe states till 09?!

Yep, January of 2009 as a 2009 model is the current word. Seems like forever, but it will be here in no time. MBUSA is getting ready for 2 important launches this year, the facelifted SL and the 50-state diesel blitz.

M

Yes an all-new four cylinder turbodiesel for the 200/220 cdi, I read mid-2008 for the C-Class but it could be a bit later.
It is high time, the current 2.2 cdi is now about 350 years old and can't be said to be very economical compared to the Beemers...

It's looking like diesels are all set to 'fly' in the states. Which is great for the US for in a sense they don't kno wht they been missing. The progress made on diesels here in europe is monumental compared to wht the states were used to back in the day. I know gas is relatively cheaper in the states but even they are being affected by upward prices. Is there real potential for sustained diesel growth or is it a faze u reckon merc1? You ARE our on the scene USA correspondent u know!

I think so. Between BMW's obviously serious performance bias with diesels and Mercedes' efficiency slant I think the U.S. car buyer will catch on. I don't expect skyrocketing diesel sales, but instead a slow but steady swell of interest and sales. BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Honda all have plans in place to lauch diesels before the end of year so we'll know by spring of 09' if they are indeed catching on. The informed buyers will purchase those with their heads stuck in the sand of the 1980's diesels won't even glance which is a shame, but that is how the American consumer is.

There are 2 vehicles in particular I will be watching, the 335d and GL320 Bluetec. They'll be joining an already hot selling series for their respective makers so the take rate for the diesel will be interesting to watch, especially in California. The GL320 CDI is already decently popular in the current 45 states in which it can be sold.


M

Nope, he's marrying Kim apparently:



She likes those mustache wearin' mofos!

Well the most common smaller diesel in Europe is the old 2.2-l 4-cylinder that is available in the C200 CDI, C220 CDI, E200 CDI, E220 CDI and CLK220 CDI. It currently makes 136-hp and 270 Nm of torque in '200 CDI form and 170-hp and 400 Nm in '220 CDI form. 369 lb/ft of torque translate into 500 Nm, so it basically offers 100 Nm more torque than the C220 CDI. That is impressive.

The A and B-Class diesels aren't worth mentioning here. You have the A/B160 CDI, A/B180 CDI and the A/B200 CDI.

And he apparently likes ugly women!

Don't give me that ...

Not a big fan of Kim. There are way hotter MILF's out there.

That dark grey one looks a hundred times better than the white one. This must be one of the few times a new car from this era does not look good in white.

Also, I never want to hear how BMW interiors are cold... if you looked up cold interior in a dictionary, this picture would show up. I agree that's supposed to be a Utility car, but that is a bit over the top

Sorry for the OT but I can't help it, he always reminds me of a seal :