Autoblog

Mercedes adjusting GLK model mix, options list to kickstart sales?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK - Click above for a high-res gallery of images

Mercedes-Benz plotted the sales course of its distinctively-styled GLK crossover last summer, back when there were still a lot of people ordering their new rides with all available options. With that in mind, they shipped over boatloads of optioned-up GLKs whose MSRPs were north of $40,000, well above the model's $34,775 base price. Fast forward to January of 2009, and people want their new cars with fewer add-ons, maybe even just one or two frills. That has translated into optioned-out GLK models sitting around around on lots.

According to AutoWeek, in order to redress the issue, Mercedes has created new option arrays that give the consumer more choices for less money. Instead of having to order the Premium 1 Package to get a sunroof, for example, buyers will now be able to buy the sunroof separately and keep their bottom line lower by $1,700. Navigation will now also be available as a standalone $1,800 option instead of being bundled with the Multimedia Package, saving $1,550. As a nice touch, those who already purchased their GLK in the last two months are eligible for a $2,000 refund.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350

[Source: AutoWeek]

Mercedes adjusting GLK model mix, options list to kickstart sales? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Mercedes reveals its GLK delinquents LIVE

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Tuners, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for high-res galleries of each SEMA-fied Merc GLK

Today is a historic event. No, not that one. The 2008 SEMA show is the first time Mercedes-Benz has participated in the aftermarket antics in Vegas and it's chosen the GLK to be the standard-bearer for its entry into the realm of U.S. tuning.

Four concepts graced the stage last evening ahead of their debut at the show, each attempting to highlight the GLK's strong points while taking sharp aim at the buyers Mercedes hopes to bring into the tri-point fold.

The first, and arguably most extreme of the four, is the Urban Whip from Boulevard Customs, which turns the cute 'ute into a true roadster by removing every pillar aft of the windshield (cut down by 5.5 inches) and fitting a biggie-sized grille, three-inch wider track and 15-inch Brembo brakes eclipsed by 26-inch custom wheels. In addition to adding a 5,700-watt stereo, Boulevard shaved the door handles to keep the GLK's lines clean and installed a remote-opening mechanism into the mirrors.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Urban Whip GLK from Boulevard Customs

Far more impressive and 10-times more menacing is the RENNTech Pikes Peak model that gets a "concept" turbo/hybrid V6 producing 375 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque to the wheels, massive brakes, a fully-caged interior, tons of race-ready equipment and a functional body kit and rear wing that's been virtually honed on a fluid dynamics system to produce downforce. According to RENNTech, it works... and we believe them.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: RENNTech Pikes Peak GLK Hybrid

Legendary Motor Cars (of SPEED Dream Car Garage fame) was tasked with creating a GLK that would take Xtreme (forgive us) sports addicts to the destinations they crave and allow them to test their predilection for suicide with a winch to drag them at 30 mph (!) up and over the Merc. In addition to side sills that extend out to provide grind rails, a ramp can be pulled out of the rear and a set of roof rails can be (theoretically) ground without fear of crashing through the sunroof (it's been swapped out with a plexiglass piece).

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Legendary Motor Cars Rock Crawler GLK

Finally, there's the Brabus GLK, which is the most subtle and easily most streetable of the four. A new fascia joins 21-inch wheels, redesigned fender flares and 500 sq-ft of brown leather that coats the entire interior, including the floors. In the tuner's own words, "It's black, fast and expensive. Everything a Brabus should be."

Gallery: SEMA 2008: BRABUS Widestar GLK

Check the galleries below for all the details, and we'd be remiss not to mention that the lovely ladies joining the GLKs are all wearing bathing suits pulled from Mercedes' sponsorship of Fashion Week.

