| 
|
|
With its poised, confident presence, the mere look of the GLK-Class leaves one in no doubt about its intent to conquer the compact premium SUV segment. It is arguably the most sophisticated of all takes on this particular theme. And it displays echoes of the G-Class, the founding father of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. Design chief Prof. Peter Pfeiffer takes up the story: "With the G-Class we created a style icon that has been a benchmark in SUV design for the past 30 years. Combining this bold concept with the latest Mercedes-Benz design idiom makes the GLK a vehicle of genuine character."
No other model in the compact-SUV segment, 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. Here the unmistakable design idiom, consisting of taut lines and large, expansive surfaces, is combined with the typical body features of a practical off-road vehicle, such as short overhangs, an upright front end, slim roof pillars, a steeply raked windscreen and taut roof lines.
Rather than being a stylistic end in itself, however, the body design allows the typical advantages of an off-road vehicle to be introduced to the more road-oriented compact-SUV category for the first time. Large angles of approach and departure plus good ground clearance make off-road ventures a sheer joy. The outstandingly clear layout of the body and good all-round visibility, combined with the raised seating position, enhance everyday practicality and ensure relaxed driving, even in dense city traffic.
The GLK-Class may be one of the more road-oriented Mercedes-Benz SUVs, but the "G" – alluding to the archetypal Mercedes off-roader – still has a rightful place in the model name. "The GLK completes our extremely successful SUV family and displays classic Mercedes attributes such as refinement, dynamism and safety in a compact format, thus raising the bar significantly once more in this market segment", says Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG. |
| A laid-back affair: travel in the GLK-Class |
The distinctive looks of the body are seamlessly continued inside the GLK-Class. On the one hand, the contemporary treatment of the surfaces brings the latest in Mercedes design to the interior. On the other hand, the GLK offers a high-quality and comfortable interior with impressive materials and precise detailing. Occupants enjoy a profound sense of wellbeing when on board – a hallmark of all Mercedes vehicles. The dashboard is the dominant feature here, visually extending into the door panels to lend additional width to the generously dimensioned interior. Further eye-catching features include an elegant trim level highlighted by a fabric that matches the seat upholstery, specified as standard.
In terms of spaciousness, the GLK matches vehicles that are much bigger on the outside. The interior architects at the MTC have succeeded in achieving seating-comfort dimensions on a par with those of the much larger M-Class – for example the distance between the heel reference point and the seat reference point in the GLK-Class is 318 mm (front) and 346 mm (rear). Front and rear headroom are also comparable at 1010 mm and 1012 mm respectively. The boot, including an additional compartment beneath the load compartment floor, holds at least 450 litres. |
| Mercedes offers the widest range of SUVs |
Mercedes-Benz offers the widest range of SUVs in the premium segment, the GLK being the brand's fourth model series in this internationally growth-oriented market. In response to customers' wishes, the company initially extended its model range sideways and upwards by introducing M-Class, GL-Class and G Class. The GLK, a compact SUV, is the latest addition to this successful family.
The most successful Mercedes-Benz Sports Utility Vehicle, with around 900,000 vehicles sold to date, is the M-Class, offering an exciting and highly effective balance between on-road performance and off-road ability. This model series, which celebrated its high-profile premiere some ten years ago, is seen as the precursor to all today's premium SUVs. The GL-Class in turn has occupied pole position in the SUV world since 2006, its occupants travelling first-class whatever the conditions, whether on or off the road. The
G-Class, which effectively started it all, is celebrating 30 years of service this coming year. The "G" really comes into its own when venturing off the beaten track and still ranks as one of the world's best off-roaders. |
| | |
Dealer Network
