(Gulp!)




































With economy on the minds of most car buyers in America, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the GLK series of vehicles in the German city of Dusseldorf. The company believes the GLK350 is one such all-new model that the market wants, while still priced competitively and delivering on luxury.

But what is the GLK? Styled after the popular G-Class SUV, it is definitely a more modern and smoother homage to its ancestor. It features a 268-bhp and 258-lb.-ft.-of-torque V-6 engine based on the ones in the C350 and E350 sedans, linked to a 7-speed automatic transmission and a revised all-wheel-drive system.

The transmission uses a lock-up clutch in addition to a standard torque converter. When activated, the lock-up clutch locks the torque converter so that power can flow directly to the wheels without experiencing any slippage. The 4MATIC system in the GLK features a center differential that is integrated with the transmission and allows for the use of common components between the rear-drive and all-wheel-drive models.

Driving a Euro-spec GLK through the meandering roads of the German countryside yielded predictable results: It is quiet and stable at speed and is more carlike then the other SUV offerings from Mercedes. Nevertheless, Mercedes demonstrated the GLK's off-road capability by letting journalists drive a Europe-only GLK320 CDI diesel-fueled car. While this demonstration model featured parts that will not be available stateside, it easily tackled steep and muddy climbs and descents, axle-articulating ramps and moguls, and even a water crossing.

Civility-wise, the GLK will feature fold-down rear seats, a roof rack, dual-zone climate control and 8-way power front seats as standard equipment. Option packages include a Multimedia (COMAND navigation and hard-drive-based audio system) as well as an Appearance package (20-in. wheels and aluminum roof rack). Expect the GLK350 to have a price tag in the high 30s and look for it in dealer lots in early 2009.

What's Hot:

* 7-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC
* Sedanlike handling, with off-road-ability
* Comes with a healthy list of standard features

What's Not:

* Does Mercedes need another SUV?
* No off-road package for the U.S.

Cars to Compare:

* Acura RDX
* BMW X3
* Infiniti EX35
* Land Rover LR2
* Lexus RX 350


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Everytime I see the GLK I like it more and more. One thing, a diesel should be introduced to the U.S. market a few months after the gas version goes on sale. A hybrid version would be hot too.

M

20 inch rims on this thing?

^ look very classy with them on I think i'm starting to like this more than the Q5

I am really liking this car more and more i like both the exteriro and the interior it reeally is a very nice car

just a pity mb decide not to make a right hand version definatelly wont my self in a glk 250 cdi when it comes out

looks very nice in silver ..................