Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4MATIC (2019)

Mercedes-Benz released official pictures and information of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class sport utility vehicle. The versatile SUV will debut at Auto China in Beijing on Sunday, April 20, and make its U.S. January 2009 as a 2010 model. Powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine the 2010MY Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 will form the basis of the U.S. 4MATIC and two-wheel-drive versions, riding on standard 19-inch 10-spoke wheels with 235/50 tires. Showcasing bold exterior design, generous cargo capacity and available 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, the GLK 350 combines the perfect balance of styling, versatility and performance. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class will be produced exclusively at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany. With its poised, confident presence, the GLK-Class leaves no doubt about its intent to conquer the compact premium SUV segment. In sharp contrast to the relatively soft forms of other similar-sized vehicles, the striking, angular profile of the GLK sets it apart from the competition.

From its steeply-raked windshield to the integrated rear spoiler on its tightly styled roof section, the bullish shape of the new Mercedes GLK suggests power and agility, and echoes the G-Class -- the iconic pioneer of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. Beautiful proportions (length 178.3 inches, width 72.4 inches, height 66.9 inches) and styling combine classic angular shapes together with the distinctive design features found in contemporary Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Taut lines and large, expansive surfaces mix with the traditional characteristics of a proper off-road vehicle, such as short overhangs, an upright front end, slim roof pillars, and a steeply raked windshield. Generous angles of approach and departure combined with impressive ground clearance allow the GLK to handle light off-roading with ease. On-road, the clear layout of the exterior and good all-around visibility, combined with a commanding seating position, enhance everyday practicality and relaxed driving, even in dense city traffic. The GLK boasts a long list of standard equipment, including details not typically found in this vehicle class.

Inside, a two-zone automatic climate control system, adjustable steering column, front seats with electrically adjustable height and backrest angle (including seat inclination adjustment) and manual lumbar support with two-way adjustment for the driver's seat are all standard on the GLK. Standard integrated Bluetooth interface for mobile phones, a microphone for the hands-free system and a central 5-inch color display round out the list of interior appointments. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK features all the impressive design and safety technology found in other Mercedes-Benz models, including standard front and side air bags as well as window air bags. Among its many comfort and convenience features is an available rear-seat entertainment system featuring two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones and an integrated dual-source DVD player. The distinctive looks of the GLK exterior are seamlessly continued inside, with luxurious materials and precise detailing. The taught, sculpted lines of the dashboard dominate the interior, visually extending into the door panels to lend additional width to the generously dimensioned cockpit.

Luxurious Sienna Pine wood with chrome trim highlights the dashboard and door panels at the front and rear, while the upper section of the encompasses the instrument cluster and the standard 5-inch color display. The driver's armrest features integrated cupholders and the standard controller for the audio functions and the optional COMAND multimedia system are located in ergonomically ideal positions between the front seats. Control of the individual menus is intuitive, following the familiar and well-proven layout used in the current C-Class and S-Class models. Additional shortcut buttons provide direct access to the most important main functions. Front and rear headroom figures are 39.8 inches and 39.7 inches respectively, while the cargo area boasts 23.3 cubic feet of storage. Cargo capacity balloons to 54.7 cubic feet when the 1/3:2/3-split rear seats are folded forwards. The optional all-wheel-drive powertrain at the heart of the Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4MATIC is one of the most capable systems on the market. The dynamic ESP, ASR and 4ETS driving systems work in concert to ensure top-notch longitudinal and lateral control and superb handling stability both on and off-road.

Thanks to a compact, longitudinally designed engine, transmission and transfer case arrangement, the system offers various advantages over its counterparts equipped with a transversely installed drive unit. Estimated 23 mpg highway fuel consumption is on a par with comparable rear-wheel vehicles, while vibration and noise levels rival those of luxury models. The 45:55 torque distribution between the front and rear axle - along with the ESP, ASR and 4ETS dynamic handling control systems - guarantees effortless and exceptional performance. Loss of traction on snow or ice is compensated for by the newly developed multi-disc clutch in the center differential, which provides a basic partial locking torque between the front and rear axle. This arrangement produces a significant increase in traction while maintaining directional stability. The sophisticated Agility Control suspension on the new Mercedes GLK-Class helps resolve a common paradox facing the SUV segment - how to create a vehicle that combines agile on-road comfort with off-road capability.