Press Release
Relaxed travel in classic Mercedes style
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. Alternatively, GLK customers can opt for various wood or aluminium highlights here and in the door operating panels at the front and rear. The upper section of the dashboard encompasses the instrument cluster and the static central display. Meanwhile the driver's armrest with an integral stowage compartment and the controller for the optional COMAND APS infotainment system are located in ergonomically ideal positions between the front seats. Control of the individual menus is intuitive, following the familiar and well-proven control logic used in the S-Class. Additional shortcut buttons make it easier to access the most important main functions. 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. When the 1/3:2/3-split rear seats are folded forwards, the boot capacity increases to max. 1550 litres, the load compartment length to 1674 mm.
Complete range of standard equipment, complementary equipment packages
The level of equipment available for the GLK-Class is at premium-segment standard, including details normally only to be found in the higher vehicle categories. Standard-fit comfort-enhancing features include the THERMATIC 2-zone automatic climate control system, a steering column adjustable for height and reach, front seats with electrically adjustable height and backrest angle, including seat inclination adjustment, manual lumbar support with 2-way adjustment for the driver's seat and the Audio 20 sound system, including a radio/CD combination with integral Bluetooth interface for mobile phones, a microphone for the hands-free system and a central 5-inch colour display. Further features include power windows all round and cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC.
The GLK-Class model range is equipped to an exceptionally high standard. There are also two equipment packages to choose from, allowing customers to tailor the GLK to their own requirements. Among other things, the exterior sports package consists of 19-inch 7-spoke light-alloy wheels, stiffer sports suspension lowered by 20 millimetres and a chrome package with roof rails in aluminium. Alternatively, customers can select the off-road styling package, featuring 17-inch light-alloy wheels, robust off-road pads and simulated underguards on the front and rear apron as well as the chrome package as standard. The only difference is that this version has matt black roof rails, in keeping with the off-road look.
The off-road engineering package - with DSR switch, a "G" switch for activating a special off-road program and a heavy-duty, weight-optimised underguard and underbody protection in Gemtex - is also available as an optional extra. If the COMAND APS system is specified, the navigation system has a useful extra feature designed specifically for off-road vehicles. If the vehicle enters an area not covered by digitised maps, the driver can activate a tracking system to record and save the vehicle's route. This means that GLK drivers can always find a way back to their starting point, based on the principle of Ariadne's thread.
Customers can also opt for the THERMOTRONIC 3-zone luxury automatic climate control system (for the first time in this market segment), genuine leather appointments, fine wood trim elements or the rear-seat entertainment system with 2 screens, radio remote control, 2 sets of radio headphones per screen and an Aux-In socket for multimedia devices such as games consoles. LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control makes the COMAND APS system even easier to use, while the fully electrical, 10-way seat adjustment feature with memory package simplifies the process for setting preferred seating positions. Items that can be ordered for all models include 20-inch light-alloy wheels and the electrically operated panoramic glass sliding sunroof. Further options that come highly recommended include the Intelligent Light System (ILS), featuring five light functions (cornering light function, country mode, motorway mode, active light function and enhanced fog lamps), which are activated in specific driving situations and weather conditions, or the EASY-PACK tailgate, which can be operated at the push of a button.
Mercedes-Benz GLK Edition 1: attractive model to celebrate sales launch
The exclusive "Edition 1" model will be produced to mark the sales launch of the GLK-Class. This particular variant, sure to be the subject of great demand, is based on the exterior design of the models with exterior sports package but also features 20-inch wheels, the electrically operated EASY-PACK tailgate and specially coloured privacy glass in the rear compartment. The interior is based on the interior sports package and has been upgraded to include further quality details such as black/white nappa leather seats from the designo range, an AMG multifunction leather steering wheel, a black roof lining, exclusive aluminium trim elements and the COMAND APS system. All of these exclusive GLK models are available in calcite white as standard, although customers can specify any other paint finish. Engine-wise, the GLK Edition 1 can be combined with any of the V6 units.
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 fifth 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 the R-Class, M-Class, GL-Class and G Class. The GLK, a compact SUV, is the latest addition to this successful family.
The R-Class is the model series with the most variants, all of which impress with an outstanding level of long-distance comfort and the most generous and variable interiors of all the Mercedes SUVs, including up to seven seats. The most successful Mercedes-Benz Sports Utility Vehicle, with around 950,000 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.
Bremen plant produces the GLK-Class on an exclusive basis
The GLK is produced solely at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen. The site, taken over from Hanomag-Henschel in 1969, was a production plant used by the carmaker Borgward up until 1961 and is a major cog in Daimler's world-wide production network. As the home plant for the C-Class Saloon and C-Class Estate, it sets the quality standards for all plants that handle these model series world-wide. European customers can order the compact model with genuine character from June 30, 2008, with deliveries set to commence in the autumn. The prices for the German market, not including local VAT, are as follows:
- GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: € 33,900
- GLK 320 CDI 4MATIC: € 38,700
- GLK 280 4MATIC: € 36,600
- GLK 350 4MATIC: € 38,700
