SPY SHOTS: Mercedes GLK
Mercedes is preparing a new compact SUV targeting the BMW X3, and spy photos of a test mule have been shot near the factory in Stuttgart, Germany.
The GLK fills a new niche in the Mercedes SUV line-up, together with the M-Class and G-Class. Like the SLK is a "kurz" (short) version of the SL roadster, the GLK is like a baby G-wagen. Based on the mechanicals of the next C-Class, the GLK's styling will ape the design of its big-brother GL, but on a smaller scale. The engine range is tipped to start (in the US market, at least) with Mercedes' 3.5-liter V6, with the mouthwatering possibility of a V8-powered GLK63 AMG in the cards at the top of the range, all driving through Mercedes' 7-speed auto transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive.
Insiders expect the GLK to hit the market as a 2009 model, with a possible unveiling at either Frankfurt '07 or Geneva '08. As always, watch this space for more info as it emerges.
[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Joey 8:59AM (11/06/2006)
So they said no to the B class and are bringing this to the states instead? Great :(
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That One Person 9:58AM (11/06/2006)
Oh great, ANOTHER SUV!
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JarryHames 11:24AM (11/06/2006)
SUVs are so yesterday! When will Mercedes focus on building a quality sedan again? Like the X3 has taken the the world by storm!
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Carzzi 11:50AM (11/06/2006)
As a proud African-american, the MLK350 is eagerly awaited.
Sorry... couldn't resist.
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Peter 12:45PM (11/06/2006)
The K in SLK stands for klein, which means small in German. The L used to mean leicht (lightweight), but given that the SL, CL, and GL all weigh over 4000 pounds, I guess they dumped that convention, too.
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Mike 2:46PM (11/06/2006)
The X3 is a monumental failure, with low quality build and disappointing sales worldwide.
Only suckers buy an X3. Why bother competing with that? Make the nice, large, luxurious cruisers that MBZ is famous for and leave it at that.
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