Mercedes-Benz GLK New Generation, leader of the compact SUVs

The GLK-Class New Generation confirms its ambitions to leadership in the compact SUV segment with a new design, superior levels of equipment, innovative driver assistance systems and engines as efficient as dynamic. Outwardly expresses a greater appeal, combining the classic design of SUVs with the formal language of the current Mercedes-Benz sedans. Inserts completely refurbished, quality materials and new equipment in the cockpit, along with new infotainment systems, contribute to increase the pleasure of traveling aboard the GLK. The 2012 edition is an ambassador of the most modern security systems and the highest expression of the concept Blue EFFICIENCY with ECO start / stop function as standard. For the first time the GLK may rely on the system of purification of exhaust gases BlueTEC, respecting the antipollution regulations Euro 6.

Joachim Schmidt, Executive Board member of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division and Head of Sales and Marketing, said: "With the GLK SUV designed to offer a dynamic lifestyle, strong intelligent and a strong character. This model will enhance our portfolio of SUVs, providing an important contribution to the global growth of the Mercedes-Benz in this market segment. "

The GLK offers an excellent driving dynamics, outstanding comfort and active safety. In addition to the rear-wheel drive versions, the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive models show a high capacity to overcome even the most adverse conditions, both 'on' and 'off' road. For off-road SUV and Mercedes-Benz, in fact, where there is a "G" out, there is a "G" also inside.

New edition of the modern design GLK

GLK Outsiders give the image more appealing. The body combines the classic elements of SUVs with the language of the current Mercedes-Benz sedans. Clean lines, large flat surfaces and smooth area and the massive front and rear are in harmony with the typical hallmarks of SUVs, which are also expressed through short overhangs, front vertical, slim roof pillars, windscreen and sloping roofline determined. The shape of the body is not an exercise in stylistic end in itself, as a way to transfer the typical advantages of SUVs in the compact SUV class. The data of importance to these kinds of vehicles, such as slope angle and ground clearance, are convincing and shall at all times to move away from paved roads. The compactness of the body and the excellent visibility on all sides, joined to the raised position of the seats makes the car perfectly suitable for everyday use and ensure relaxed driving.

The bumpers are no longer differentiated according to specific packages On-Road and Off-Road models and all, beneath the new headlights, LED daytime running lights come standard, integrated into a chrome trim. The radiator grille with two blades with star center follows the formal language of all current models of the star. The blades are painted silver and embellished with chrome accents. The main headlamps reinterpret the typical Mercedes design of the lights. The Sport version equipped with a system of beacons of light reflection, a sort of "chrome flame" extending over two reflectors as a decorative element. If the car is equipped with the Intelligent Light System (ILS), standard on the Premium version, the lighthouse is composed of the group projected by a reflector and "torch" with photoconductors LED position lamps, as well as direction indicators above each LED. In profile stand out in particular the roof rails completely renovated.

The rear bumper gives the tail of the GLK a sporty image and at the same time refined. Here we note in particular the new design of the underrun protection and chrome tailpipes as standard. The taillights have been completely renovated by designers from the standpoint of both aesthetics and function. Through the use of LEDs and photoconductors, the tail of the GLK has a unique night design characteristic, which is further emphasized by the new license plate light LED.

With the facelift, the designers have also designed new wheels 43.2 cm (17 inches Comfort), 48.3 cm (19 inches) and 50.8 cm (20 inches), available in different colors of paint or surface burnished. For the first time is also a kind of rim 43.2 cm (17 inches) optimized aerodynamic consideration.

The interior of the GLK: environment even more refined, higher welfare

Design, refinement and selection of materials of the new interior of the GLK are higher levels of car categories. Among other things, the designers of the Mercedes-Benz Design Studio in Sindelfingen have completely redesigned the dashboard: a large wooden or aluminum trim (optional) spans the entire width, with an even more harmonious. Also highlighted the new circular nozzles and inserts additional silver shadow. The instrument panel with three round instruments are equipped with color display standard on the Premium and optional for Sport. The three-spoke sports steering wheel, new upholstery colors and design of the seats, as well as indirect illumination of the soft lights 'ambient' with LED technology available for the first time on the GLK, further accentuate the atmosphere of well-being that breathe in the cockpit. Models with automatic transmission 7G TRONIC seven-speed feature of DIRECT SELECT shift lever positioned on the steering. In this way, the center console remains free enough space to accommodate a storage compartment frame with silver shadow.

