The New Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class - PART I

The New Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class - PART I

Stuttgart, Germany, Jul 15, 2008 - 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. 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.

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. 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 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. Technical data and equipment and appointments may vary from country to country.

When combined with the A250鈥檚 warm turbo engine, the A-class drives like a high-end go kart. It鈥檚 not Honda Civic Type R fast, but it does give you a good kick of powers on corner exits, and will even give you some movement with traction control off. Just be aware that the A250鈥檚 power plant sounds less AMG V8, and more Morphy Richards food mixer. If anything, the AMG-line A250 we drove just makes the wait for an new A45 feel longer. Any other fancy gadgets? The best piece of kit, however, is the augmented reality sat-nav included in the Advanced Navigation Package. It uses a forward-facing camera to display the road ahead on the central infotainment screen, highlighting approaching side-turns and junctions with blue arrows demonstrating where you need to go. Should you need to find a specific address, it also highlights buildings by their number, too. Early impressions suggest it works very nicely indeed and reduces the chances of missing a crucial turn, although, disappointingly, it鈥檚 not available on all roads.

However, we鈥檙e assured that such issues can be fixed with a simple software update. We've now tried this in the UK and can report it works very well overlaid on British routes. The Distronic adaptive cruise control and steering assist (including automatic lane changing) is also worth a mention and works significantly better than many rival systems on cars twice as expensive. Sadly, it鈥檚 not coming to the UK until nearer the end of 2018, so bear that in mind before you rush down to the dealership. Is there enough room for passengers? Coming in both longer and wider than the previous-gen car, the 2018 A-class also has a wheelbase that鈥檚 a whole 30mm longer, generating more legroom for those in the front and rear. The result is a car that you can comfortably sit four average-sized adults in, with a small child sandwiched in the middle seat. It's still not quite as roomy in the back as some rivals, however.

Those rear seats (above) are just a tad too cramped - and the AMG spec sporty seats can be tricky to fold, owing to their huge, fixed head restraints. All the seats are very comfortable, however. Bootspace has also been bumped up by 29 litres to create 370 litres of luggage capacity with the rear seats in place and 1210 with them down. As a first step onto a manufacturer鈥檚 ladder of cars, the new Mercedes-Benz A-class is a pretty darn good one. Mercedes has addressed many concerns surrounding the - hugely popular - previous generation model and bequeathed the 2018 car with an onslaught of clever tech and high-end interior design, not to mention improved driving manners. However, with the arrival of the new BMW 1-series and Audi A3 just around the corner, we won鈥檛 know for sure just how competitive the A-class will be for a little while yet. Stay tuned for our group test. For now, be satisfied that the new 2018 A-class is right near the top of the family hatch pile. Engineering purists may decry the loss of the Mk1 A's sandwich floor and innovative layout; but rest assured, the beautifully finished cabin, surprise-and-delight tech and sharp drive make the Mk4 A-class a smash hit.