2008 Mercedes-Benz GLK preview

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By Matt Brogan | January 04th, 2008

A few weeks back we bought you some spy pics of the new Mercedes Benz GLK, now here it is in the flesh. Based on C Class underpinnings, GLK is set to rival the likes of BMW’s X3, Land Rover’s new Freelander and the soon to arrive Audi Q3.

The more angular look, perhaps a continuing trend for Mercedes Benz, lends the GLK a modern and fresh appearance given its rather stout proportions.

Power comes compliments of a 2.2 litre turbo diesel producing 126kW delivered through a seven speed automatic and finally, all four wheels (with a slight rear bias for on-road driving).

Also available in V6 petrol and stonking 6.2 litre V8 (expected in 2009), the GLK will preview at the Detroit Motor Show later this month with sales expected soon thereafter. Pricing is not yet available.

Frugal One

*****PRIMO!*****

Pffffft, anopther overpriced Benz.

Better off with a Mazda CX7 which this superb website will be testing very very soon:-)

Better built and better performing, what more could you want?

Cheers

F-0
TP

LOL man you love that CX7. True though… Im kinda over BMW and Co, they are so overpriced its not funny… in Australia at least.
Jase

There have been spy shots and videos of the production version of the GLK which is going to appear in the “Sex and the City” movie. The production version looks much better.
Duck

Take on the X3 it must be smaller than i thought it was because i thought its big enough to take on a X5!

Its pretty boxy though, the interior i dont like either and i like to know the cost of this, because as we know Mercsedes-Benz arent the best luxury car companie off road! But i may be wrong with this one…………..will have to wait and see!
The Stig

Primo, Change the record ! – the CX-7 has terrible fuel economy and the turbo lag irritates…

The GLK would be a good seller but we won’t be getting it until 2010 if it all as it has not been engineered for RHD.

A diesel GLK would be the way to go (and be way cheaper to run than that CX-7 too !)
Frugal One

Neither car-testers or owners i have spoke to have ever complained about lag.Its a small diesel engine disease.

Around 12L/100km around city is the norm, stick your foot into it and yeah, 18L is easy to do.

The consumption is not the issue, the requirment of PULP is the bitch.

Finally dealers are doing deals, $3k off on the base model is easy to negotiate.

A GLK wont be $40k and also wont use any less fuel in PULP form

Cheers

F-0

PS Just wish C/A would keep its word and test the CX7!
Ivan

The interior is a bit bland for a Merc.
Those rims would not be good for off-roading…lol

I doubt people who buy this one would go off-road. Maybe on a gravel road, but not to conquer hills.
http://www.caradvice.com.au Matt

Hey Ivan – sorry I forgot to mention.

Those rims are 20″ jobs specially put on the car for Detroit.

Matt.
The Stig

Primo – just type “CX-7 Turbo Lag” into google and see what you come up with…

It is the first thing that I noticed – apart from the fact I could barely make out the markings on the speedo with my polarized sunglasses on !

Better built than a GLK ? – now you are really smoking something !
Frugal One

Stig….

I repeat that the aussie spec CX7, both the general media and owners i have spoken to, not 1 has ever mentioned it as a issue.

About Benz, yes the quality finished after the 450SE/L models, they are crap built, crap quality, faulty rubbish, in particular the SUV and made in usa ones refer:

http://www.mercedes-benz-usa.com/

Cheers

F-0

PS LEST HAVE C/A TEST THE CX7 AS PROMISED AND HAVE ITS OPINION ON THIS WEBSITE, AS THEY PROMISED!
http://Mini Nick

Looks a bit like the old Pagero io.
The Stig

Frugal,

Well, all I know of the CX-7 is my own experience and not one that can be biased by worries of losing advertising revenue etc. The car I drove had lag – worse than turbodiesels (and I have had a couple of those…)

Mercedes had a few years of quality “issues” but they are back on the case now. New models are well built and solid, unlike Mazdas.

Once again (as so many times in the past), you have proved yourself wrong ! – PRIMO !
The Stig

Yes, does look like the Pajero iO – I agree !
http://navelcontemplation.blogspot.com Supercujo

In white, this thing looks like a stormtrooper.
Lcat

Nice bit of expensive bling for some, especially with the Detroit rims.
If these images had appeared minus the 3 pointed star could u pic it for a Merc from the upcoming next gen Koreans?
No Name

Who in this world would want a 6.8 litre 4 x 4 apart from someone who happens to own an oil field! and can afford it.

Don’t go much on the exterior but the dash console sure looks neat.
Wheelnut

Duck the GLK is the same size as the Kluger or Forester.

Infact if you look at it; it looks like a rather a good combination of the two.. Klugers headlights; Foresters Flared Guards etc.

The only difference is it will probably have better Quality Fit and Finish because its German.
Duck

Wheelnut,
Will this be a first good 4×4 from Mercedes-Benz? ( Because ML and GL Class arent as good 4×4 as BMW’s X3 & X5)
Wheelnut

Too True Duck I also like BMWs AWD Sports Concept – Similar to a Cayenne but way better looking

However in terms of Prestige/Performance Cross-overs I’d Prefer the Audi All-Road Wagon
Bavarian Missile

Not sure on the X3 but the X5 is better than the Merc equivalent!

Not that I would have any of them!Not because there made in the US……..but cause there just wagons with lift kits to me!
Duck

Yeah………….i agree ive always like the Audi Allroad also! is t beeter off road than a Audi Q7 or a X5
Duck

^^^^ (is it better) where it says (is t beeter)
Wheelnut

I doubt the Allroad would be able to go off road as it was more of a AWD Performance Wagon.. with rather low clearance

Having said that I doubt many owners of Q7s X5s RX330s or whatever; would take their cars off-road.

The nearest these cars would get to off-road is the car park at the local school or shopping centre.. [often taking up 2 spaces]

As BM says theyre just wagons with lift kits..
Jacked up [a bit like their owners]
Duck

I still see VW Tourags coming off road though…..there a different type of luxury 4×4 i guess!