^ Gorgeous looking car

Mercedes has done a far far better job in the interior then the generic mould that has been fitted to the Q5.

I didn't like how edmunds said that the interior didn't have the quality feel of other recent MB interiors and some plastics were cheap....

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DUSSELDORF, Germany — In a shaky world economy still looking for the turnoff to that elusive road to recovery, and with the U.S. dollar at historic lows, it's logical that foreign car companies look to the U.S. for places to build their cars.

"This whole fast shift in the economy and the cost of fuel have changed the game faster than any of us could have foreseen," a Mercedes-Benz executive told Inside Line at the launch for the new GLK.

Asked whether — and when — Mercedes plans to produce the architecture-sharing C-Class and GLK in the U.S., the executive told Inside Line: "We are looking at everything these days like never before, and you can expect many moves of this nature over the next several years." More specifically: "For the new C or GLK, this [i.e. the move of production to North America] wouldn't be able to happen until perhaps the next-generation C-Class is ready in around 2013."

At the launch, Mercedes showed some pre-production units of a GLK 4Matic with the all-new turbocharged 2.2-liter CDI inline four-cylinder engine with high-pressure direct injection. Of the four engines present, the GLK 220 CDI 4Matic with 167 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque was the best setup for the GLK on this chassis. It had definite advantages over the GLK350, currently the only GLK coming to North America when deliveries start in April 2009.

A spokesman told IL: "This is still unofficial, but we are bringing over the 2.2-liter diesel to North America. Our dealers are very eager for it, and so you'll see both the C-Class and the GLK-Class with this power plant. But not until 2010."

For this supreme little powerhouse to make it over to all 50 states, Mercedes needs to re-engineer the engine to accept BlueTec technology. "You can imagine," our contact went on, "the 2.2-liter in the GLK already averages 34 miles per gallon U.S. With BlueTec that will improve to just under 40."

What this means to you: The U.S. is experiencing a major paradigm shift in its driving priorities, and small-capacity turbocharged engines will come in a flood soon. This is very good news. — Matt Davis, Correspondent


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Tennmb you are going to get your wish for a GLK and C-Class diesels!


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I'm loving that color! Looks great on this Benz.

UH, BlueTec doesn't improve fuel mileage.

Tough grippy little mofo despite its independent suspension.