The New Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class - PART V

The New Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class - PART V

The sturdy, robust body of the GLK-Class is more than just the prerequisite for exceptional standards of active and passive safety. The body of the GLK has been carefully adapted to make allowance for the compact SUV's broad spectrum of capabilities. It is composed primarily of high-strength, state-of-the-art high-strength and ultra-high-strength sheet steel, and accounts for 47 percent of the overall weight. The force application points in particular - as the connection points between the body and chassis are known - are strengthened with solid reinforcements to preserve the excellent driving dynamics and active safety under all handling conditions. These structural measures have the added benefit of enhancing the vehicle's acoustic and vibrational comfort, which both set new benchmark standards in the compact-SUV segment. Additional reinforcements are to be found in the floor assembly, the propshaft tunnel and the links to the body pillars. The firewall is made up of four sheet sections whose material thickness varies in accordance with the individual peaks in load, thereby maximising stability whilst minimising weight. The lower sections of the firewall are 1.25 mm thick, whilst those at the top have a thickness of 0.8 mm.

The dashboard is supported by a square aluminium section, which is in turn bolted to the two A鈥憄illars at both ends, substantially strengthening this part of the body. A supplementary strut braces the steering's jacket tube against the firewall, preventing any steering tremble when the engine is idling. The entire front end of the body is bolted to the structural components behind, enabling cost-effective repairs to be carried out following collisions without the need for welding work. Effective corrosion protection is particularly crucial in the case of SUV models and off-roaders. This is exactly why all GLK models feature a series of precisely harmonised protective mechanisms, which are underpinned by full galvanisation of the body. Instead of refining the entire bodyshell with an even coating of zinc applied by electrolysis, the selective use of components with different coatings brings about a substantial improvement in the overall level of protection. In addition to fully galvanising the body, its resistance to corrosive attack is further enhanced by applying a protective coating to the cavities, sealing the body flanges and employing a specially designed paintwork system.

During its development, the GLK had to withstand the rigours of the Mercedes-Benz dynamic corrosion endurance test programme known as MEKO. As is the case with all new Mercedes鈥態enz passenger cars in many countries throughout Europe, the GLK-Class leaves the factory with a special mobility and value retention guarantee. Up until the end of the second year of registration, the MobiloLife mobility guarantee applies unconditionally. After that time, and provided that it is regularly serviced in an authorised Mercedes workshop, the GLK is eligible for a long-term protection plan that gives its owners up to 30 years' peace of mind. Achieving good aerodynamics and soothing aeroacoustics posed two of the major challenges during development of the GLK. Normally, a basic body structure with an angular design and steeply inclined front windscreen would preclude a smooth airflow pattern around the vehicle. Yet, by systematically eliminating the sound conduction paths into the passenger compartment, the aerodynamics engineers succeeded in keeping wind noise levels low, especially at higher speeds.

0.34, placing it in the lead group of competitors in this segment. This outstanding reading can be attributed to the painstakingly detailed work carried out by the aerodynamics experts. The formidable handling stability - especially when travelling at higher speeds and in crosswinds - is assisted by the way in which uplift is distributed favourably between the front and rear axles. Safety is boosted by effectively minimising the build-up of dirt on the exterior mirrors, as well as on the side windows and rear windscreen. The water-catching channel on the A-pillar has been specially designed to prevent water from overflowing onto the side window, even in heavy, steady rain. The exterior mirror housing collects any water that strikes it in a groove running around its circumference before directing it outwards to a defined drip point. The rear windscreen is kept clean thanks to a windscreen wiper which is automatically activated whenever the front windscreen wipers are switched on and reverse gear is engaged. H7 main beam that features the proven free-form reflector technology.