Mercedes GLK Means to Bring Sedan Style into Compact SUV

Mercedes is ready to introduce the 2012 GLK SUV, which focuses style over off-road ability. The car is meant to translate the lines of Mercedes sedans into an SUV. It is available with six different engines

The GLK emphasizes short overhangs, verticality from the grill and windshield, slender pillars and long, smooth surfaces. The front is marked by LED running lights and either standard reflector headlights or optional projector units. The rear uses LED tail lights. Optionally, buyers can opt for the AMG Exterior Sports package that adds AMG-specific front and rear apron, AMG radiator grill, AMG LED running lights, 19in wheels and stiffened suspension. 

Inside, the car has a large expanse of either aluminum or wood trim. A color navigation display is optionally available as is the Interior Sports package adds a three-spoke, multifunction steering wheel, sports seats and door panels from man-made leather, shift lever in nappa leather and stainless steel pedals. 

The six engines include three diesels and three petrol engines. There are two tunes of Mercedes' 2.1l diesel four-cylinder with 143hp or 170hp. The other diesel is Mercedes' 3.0l V6 diesel with 265hp. The petrol engines are a 2.1l petrol engine in two tunes with either 170hp or 204hp, and the 3.5l V6 petrol engine with 306hp. 

The 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed automatic transmission is available on the GLK220 CDI 4Matic BlueEfficiency, GLK220 BlueTech 4Matic, GLK 250 BlueTech 4Matic, GLK350 CDI 4Matic BlueEfficiency and GLK 350 4Matic BlueEfficiency. The GLK200 CDI BlueEfficiency and GLK220 CDI BlueEfficiency come with a six-speed automatic. All of the BlueEfficiency come standard with start/stop technology. 

The GLK comes standard with adaptive braking with hill-start assist, agility control, brake assist, speed-sensitive steering.

Prices in Europe start at €36,235.50 for a GLK200CDI BlueEfficiency and ranges up to €50,099 for a GLK 350 4Matic BlueEfficiency.