Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

From Mercedes-Wiki

Template:Future automobile Mercedes-Benz has planned to assemble a compact crossover SUV to compete with the Acura RDX, BMW X3, Lexus RX the Land Rover Freelander and the future Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60. The name of this series is not yet known, but DaimlerChrysler has already made preparations to use "X-Class" and "MLK-Class". According to Autobild, it should rather be called "GLK-Class", K standing for Kurz (short).

The upcoming GLK-Class will probably launch in 2008 as a 2009 model and be built in Germany, the first Mercedes SUV to be built there. Rumored engines are the 2.8L V-6 and the 3.5L V6 making up the GLK280 and the GLK350. Perhaps a AMG variant will be built, but that remains to be seen. Expect styling cues from the other Mercedes SUV's in a smaller package.

The history of the GLK class was designed by Harald Pietschmann after he was approached by Jim Rogers and asked to create the ultimate 4WD convertible for a trip around the world. The project involved using two already existing Mercedes Benz models, the G-class and the SLK-class [1].

It is speculated that the GLK-Class will share the upcoming C-Class (W204) platform, and production plans continued after the demise of the similar Smart Formore. Later, a compact true off-roader (it may retain the G-Class name) may be built on the same platform. In 2005, it was announced that the vehicle will be built in Bremen, Germany, rather than at the company's Juiz de Fora, Brazil factory as had been expected.

The GL was launched in 2006 to compete with Range Rover and some US brands.