The new Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

Following its world premiere at Auto China in April 2008, the Mercedes-Benz GLK is being unveiled in its natural habitat for the first time. Boasting a body that is as practical as it is arrestingly succinct, an exceptional power spectrum and a bold personality, the new arrival has what it takes to redefine standards in the compact SUV class over all manner of route profiles – both on and off the road.

Brimming with genuine character, the new GLK-Class is set to take the world of compact SUVs by storm. Yet it is not just the distinctive all-rounder's practical and appealingly compact body form that sets it apart from the competition. It also brings together what were previously seen as entirely contradictory attributes, with supreme driving dynamics and outstanding driving safety going hand in hand with exceptional ride comfort courtesy of the AGILITY CONTROL suspension.

Meanwhile the variable 4MATIC all-wheel drive system joins forces with the latest electronic control systems to deliver consummate on-road performance and superb off-road proficiency. It is precisely this kind of combination that lends the GLK such immense appeal and warrants the inclusion in the model name of the "G", an allusion to the archetypal Mercedes off-roader.

As Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Daimler AG Board of Management comments: "The GLK rounds off our tremendously successful SUV family, transferring characteristic Mercedes qualities such as refinement, dynamism and safety to a compact format in the process. This has now significantly raised the bar in this market segment."

Superlative performance comes courtesy of the powerful yet economical four and six-cylinder engines. The BlueEFFICIENCY model – the GLK 220 CDI – features the new entry-level four-cylinder diesel engine from Mercedes-Benz, which develops 125 kW/170 hp yet only consumes 6.9 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres.

The highly robust body is key to the pioneering passive-safety setup, the extremely low noise levels, the exceptional degree of interior comfort – to produce that typical Mercedes feeling of wellbeing – and the high value retention.

Furthermore, exemplary appointments and attractive equipment packages make the GLK stand out from the rest of the compact-SUV crowd. Plus, state-of-the-art systems – such as the leading-edge PRE-SAFE® safety concept and the Intelligent Light System (ILS) – are available in this market segment for the very first time.

The exclusive "Edition 1" model is being brought out to mark the sales launch of the GLK-Class. This particular variant, sure to be the subject of great demand, is based on the exterior design of the models with exterior sports package but also features 20-inch wheels, the electrically operated EASY-PACK tailgate and specially tinted privacy glass in the rear compartment.

The interior is based on the interior sports package and has been upgraded to include further quality details, such as black/white nappa leather seats from the designo range, an AMG multifunction leather steering wheel, a black roof lining, aluminium trim elements and the COMAND APS system.

The exclusive GLK models are available in calcite white in the basic version, although customers may specify any other paint finish. Engine-wise, the GLK Edition 1 can be combined with any of the V6 units.

Mercedes-Benz offers the widest range of SUVs in the premium segment. The GLK, a compact SUV, is the latest addition to the successful family and the brand's fifth model series in this internationally growth-oriented market. The R-Class is the model series with the most variants, all of which impress with an outstanding level of long-distance comfort as well as the most generously proportioned and variable interiors of all the Mercedes SUVs, including up to seven seats.

The most successful Mercedes-Benz Sports Utility Vehicle, with around 950,000 vehicles sold to date, is the M-Class, offering an exciting balance between on-road performance and off-road ability. This model series, which celebrated its premiere some ten years ago, is seen as the precursor to all today's premium SUVs.

The GL-Class has in turn occupied pole position in the SUV world since 2006. Its occupants travel first-class whatever the conditions, both on and off the road. The G-Class, which effectively started it all, is celebrating 30 years of service this coming year. The "G" really comes into its own when venturing off the beaten track and still ranks as one of the world's best off-roaders.

The GLK is being produced solely at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany. European customers can order the compact model with genuine character from June 30, 2008, with deliveries set to commence in October. The prices for the German market, not including local VAT, are as follows:

GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY €33,900.00

GLK 320 CDI 4MATIC €38,700.00

GLK 280 4MATIC €36,600.00

GLK 350 4MATIC €38,700.00

- Wolfgang Zanker-photos Mercedes