Preview: 2009 Mercedes Benz GLK

Prestige automakers are planning to launch a wave of premium soft-roaders over the coming 12 months, with the likes of Audi, Alfa Romeo, BMW and Mercedes Benz all set to release their own unique models. The first of these new crossovers is likely to be the mid-sized GLK from Mercedes Benz, which is set to debut by the middle of next year as a 2009 model and is estimated to cost close to €35,000.

Several prototypes have been spotted cold weather testing in Scandinavia, which revealed a design similar to the bigger GL-Class SUV. These latest renderings, compiled with information sourced from insiders close to the project, show that the new GLK picks up the same angular design theme and rugged seen in the rest of the Mercedes SUV range.


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Autophile - 3/28/2007 11:24:11 AM

-1 Boost

Will this replace the ML...I feel like they're in competition with each other. Is it really going to be smaller than the ML, that seems TOO small. And if it's not smaller it seems like MB is throwing a couple choices into the same market segment. I think it looks good but it's existence might questionable.

dav256 - 3/28/2007 11:54:48 AM

+3 Boost

The GLK/MLK is a BMW X3 competitor.

DiamondJim - 3/28/2007 1:19:09 PM

+5 Boost

much sexier than the shoe-like X3

Agent63 - 3/28/2007 2:22:15 PM

+2 Boost

I agree that it looks much better than the X3. It will give Mercedes SUV consumers a cheaper alternative. It would also be an alternative to the RX/FX/X3/MDX buyers out there. IT may not be a cheaper alternative but an alternative nonetheless. It's something else to consider in this segment.

DiamondJim - 4/1/2007 8:21:19 AM

+1 Boost

and considering the suspension will probably be smooth as butter, THIS is probably the best out of the bunch. go GLK!

vman1013 - 3/28/2007 7:20:20 PM

+1 Boost

looks like a mix between a chevy equinox up front and a ford escape in the rear. of course with the "hmm-hmm" prestige of the Mercedes symbol on the grill.

give me a break. this is what idiot shareholders are doing to the likes of mercedes and porsche. they should take a page out of the tiffany's book to maintaining the prestige of a brand which is to stop selling cheap shit!

And I mean cheap in terms of price not quality. There will be a point when people will stop spending $100+k on a the S / CL-classes when someone can by the GLK with the same badge for $29k!

SixxFive - 3/28/2007 4:16:22 PM

+2 Boost

Wow - this looks great - much better than the X3.

markusck - 3/28/2007 5:13:33 PM

+1 Boost

Heck, its better looking the the ML by miles...but then again, thats not hard to do...

Anthony - 3/28/2007 5:16:31 PM

+1 Boost

Considering the BMW X3 is the standard by which it's being judged, then yes, it's much better-looking. However considering the SUV on its own, this is horrible. The world does not need yet another cute-ute.

dumpsty - 3/29/2007 10:52:15 AM

+1 Boost

I think the ML shares a platform (although shortened) with the GL. Sheetmetal aside, the ML could've easily being designed to look like a mini-GL. So the two would have literally been like having the Yukon & Yukon XL.

I do like the renderings as they make the GLK look like a small version of the stately GL. I think it would be a very smart decision to do so. The overall size will be compared to the ML at first introduction...M-B will not be able to escape that, but if it offers a better "looking" package than what is offered by Audi or BMW, then release the thing and see how the public reacts.