Mercedes-Benz GLK (spy photos & info)

[Bartek S.]

http://jalopnik.com/cars/detroit-auto-show/2009-mercedes-glk-convoy-spotted-on-the-way-to-the-detroit-auto-show-334148.php

Probably not these specific Mercedes GLK test vehicles (with some fun n' friendly competitors) as they were spotted on the Autobahn rather than on a Michigan highway. Despite the location, the word on the street is we'll be seeing the official unveil of the new mini-ute from Mercedes at the Detroit Auto Show in January. As we've said before, the GLK supposedly will share many components with the new C Class and power is expected to come from a 3.5-liter V6 with Mercedes 4Matic all-wheel-drive as a standard feature. In addition, all versions are expected to have the 7G-Tronic TouchShift automatic transmission.
This one isn't breaking news in any way, but it's something one of our spies ran into while travelling the autobahn. He caught an enormous Mercedes test fleet, consisting of seven GLK prototypes, and a choice selection of some of the the Mini-Me G's primary competitors. Seeing run-groups like this is a sure sign of a prototype in the home stretch of its development cycle.

 

[vabboud]

looks a lot in poise like the first gen CRV

 

[Merc1]

So this must be a go for Detroit then! Yippie!!!

I really hope they show the SL there too.

M

 

[bmer]

FULLY UNCOVERED!!!



Detroit Auto Show: 2009 Mercedes GLK Gets Naked on "Sex and the City" Movie Set

 

[Centurion]

Oh snap, MB certainly didn't hold back any engery designing this one. Love it so far except for the grill which seem to be painted and lacks a traditional border.

 

[EnI]

Please continue the discussion about unveiled GLK in the new thread:

Mercedes-Benz GLK Leaked Pictures

Thanks.

 

[Bartek S.]

Mercedes GLK Production Version Spied On the Road


Mercedes' GLK Freeside and Townside concepts left little to the imagination when it came to the lines of the upcoming GLK compact SUV, and these images of pre-production models handily confirm this assumption. Set to go on sale later this year, the GLK, caught here during winter testing, clearly keeps the boxy, junior-GL look of the concepts.

The differences are in the details. The tester displays a less ornate grille and foglight setup, and the roof rack is also less complex. It's hard to tell with the camouflage, but some of the character lines may have been smoothed out. At the rear, the dual exhaust exits below the fascia instead of coming through it. The GLK's side steps look sturdier as well; this production version looks a bit more rugged and utilitarian than the urban-pretty show vehicles.


http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080225.004/mercedes-glk-production-version-spied-on-the-road

 

[Bartek S.]

Latest Mercedes GLK Real Life Photos



Concept cars with all of their high-tech gadgetry, translucent paint jobs and retina piercing LED packages typically get stripped of all of this geeky goodness by the time they're ready for market launch, and the VisonGLK Freeside is no different. However, the second GLK concept variant known as the Vision GLK Townside stays true. Judging by these latest spy photos of the production version going through its paces, the flashy LED fog lamps get tossed in the bin while the front and rear bumpers plus the grille get minor design changes. Perhaps no major revelations here for some of you militant Mercedes fans, but check out the black on red color scheme. Works for me!

Production in the US begins January 2009.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080312.001/latest-mercedes-glk-real-life-photos

 

[Merc1]

Uh....sales in the U.S. begin in January 2009, not production.

With all the hoopla over the SL I'd forgotten about the GLK. Still a question of whether or not the GLK will get an updated 3.5L V6. I don't want to see a U.S. market GLK350 with 268hp!

M

 

[PHYBENZ]

I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but lately the write-ups from worldcarfans, have not been very accurate or well written. I don't mean to be critical, but just something I have noticed.

 

[Merc1]

You would be correct on that one. I wonder why that is happening with them? They've been so wrong on the details lately to the point where unless its an official press release I don't read the narrative. Didn't used to be that way.

M

 

[PHYBENZ]

Same with me, I only go there for the pictures now. Quality has really gone down.

 

[Merc1]

It appears that the GLK and its main competitor will be revealed very soon:

Chinese carmakers are planning to launch dozens of new models and concepts at next week’s Beijing Motor Show but in and amongst all the fanfare there will be a number of major international debuts as well. Two of the biggest reveals at the upcoming show will be the production Mercedes-Benz GLK and the all-new Audi Q5.

