Beijing, May 11, 2010 – Hailed as a classic vehicle that brilliantly merges modern design concepts with outstanding off-road capabilities, Mercedes-Benz's GLK-Class has carved a name for itself as a stalwart trendsetter in the luxury mid-size SUV market since its entry into China in November 2008. Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. today held a design salon at the Beijing Yihaodi International Art District. During the salon, inspiring pieces created by renowned jewellery designer Bao Bao Wan, artist Chi Peng, interior designer Lv Yongzhong, architect Bai Yang and the creative design team, UNMASK, were all on display. The unique and provocative works created by these artists and designers capture the daring and audacious spirit of the GLK design idiom.

Drawing its inspiration from the GLK, the GLK Design Salon aims to match the vehicle's sense of audacity and poise. Joining the event was Karim Habib, designer from Mercedes-Benz advanced design center, who travelled from Germany to personally exchange design ideas with the artists and designers. Topics ranged from the prevailing trends of car design, to the conceptual origin of the GLK, which harks back to the robustness of the legendary G-Class, the first in the Mercedes-Benz SUV family line, to the interplay between ancient Chinese philosophy and modern aesthetics, as well as the sense of breakthrough, daring and refinement all dovetail into the design details of the GLK. These engaging dialogues served to further highlight the aesthetic qualities of the GLK. No other model in the world of mid-size luxury SUVs, past or present, comes close to matching the GLK's distinctively expressive appearance. The impeccable proportions, classical angular body and design idiom of Mercedes-Benz, give the GLK pure off-road characters.

"In the first four months of 2010, Mercedes-Benz sold nearly 35,000 vehicles to our Chinese customers, representing a 110% year-on-year increase," says Klaus Maier, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. "It has always been our wish to communicate the multifaceted brand image of Mercedes-Benz through events like the GLK Design Salon. We will continue to demonstrate our ambition to lead, as well as our passion and confidence to design and innovate, so as to give consumers a rich selection of quality products."

The robust bodyline of the GLK separates it from a crowd of similarly streamlined cars and gives it a refreshing inimitable style. The designer group UNMASK transcribed their interpretation of the GLK on Heritage, a piece representative of the wild off-road genealogy of the GLK. Inspired by the GLK's tasteful interior components such as the sophisticated leather upholstery and refined aluminium trim, famed jewellery designer Bao Bao Wan has created two beautiful pieces using jade and 18K gold to capture the luxurious nature of the GLK interior. Designer Lv Yongzhong sought to reveal the coexisting brazenness and poise of the GLK through his provocative art piece Earth. Bai Yang created an installation art piece called Obsession with Wheels, a tribute to the obsession towards the GLK which can only be seen within the confines of the GLK's interior. Chi Peng introduced a series of photos that represent the GLK's ability to take you away from the travails of the city for that elusive peace of mind.

"I am glad to see how the design idiom of the GLK has won over some of the best and the brightest from the art community in China, and given them such inspirations in their work," said Bjoern Hauber, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. "The GLK has set the standard for the mid-size luxury SUV segment. I believe that its unparalleled charisma stems from the combination of its practical bodyline, modern design, as well as the attributes of comfort, luxury, and safety that has always been characteristic of Mercedes-Benz."

As the clear leader of China's mid-size luxury SUV segment, the GLK is not only one-of-a-kind in its design, but also in its practical functionality. The vehicle flawlessly integrates recreational city elements with its bold off-road style, and in the process, sets itself apart as an innovative signature SUV. With its unique design concept, exceptional manoeuvrability, safety, and other outstanding attributes, the GLK-Class is the new flag-bearer in the mid-sized luxury SUV market.