The interior sports package, standard on the Premium and optional for Sport, offered in the previous model has been further enriched, among other things, the sports seats with their debut for the first time on the GLK. Other components of the package are three-spoke multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather, sports seats in leather blacks ecological ARCTIC / DYNAMICS microfiber with contrasting stitching in dark alpaca gray (instead of black genuine leather coatings), the central panels of the doors ARCTIC faux leather with contrasting stitching diagonal, the shift lever in nappa leather with chrome frame and sports pedals in brushed stainless steel.

Infotainment: more leisure, more information

The standard equipment for the GLK includes the Audio 20 CD with the functions listed below. 

• Dual Tuner 

• Display diagonal 14.7 cm (5.8 ") and technology TFT 

• Reader MP3/WMA/AAC compatible CD 

• USB interface with display of CD cover 

• Aux-in connection in the armrest 

• Interface with Bluetooth ® handsfree and 

audio streaming for the transmission of music 

• telephone keypad

Special thanks to the range of infotainment systems, the GLK is able to go online, to offer the acoustics of a concert hall or even allow new possibilities for entertainment, such as those listed below. 

• System integration into the rear compartment Plus Apple iPad ®. Is available as a docking station comfortable, ergonomic and safe for the iPad ® in the rear compartment of the GLK. The support can be tilted and rotated 180 °, leaving accessible for all connections. In addition, the battery can be recharged via a USB interface integrated with the aid of a cable. 

• Color display in the center instrument panel with photo-realistic representations. 

• Becker ® MAP PILOT: navigation module is fully integrated with 2D mapping / 3D navigation display on the Audio 20 CD radio display, and playback control via the central controller of the information on the acoustic path through the speakers as standard for a premium. 

• multimedia system COMAND Online: fast disk drive navigation with color display 17.8 cm high resolution, can freely use the Mercedes-Benz App integrated and call websites, LINGUATRONIC voice control system, USB and Aux-in connection in the center armrest, telephone module with Bluetooth ® (SAP) in armrest for telephony and Internet connectivity. 

• For the first time, in conjunction with COMAND, the GLK is available a TV tuner for reception of digital television (DVB-T). 

• Surround Sound System Harman Kardon ® Logic 7 ® including 7-channel DSP amplifier and booster to 2 channels with a total power of 510 Watts in combination with 12 high-performance speakers, Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS.

Driver assistance systems to the top of the segment

driver assistance systems, known on the S-Class and E-Class models, allow to travel on board the new GLK in running and psycho physical further improved by placing this compact SUV at the top in its segment. These include equipment, available on request, include the ATTENTION ASSIST and the preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE ®. The budget may be supplemented with other driver assistance systems partially active, such as Park Assist with automatic parking function, standard on-demand for premium sports. To carry out operations in areas with poor visibility there is a camera for reversing aid with reference lines or - a first for Mercedes-Benz - a camera at 360 °.

This system receives the information transmitted by the four miniature cameras positioned on the front, tail and wing mirrors, reconstructing a perspective "bird's eye view" of the vehicle and the surrounding environment. The undistorted image is displayed in real time on the central display of the COMAND. This system, in addition to the camera for reversing aid, allows to control the lateral area, and ahead of the vehicle, preventing the risk of collision during maneuvers. Further reference lines help the driver to orient themselves, while the camera 360 ° displays the area of ​​oscillation of the car during steering.

Other devices are available on request individually or grouped into special packages. The package of driver assistance systems Plus, for example, includes DISTRONIC PLUS BAS PLUS, the PRE-SAFE ® brake system, the Active Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist active. Parking is included in the package the camera 360 ° already described, including the Park Assist function and automatic parking PARKTRONIC.

The package offers assistance to help the Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist. As always it is available off-road engineering package, which function with the Downhill Speed ​​Regulation (DSR), off-road driving program (adjustment of the attachment points of the gear and throttle curve), the underrun protection technology in the solid material Synthetic "Gemtex" and raised suspension increases the off-road capability of the car away from paved roads. Another new feature is the off-road engineering package coupled ILS, including the lights for offroad driving over rough terrain. Specific settings of the lights, lighting thanks to the wider field of view, allow a better orientation in the dirt.

