Mercedes-Benz is pushing the idea that youth not only runs through products like the C-Class, but the company's new baby SUV. For the young at heart who love adventure, in the snow, GLK now offers accessories to match both lifestyle and performance to match the fast-approaching Northern Hemisphere's winter chills.
For the practical, GLK has an-easy-to-fit roof box that matches the car's original colour. It has a capacity of 450 litres, therefore increasing load capability substantially for those long fun trips to the Alps. Additionally a New Alustyle ski and snowboard rack that can absorb up to six skis can be optionally paired to a hardwearing luggage set. The rack comes in Standard and Comfort versions; Standard takes four pairs of skis or two snowboards. Comfort take six pairs of skis or four snowboards, and a ski bag found inside the GLK features tension straps and carrying straps for up to four pairs of skis. Clearly a shortage of skis in this case would be purely down to skier amnesia.
Those with Lance Armstrong tendencies among us are not left wanting, having been accommodated with a New Alustyle rear-mounted bicycle rack with a capacity of three racks and can be opened without removing bicycles. Real cool. As cool as the two choices of wheels and tyres available; size 8.5J x 20 ET 43 with size 235/45 R20 tyres and 7.5J x 19 ET 47 with size 235/50 R19 tyres. They can also handle the RUD-matic snow chain system which grips ice like Lewis Hamilton grips a Formula One Champion's trophy.
A number of individualisation possibilities exist for the discerning buyer, options such as chrome strips for the front bumper for instance, for fog lamp surrounds, exterior mirror housings and door handle recesses to the rear trim strip. That aluminium-effect running board has to be a must-have; it reminds one of ML 63 AMG.
Apple features prominently inside as GLK takes in iPhone connectivity to lounge level. There's an iPhone/iPod carrier and iPhone 3G version for November. All sorts of iPods can be accommodated inside the cubby hole/ glove box for easy compatibility, and access is via the steering wheel.
With winter rapidly approaching, Mercedes-Benz is turning its attention in particular to fans of the new GLK with a range of elegant yet practical genuine accessories. The range extends from attractive styling products and precision-fit carriers and safety systems to cutting-edge communication and entertainment tools.
It is not just in the fashion world that Mercedes-Benz focuses on individuality and elegant styling: the select accessories for the new GLK offer numerous ways to lend the compact Sports Utility Vehicle a highly personal touch and extend its range of uses.
One particularly eye-catching item is the robust, easy-fit roof box XL in a highly fashionable "calcite white". A special "colour matching" process ensures that the box is a 100 percent match for the original GLK paintwork shade. The combination of colour-imbued ABS plastic and high-quality acrylic surfaces results in a durable high-gloss finish.
The aerodynamic design of the box underlines the distinctive contours of the GLK. The "family box" has a capacity of up to 450 litres and is available with the opening on the right or the left. A ski rack insert - for up to five pairs of skis - and a hardwearing luggage set, which is designed to make optimum use of the space available in the box, are available as an option. The New Alustyle "Easy-Fix" basic carrier bars form the perfect basis for transporting the box, sports equipment and additional items of luggage.
The lockable New Alustyle ski and snowboard rack allows sports equipment to be stowed without a separate case: the Standard version holds up to four pairs of skis or two snowboards, the Comfort variant up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards. Inside the vehicle the ski bag, which features tension straps and carrying straps, holds up to four pairs of skis. Cycling fans will find the New Alustyle bicycle rack particularly convenient. The basic carrier bars hold up to three racks, and cycles can be attached at ground level before the racks are fitted in place. The rear-mounted bicycle rack offers an alternative to the roof-mounted version. It is attached to the trailer coupling and, thanks to its simple fold-down mechanism, the vehicle's load compartment can be opened without having to remove the cycles.
Convenient solutions for frequent phone users and music fans
Cutting-edge communication devices have also been catered for in the new GLK. There are over 50 different mobile-phone holders, allowing cutting-edge business and lifestyle mobiles produced by various manufacturers to be connected on board. The phone's functions are conveniently controlled via the multifunction steering wheel. The holders can be inserted in place with a single move and, where necessary, replaced in seconds - provided the vehicle is fitted with the optional extra convenience telephony (Code 386). The Apple iPhone® holder offers iPhone owners a safe and convenient way to connect up their portable player. There is also a separate holder for the new UMTS iPhone® 3G (from end of 4th quarter of 2008).
The accessories range also includes products which offer a safe and user-friendly way to enjoy personal music favourites on the road: the iPod® Interface Kit integrates the Apple iPod® fully into the on-board audio system. The portable player is plugged into the interface in the glove compartment and communicates with the on-board electronics. Here too the player is controlled via the luxury multifunction steering wheel (Code 442). There is no need for a separate factory-fitted optional extra. The iPod®/iPhone® holder for the glove compartment ensures a firm hold and is compatible with various iPod models (video, photo, mini, nano, classic and touch) as well as the iPhone® and iPhone® 3G.
Magnificent styling with light-alloy wheels and exquisite chrome and metal highlights
GLK owners who wish to add a more individual touch to their distinctive vehicle are spoilt for choice.
High-sheen chromed styling products are designed to give greater emphasis to individual areas of the vehicle. The range extends from chrome strips for the front bumper, fog lamp surrounds, exterior mirror housings (from 1st quarter of 2009) and door handle recesses to the rear trim strip. Further eye-catching features include stainless steel roof strips - available as a set of 4 - and a set of mirrored indicator bulbs. The aluminium-effect running board is another item which exudes high-quality design, and the rubber studs give it a non-slip finish.
The rear apron trim, in sturdy plastic, can be attached directly to the bumper to particularly sporty effect. The special diffuser look adds dynamism, as does the aerodynamic design of the front spoiler lip. The roof spoiler elegantly elongates the roof line.
The distinctive, angular design of the GLK is underlined by individual light-alloy wheels, such as the two 5-twin-spoke models, available in size8.5J x 20 ET 43 with size 235/45 R20 tyres and 7.5J x 19 ET 47 with size 235/50 R19 tyres. Even wider formats are available as an option for the rear axle. The rim lock set, consisting of a coded key and one lock per wheel, prevents theft of the attractive designer wheels. Exclusive hub caps and valve caps add a further refined touch to the design.
Unclouded driving pleasure with sophisticated safety systems
Practical factors are the focus when it comes to the RUD-matic snow chain system. Its user-friendly design means that it can be fitted and removed quickly, and the reinforced chain links are designed to withstand the toughest of conditions, providing excellent traction on slippery surfaces. The Quickpark reversing assistant makes precision parking easier, even where visibility is poor, helping to prevent parking damage.
Care has been taken when it comes to the safety of younger passengers too. Various age-specific seat systems are available, offering optimum protection of the next generation. The DUO plus child seat was developed for children between the ages of eight months and four years (nine to 18 kilograms) and features a special extra: in addition to the height-adjustable shoulder straps, the optionally available automatic child seat recognition and the ISOFIX attachment points, the top tether - a strap which can be used to secure the head section in place - ensures a perfect hold.
All Mercedes-Benz genuine accessories are (unless otherwise stated) available now from Mercedes-Benz partners.
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