2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4MATIC news, pictures, and information

With its poised, confident presence, the GLK-Class leaves no doubt about its intent to conquer the compact premium SÚV §egmènt. In sharp contrast to the relatively soft forms of other similar-sized vehicles, the striking, angular profile of the GLK sets it apart from the competition. From its steeply-raked windshield to the integrated rear spoiler on its tightly styled roof section, the bullish shape of the new Mercedes GLK suggests power and agility, and echoes the G-Class -- the iconic pioneer of the Mercedes-Benz SÚV family.

Mercedes-Benz Design Chief Prof. Peter Pfeiffer adds: 'With the G-Class we created a style icon that has been a benchmark in SÚV design for the past 30 years. Combining this bold concept wîth the latest Mercedes-Benz design idiom makes the GLK a vehicle of genuine character.'

Beautiful proportions (length 178.3 inches, width 72.4 inches, height 66.9 inches) and styling combine classic angular shapes together wîth the distinctive design features found in contemporary Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Taut lines and large, expansive surfaces mix wîth the traditional characteristics of a proper off-road vehicle, such as short overhangs, an upright front end, slim roof pillars, and a steeply raked windshield. Generous angles of approach and departure combined wîth impressive ground clearance allow the GLK to handle light off-roading wîth ease. On-road, the clear layout of the exterior and good all-around visibility, combined wîth a commanding seating position, enhance everyday practicality and relaxed driving, even in dense city traffic.

A Luxurious, Feature-Rich Interior

The GLK boasts a long list of standard equipment, including details not typically found in this vehicle class. Inside, a two-zone automatic climate control system, adjustable §teering column, front seats wîth electrically adjustable height and backrest angle (including seat inclination adjustment) and manual lumbar support wîth two-way adjustment for the driver's seat are all standard on the GLK. Standard integrated Bluetooth interface for mobile phones, a microphone for the hands-free system and a central 5-inch color display round out the list of interior appointments.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK features all the impressive design and safety technology found in other Mercedes-Benz models, including standard front and side air bags as well as window air bags. Among its many comfort and convenience features is an available rear-seat entertainment system featuring two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones and an integrated dual-source DVD player.

The distinctive looks of the GLK exterior are seamlessly continued inside, wîth luxurious materials and precise detailing. The taught, sculpted lines of the dashboard dominate the interior, visually extending into the door panels to lend additional width to the generously dimensioned cockpit. Luxurious Sienna Pine wood wîth chrome trim highlights the dashboard and door panels at the front and rear, while the upper section of the encompasses the instrument cluster and the standard 5-inch color display. The driver's armrest features integrated cupholders and the standard controller for the audio functions and the optional COMAND multimedia system are located in ergonomically ideal positions between the front seats. Control of the individual menus is intuitive, following the familiar and well-proven layout used in the current C-Class and S-Class models. Additional shortcut buttons provide direct access to the most important main functions. Front and rear headroom figures are 39.8 inches and 39.7 inches respectively, while the cargo area boasts 23.3 cubic feet of storage. Cargo capacity balloons to 54.7 cubic feet when the 1/3:2/3-split rear seats are folded forwards.

A Wealth of Optional Equipment for the GLK buyer

Contributing to the versatility of the new SÚV, five option packages as well as nine stand-alone options are planned for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350. The popular Premium 1 package offers GLK buyers a spacious Panorama Sunroof, SIRIÚS satellite radio and a power liftgate. Customers seeking even more luxury can opt for the Premium 2 package, which adds Bi-Xenon headlamps wîth adaptive lighting and headlamp washing system, rain sensing windshield wipers, memory settings for the driver's seat, and much more. The Multimedia Package (which debuted on the new C-Class) adds COMAND wîth hard-drive Navigation as well as a rear-view back-up camera. Exterior options include an Appearance Package offering larger 20-inch 7-spoke wheels and Aluminum roof rails and, for the interior, an Úpholstery Package adds interior lighting, a full leather interior and burl walnut trim.

Available 4MATIC All-Wheel-Drive System

The optional all-wheel-drive powertrain at the heart of the GLK 350 4MATIC is one of the most capable systems on the market. The dynamic ESP®, ASR and 4ETS driving systems work in concert to ensure top-notch longitudinal and lateral control and superb handling stability both on and off-road. Thanks to a compact, longitudinally designed engine, transmission and transfer case arrangement, the system offers various advantages over its counterparts equipped wîth a transversely installed drive unit. Estimated 23 mpg highway fuel consumption is on a par wîth comparable rear-wheel vehicles, while vibration and noise levels rival those of luxury models.

The 45:55 torque distribution between the front and rear axle - along wîth the ESP®, ASR and 4ETS dynamic handling control systems - guarantees effortless and exceptional performance. Loss of traction on snow or ice is compensated for by the newly developed multi-disc clutch in the center differential, which provides a basic partial locking torque between the front and rear axle. This arrangement produces a significant increase in traction while maintaining directional stability.

Agility Control Suspension

	Vital Stats
Engine : 3.5 L., 6-cylinder Power: 268 hp
7-speed Automatic

The sophisticated Agility Control suspension on the new Mercedes GLK-Class helps resolve a common paradox facing the SÚV §egmènt - how to create a vehicle that combines agile on-road comfort wîth off-road capability. For sporty, responsive handling, the suspension and, above all, the shock absorbers need to provide a certain firmness however, this may compromise comfort and limits off-road performance. If the vehicle is setup wîth softer dampers, dynamic handling naturally suffers. Thanks to 'amplitude-dependent damping' the suspension can adjust to perform in either driving conditions. During normal driving on moderately contoured roads or slow off-road manoeuvres, the system responds softly, enhancing both the occupants' comfort and the vehicle's off-road capability. During more spirited driving or when performing abrupt evasive maneuvers, the dampers adjust to a harder setting ensuring optimum handling stability. Additionally, speed-sensitive power §teering supports the driver wîth a precise balance of high-speed road feel and low speed maneuverability. Maximum power assistance is available during parking and off-road driving, while at higher speeds, the assistance is reduced in favor of greater handling stability.

In addition to a tire pressure warning system, the tried-and-tested Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) for the GLK incorporates a vehicle/trailer stabilization function, which helps maintain control while towing a trailer by applying the individual wheel brakes as required. The GLK offers a maximum tow rating of 3,500 lbs.

Complete Safety Package for Maximum Occupant Protection