The engines in the GLK: efficient, clean and powerful

The modern range of engines allows all GLK models maximum comfort traction and performance, with low fuel consumption and emissions. In total there are six petrol and diesel models. The GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC four-cylinder diesel engine adopts the most powerful in the SUV segment. The direct injection engine with an output of 150 kW (204 hp) and torque of 500 Nm developed by a displacement of 2,143 cm3 allow the GLK to achieve excellent performance. Particularly convincing quality of the shot and the maximum speed, as well as its excellent elasticity. Despite the remarkable ability to power, this model of the GLK proves attentive to consumption: on average, the self-ignition engine consumes 6.1 to 6.5 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (combined NEDC consumption, provisional figure). CO2 emissions are equal to 159-169 grams per kilometer. Moreover, as the model GLK 220 BlueTEC 4MATIC, this car meets the Euro 6 limit values ​​and the standard U.S. BIN 5.

More parsimonious models are the two rear-drive GLK 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with manual six-speed transmission. Both versions are content to 5.5 to 5.6 liters of diesel per hundred kilometers (143 to 147 g CO2/km). But the champion of power between the diesel versions is the GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY. With its 620 Nm of torque, the V6 diesel engine has very considerable power delivery even at low speeds.

The petrol model GLK 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY is distinguished for its innovative technology leader in the generation of V engines Mercedes-Benz. The heart of the technology package BlueDIRECT is gasoline direct injection of third-generation spray-guided combustion and piezo injectors. His action, combined with that of Multi Spark Ignition, allows to further optimize fuel consumption.

BlueEFFICIENCY technology to further reduce consumption

In addition to advanced engine technology, the wide range of BlueEFFICIENCY contributes to the achievement of outstanding fuel economy of all GLK models. These include, beside the ECO start / stop function as standard, the 7-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC PLUS. Even the low-friction gear axis, electro-mechanical steering and tires with low rolling resistance contribute to the reduction in consumption.

The 7G-TRONIC PLUS is included as standard equipment for all GLK-Class 4MATIC models, and is distinguished by its smaller torque converter slip and higher efficiency. Among the main features include a new torsional damper that effectively attenuates the irregularities of rotation and the internal vibrations of the gearbox, the intensity of which is generally inversely proportional to speed and number of cylinders. The result is a conflict of aims between comfort on one side and the other low power consumption. The solution is precisely the so-called torsional damper double turbine, which in the case of diesel is equipped with a centrifugal pendulum. Its task is to move the center of gravity according to the number of turns, to ensure comfortable driving conditions even in the range of optimum regimen for consumption.

The best damping action reduces then sharply clutch slippage of exclusion of the torque converter even in conditions of low load, while also contributing in this case to limit fuel consumption. This solution also ensures faster response times to commands with the accelerator pedal. Equally useful for the reduction in consumption are the low-friction bearings and the new thermal management of the oil change. With ECO indicator on the instrument panel as standard, the driver can check and adjust their driving style according to the momentary fuel consumption. Active and passive safety also for the new GLK-Class philosophy of Mercedes-Benz House was applied based on the concept of integral safety, mainly inspired by the real dynamics of the accident. The safety cell foam represents the GLK, in combination with front and rear crumple zones, a solid base for the occupant protection systems.

The GLK's standard equipment includes the equipment listed below. 

• Airbags for driver and passenger, kneebag for driver, front pelvis airbags, front side airbags, window bags for driver, front passenger and rear passenger 

seat occupancy • Recognition for front passenger seat 

• Pedal activated in case of accident 

• Fixing child seat (Isofix) in the back and fastening TopTether on the back of the rear seat 

headrests • (5) front and rear, adjustable for height and angle, NECK-PRO active head restraints for driver and front passenger 

• 3-point safety belts, including manual height adjustment and belt force limiters for driver and front passenger, automatic height adjustment for the outer rear passengers, an indicator for the rear passenger seat belt fastened the instrument panel 

• Pedestrian protection with active bonnet

Contribute to a more active safety equipment listed below. 

• ADAPTIVE BRAKE including hill start assist, HOLD function, the wet and dry brake pads on the combination of disks 

• AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system 

• Anti-lock braking system ( ABS) 

• System Acceleration skid control (ASR) 

• Brake Assist (BAS) with power assistance in the event of emergency braking detected 

• Direct Steering is hydraulically powered steering according to vehicle speed and steering ratio 

• STEER CONTROL steering assistance system, in can help the driver while driving through an unstable vibration perceptible on the steering wheel causing it to counter steer in the right direction. 

