The New Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class - PART III

The New Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class - PART III

With its poised, confident presence, the mere look of the GLK-Class leaves one in no doubt about its intent to conquer the premium compact-SUV segment. All while displaying unmistakable echoes of the G-Class, the forefather of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. No other model in the world of compact SUVs, past or present, comes close to matching the GLK's distinctively expressive appearance. The body is beautifully proportioned (length 4528 mm, width 1840 mm, height 1689 mm), while there is a special allure in the interplay between the classic angular shape and the typical design features found in all contemporary Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. The most eye-catching feature at the front of the GLK is the powerful radiator grille with its succinctly styled frame, which leaves no doubt that this model series belongs to the family of Mercedes-Benz off-roaders and SUVs. Additional chrome trim provides a contrast to the radiator grille mesh, which - just like the air intake grille and front fog lamp covers below it - is coloured in matt black, lending further emphasis to the car's sportiness. The standard clear-lens projection-beam headlamps create a visual link between the upright front end of the vehicle and its beefy flanks.

The "off-road styling package" equipment variant hints at the off-road prowess of the GLK-Class by including matt black rub strips in the bumper on each side along with a simulated underguard. The side view of GLK is reminiscent both of the iconic G鈥慍lass and its contemporary interpretation in the form of the GL-Class. The model's family ties are plain to see from the short overhangs, upright front end, steeply angled windscreen and the taut roof lines terminating in a distinctive rear spoiler. The body designers also turned the roof rails into a styling element. In conjunction with the "off-road styling package", this standard equipment detail has a matt black finish, and combines with the matt black off-road pads und side skirts to underline the off-roading character. On models with the "exterior sports package", the roof rails have a matt-lustre aluminium look. The visual interplay between the roof rails, the body-coloured side skirts and the chrome trim strips along their upper edge is a sign that this equipment variant is more destined for the road.

Stainless-steel running boards with raised black studs are available as an option for both variants. The side window panels in high-gloss black make the glass surface appear to be self-contained. This detail lends tranquillity to the profile view and elongates the greenhouse, as it is known, to dynamic effect. Running along the beltline below the side windows is a chrome-plated trim strip which merges into the contours of the front wing and rear sidewall. This produces a coherent link between the vehicle's front, side and rear sections. Underneath the beltline, the side view is dominated by a powerful shoulderline which emerges from the front wheel arch and converges to a point at the rear. This striking feature line, which is repeated across all model series, clearly identifies the GLK as a member of the current generation of Mercedes vehicles. The expressive surface styling is continued into the muscular wheel arches where, regardless of the wheel size fitted, the standard-specification light-alloy wheels are almost flush with the outer edge of the wheel arch lip.

The "off-road styling package" variant of the GLK rides on flat-styled 5-spoke wheels in a 17-inch format, with the option of more angular-looking 20-inch 7-spoke wheels. In "exterior sports package" guise, the GLK is shod with 19-inch wheels in a 10-spoke design. Here again, customers may also opt for 20-inch wheels, this time with a 5-twin-spoke design. As at the front of the vehicle, there is a noticeable difference in focus between the "exterior sports package" and "off-road styling package" variants at the rear end too. Whereas the former pursues the sporty theme with chrome strip inserts, the tail of the latter is dominated by robust off-road elements, including matt black rub strips and a simulated underguard. The two-pipe exhaust system with rectangular tailpipes that is standard with all engine variants lends further impact to the striking looks of the GLK-Class. The distinctive looks of the exterior are seamlessly continued inside the GLK-Class.

On the one hand, the sophisticated finish of the surfaces brings the latest in Mercedes design to the interior. And on the other, the GLK offers an upmarket, luxurious interior, boasting materials of exquisite appeal plus precise detailing. There is a profound sense of wellbeing - a hallmark of all Mercedes vehicles - while the interior's overall quality feel is on a par with that in the GL-Class. The orchestrating element here, due to its dominant styling, is the dashboard, visually extending into the door panels to lend additional width to the generously dimensioned interior. A large trim strip divides the basic structure into three vertically arranged sections. With its large, taut surfaces, precision-finished edges and perfectly positioned seam of chrome, this element sets the styling tone for the rest of the interior. In its basic version, this component has a coarser, yet nevertheless sophisticated textile covering, which matches the seat upholstery fabric.