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Brad Wood / Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2008: Mercedes reveals its GLK delinquents LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Mercedes-Benz GLKs go from mild to WTF

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz' presence at SEMA has traditionally included a smattering of pimptastic E- and S-Classes lining the booths of the Big Balla tuners, and this year, we can expect more of the same. But to get the word out about the new GLK, Mercedes enlisted the help of four firms to accentuate the lil' 'ute's character and clientele.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Mercedes-Benz GLKs

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Mercedes-Benz GLKs go from mild to WTF

SEMA Preview: Mercedes-Benz GLKs go from mild to WTF originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BRABUS turns attention towards Mercedes-Benz GLK

John Neff — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, SUV, Mercedes-Benz, Brabus

Click above for high-res gallery of the BRABUS GLK

BRABUS tunes all manner of Mercedes-Benzes, and even branches out by pumping performance into diminutive smart cars that have very little business going fast. Likewise, BRABUS also tunes Mercedes SUVs that usually have no business bragging about their performance, and there's a new Merc ute on the scene that has yet to get the German tuning firm's treatment... until now. BRABUS has just released details on its new Exclusive Program for the Mercedes-Benz GLK that allows owners to tune the new soft-roader to their heart's content. Whether you're driving a diesel-powered GLK or gas-powered variant, BRABUS has a host of engine mods to eke out more power and two new suspensions to firm up the ride. Likewise, there's a new front apron, roof attachment, rocker panels and rear apron, as well as an array of new wheels to choose from. There's also a catalogue's worth of interior accessories, and in all more ways to customize your GLK than we care to enumerate here. The gallery below shows a model decked out with all the goodies, and you can check out the official press release from BRABUS after the jump for more details.

Gallery: BRABUS Mercedes-Benz GLK Exclusive Program

[Source: BRABUS]

Continue reading BRABUS turns attention towards Mercedes-Benz GLK

BRABUS turns attention towards Mercedes-Benz GLK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz GLK ready to storm SEMA

Alex Nunez — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Tuners, SUV, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the GLK SEMA show cars

Perhaps you've heard: Mercedes-Benz has this new SUV called the GLK, and it's not just the Sex and the City audience that's being targeted. The compact ute's getting-to-know-you tour will make a stop at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where four concept versions will be on display. We already told you about RENNtech's hybrid Rally Racer show truck, and now we have some info on the other three versions that'll join it in Vegas.

Naturally, BRABUS will represent, skinning the GLK300 Bluetec in Widestar duds, new wheels, and the de rigeur custom interior. No power upgrade yet, it seems, but knowing BRABUS, they'll have a version putting out approximately a trillion horsepower by the time the GLK is in customers' hands.

Boulevard Customs is prepping the GLK "Urban Whip", a garish creation sporting 26" wheels and a front end that likely depleted the world's supply of mesh grillework. Lord knows what all the other SEMA builders are gonna do now that they're faced with this crisis.

Finally, Legendary Motor Cars will show the Four Corners Rock Crawler, which rolls on big knobby rubber, has an integrated grille guard, and sports a set of roof lights. But all that's dress-up, because off-roading's not the angle. This GLK has some winch rig that lets it pull skaters into position to then grind on the truck's integrated side rails. (G-Wagen ambulance chase vehicle not included.)

Hey, no one ever said SEMA's about being particularly normal. We'll have plenty more live shots from the show in November.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz GLK SEMA '08 show cars

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz GLK ready to storm SEMA

Mercedes-Benz GLK ready to storm SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: RENNtech's Pikes Peak-inspired hybrid GLK

Noah Joseph — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUV, Mercedes-Benz

Click above to view more of the RENNtech GLK

Of all the trucks that have proliferated into the Mercedes-Benz line-up, the GLK isn't exactly the most aggressive. But according to the latest reports, Mercedes is lining up an array of aftermarket tuners at the SEMA show to infuse what appears to be more than a little testosterone into the compact sport-ute.

First up to bat is RENNtech, the Florida-based company responsible, among other things, for the bringing the McLaren SLR 722 to America and actually getting it to produce 722 horsepower. RENNtech has taken inspiration from the Pikes Peak challenge - one of the most iconic and power-craven hill-climb events in the world - to create this hardcore GLK. Little is known in the way of details, but the vehicle is said to feature RENNtech's first performance hybrid drivetrain.