China has quickly become a key growth market for a number of international carmakers, many who see it as an opportunity to pick up lost sales from more established markets like Japan, the U.S. and Europe where sales are on the decline.

Audi, for example, saw its sales in China rise 24.8% in just one year and to mark its success it will use the country’s premier auto event to showcase its new Q5 SUV, reports Automotive News. Audi’s parent company VW will also debut two models based on the Mark IV Golf exclusively for the Chinese market.

Mercedes, too, hopes to build its presence in China and is therefore revealing the final production version of the GLK at next week’s Beijing Show.


Motor Authority Mercedes GLK and Audi Q5 to debut in Beijing


M

 

[Centurion]

I'm already sick and tired of this car. Present it already!

 

[Merc1]

Mercedes GLK 'will come in right hand drive'

It´s still top secret, but there is a 99 percent chance that the new Mercedes GLK will be available in right-hand drive form by mid-2010. CAR Online has spoken to a senior engineer on the programme and has the inside line on Merc's junior 4x4 - a shrunken, and rather angular, mini M-class.

It would be the first right-hooker M-B passenger car with 4-Matic, paving the way for future 4WD versions of the C-class and the next E-class. The project engineer we spoke to, who preferred not to be named, said: 'We looked at the numbers, and we listened to the importers. There is clearly demand for the GLK from such high-margin markets as the UK, Japan and Australia. Trouble is, converting the hardware costs about €50m and it will take approximately two years.'

A right-hand drive GLK: not an easy job...

'Sadly, it´s not simply a matter of swapping driveshafts and adding a diff,' added our tame engineer. 'Due to packageing constraints, and since the uni-directional helical gear currently drives the front wheels from the right-hand side of the transmission housing, we need to develop a new application offset to the left which will likely be chain-driven.

'Of course, it makes sense to look at the big picture and to include the C-class, the next E-class and all derivatives in this advanced 4-Matic strategy.'

If the proposal gets approved, the first rhd GLK mules will leave the prototype shop later this year.


Mercedes GLK 'will come in right hand drive' | Automotive & Motoring News | Car Magazine Online


M

 

[bum-man]

Hmm...Chain driven I don't like the sound of that...

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Re: Mercedes GLK 'will come in right hand drive'

It´s still top secret, but there is a 99 percent chance that the new Mercedes GLK will be available in right-hand drive form by mid-2010. CAR Online has spoken to a senior engineer on the programme and has the inside line on Merc's junior 4x4 - a shrunken, and rather angular, mini M-class.

It would be the first right-hooker M-B passenger car with 4-Matic, paving the way for future 4WD versions of the C-class and the next E-class. The project engineer we spoke to, who preferred not to be named, said: 'We looked at the numbers, and we listened to the importers. There is clearly demand for the GLK from such high-margin markets as the UK, Japan and Australia. Trouble is, converting the hardware costs about €50m and it will take approximately two years.'

A right-hand drive GLK: not an easy job...

'Sadly, it´s not simply a matter of swapping driveshafts and adding a diff,' added our tame engineer. 'Due to packageing constraints, and since the uni-directional helical gear currently drives the front wheels from the right-hand side of the transmission housing, we need to develop a new application offset to the left which will likely be chain-driven.

'Of course, it makes sense to look at the big picture and to include the C-class, the next E-class and all derivatives in this advanced 4-Matic strategy.'

If the proposal gets approved, the first rhd GLK mules will leave the prototype shop later this year.


Mercedes GLK 'will come in right hand drive' | Automotive & Motoring News | Car Magazine Online


M

I simply do not understand how RHD was not factored in from the start. It makes ABSOLUTELY no sense to me at all.

 

[Merc1]

Re: Mercedes GLK 'will come in right hand drive'

I agree. I had no idea that the UK and other RHD markets don't get 4Matic Benzes????

M

 

[bum-man]

GLK with LED front bumper and mirrors.

Mercedes GLK sporting LEDs on Side Mirrors - worldcarfans

 

[ree]

Well the mirrors are already available. But it looks like LED in front bumper will be available soon for every Benz model!