Brabus, Blvd Customs and Legendary Motorcars are also said to be preparing modified GLKs for SEMA, although Mercedes has not yet confirmed its participation in the show. While we wait for that, check out the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: RENNtech Mercedes-Benz GLK

[Source: Modified Luxury & Exotics]

SEMA Preview: RENNtech's Pikes Peak-inspired hybrid GLK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Mercedes-Benz GLK Vision GLK FREESIDE

John Neff — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz

click above for 22 high-res images of the Mercedes-Benz GLK Vision FREESIDE

We brought you five images of the Mercedes-Benz GLK Vision GLK FREESIDE when news broke on it last night, but today MB has released a full slate of photography showing its new soft-roader from every angle. We can't say it necessarily helps, as the GLK still looks like something you'd place on the kitchen counter to hold your good set of knives. So many sharp angles, creases and hard lines tries to impart an air of SUV-ness to the GLK that just doesn't work as well as it does on the full-size GL SUV. Nevertheless, the GLK has some promising hardware hiding underneath its butch exterior that includes a BLUETEC four-cylinder diesel, 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and a new 4MATIC all-wheel drive that's as efficient as a two-wheel-drive set up. We're also eager to climb inside the GLK to determine how the interior stacks up to its cross-town competition from BMW, as well as similarly sized and less expensive CUVs. There's certainly money to be made in the CUV business, but the question is how much will the GLK make for Mercedes-Benz? Look for our live coverage of the 2008 Detroit Auto Show beginning Sunday, January 13th to find out.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz GLK Vision FREESIDE

Pics Aplenty: Mercedes-Benz GLK Vision GLK FREESIDE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shot: Mercedes-Benz GLK caught on Sex and the City set

John Neff — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 14:43:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz

click to enlarge

Thank the four ladies from Sex and the City for this very early sneak peek of the Mercedes-Benz GLK, Stuttgart's new compact CUV that wasn't supposed to be seen in public until the Geneva Motor Show in March. The vehicle's being used in the upcoming Sex and the City movie and was snapped completely free of camo on an open set.

Without all of the covering and cladding, it's now apparent just how sharp and chunky the GLK's styling is. Some have described it as Jeep-like, though we think it's a bit more complicated and busy than a simple slab-sided Jeep.

Curiously, the GLK will not be sold in right-hand-drive markets like the UK because its 4Matic four-wheel-drive system can't be made to work with the steering wheel on the right. Where the GLK is on sale, it will be offered with a smattering of engines, including two gas-powered V6s, a diesel V6 and diesel four-cylinder.

Considering that the GLK has long been considered a response to the BMW X3, we're wondering how you think it stacks up, at least in the area of styling. We've always considered the X3 awkward-looking, but the GLK is also a little too butch for our liking. So we guess the question is, which one's less ugly?

[Photo: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Spy Shot: Mercedes-Benz GLK caught on Sex and the City set originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Dec 2007 14:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Mercedes calling new CUV the GLK

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mercedes-Benz

Is this the new GLK? While not an official shot, many seem to think so.

Well, we suppose MLK might have confused some people (and might have resulted in some lawsuits out of Atlanta). Mercedes has instead announced that its new compact CUV will officially be called the GLK. This new German-built crossover will debut in Europe late next year, with U.S. sales following in early 2009. M-B is said to favor marketing it as a compact SUV rather than a CUV, however, and apparently has butched it up. A boxy, but disguised prototype was shown to journalists recently who said it is much smaller and lower than a GL. The interior was uncovered and showed two-row seating, "white leather seats with black piping, black wood trim, the Mercedes COMAND-Plus single-knob controller for many electronically controlled functions, and a screen in the dash for a navigation system." The prototype was probably a high trim level, we guess. Guesses on pricing, however, put it under $40,000 to match the BMW X3's $38,775 starting price and fall far enough below the M-Class MSRP of $44,425. Predictions are that we'll see the GLK-Class debut in Detroit next January.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

Officially Official: Mercedes calling new CUV the GLK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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