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP ®) with trailer stabilization 

• 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with electronic traction 4ETS (excluding GLK 200/220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY) 

• Tyre pressure loss warning

A complete range of models, equipment variants convincing

the equipment levels of the GLK-Class are those of the luxury segment and resume details that are usually present only in the higher category cars. GLK in Italy will be available in two versions Sport and Premium. GLK Sport Pack with Chrome for the external standard is aimed at maximum sportiness, thanks to the details included in the package Chrome cuii series between terminals and including the chrome roof rails in aluminum polished and the radiator grille with two chrome strips.

The alloy wheels are standard from 48.3 cm (19 ") with three triples races. Premium version is exclusive GLK GLK New Generation. Outside the AMG sports package gives it a strong but elegant front spoiler and rear apron, AMG radiator grille with two lamellae specific chrome, LED daytime running lights AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels AMG from 48.3 cm ( 19 ") and sports suspension.

The allocations are based on the Chrome package extended to the exterior. To make the fullest contribution Premium Bi-Xenon ILS, the Becker Map Pilot, the support system to assist with Parktronic parking Park and electrically folding exterior mirrors and especially the sports package for the interior.

All models and versions are equipped as standard with large endowments that provide optimal security, comfort and agility for both the occupants on long routes in city traffic or relieve the fatigue of the driver. Standard equipment includes, among other cockpit-adjustable front seats with electrically adjustable height and backrest, an armrest for driver and front passenger folding with storage compartment, a folding rear armrest with dual cupholders and storage compartment, dual-zone automatic climate control , 12-volt power outlets in center console and luggage compartment, power windows on all windows with comfort operation and auto-reverse function, as well as an onboard computer with indication of the instantaneous fuel consumption.

Rain sensor, automatic headlight, central locking with radio remote infrared, cruise control with variable speed limiter SPEEDTRONIC (excluding GLK 200/220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY) and outside temperature indicator are additional options included as standard, as well as the glass tinted and shaded in green on all sides, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors with aspherical mirrors and turn signals integrated.

The customization of the new GLK models are not restricted to fulfilling the desires of customers. This is particularly true for the wide range of standard and metallic paints, which virtually endless possibilities for construction of the passenger. In total there are ten standard and metallic paints, plus two special paint finish diamond white metallic BRIGHT luzonite and gray. The interiors provide a true feel of well-being of Mercedes cars and can be customized in various ways, sporty style and spirited up to the more classic and elegant. The range of interiors ranges from solid gray alpaca, passing through various shades of beige, until you get to black, while the two-tone designo leather upholstery combinations are available in black / brown tundra, black / porcelain or black / brown .

Mercedes offers the widest range of SUVs

The widest range of SUVs in the luxury segment is the one offered by Mercedes-Benz. In total, in this growing market worldwide, there are five series of models with the star. Has not only the compact GLK and the classic off-road "G", the lucky family is completed by the Mercedes R-Class cars, the M-Class and GL-Class.

The Mercedes-Benz model series that has more years of service, with a production period of 33 years, is the class G. Originally conceived in 1979 primarily as a model for extreme off-road use, the G-Class has undergone a remarkable evolution. During 33 years, Mercedes-Benz has improved this vehicle originally designed for a sober professional, giving high class interiors and drivability on the road at the same level of high-end sedans of Mercedes-Benz. Today the G-Class is considered a top model among the luxury off-road, which has also submitted his DNA to other successful Mercedes-Benz SUV. Countless times over the past decades, the G-Class off-road has been elected the year, as has happened again last year.

The R-Class is the most rich in variations and convinces with its high comfort on long journeys, as well as the most generous and versatile interior of the segment with a maximum of seven seats. However, the SUV Mercedes-Benz's most successful, sold over 1,000,000 copies, is the M-Class, which debuted in 1997 and is considered the forerunner of all modern luxury SUV. In 2011 was presented the third generation of this model, as well as offering compelling performance both on road and off road, has been a champion of efficiency: the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC is satisfied because of an NEDC consumption of 6.0 liters of diesel per hundred kilometers.

In early 2012, Mercedes-Benz SUVs have celebrated another milestone. Since the launch of the G-Class up to 33 years ago through 2011 have been delivered to customers over two million units. SUVs represent about a fifth of global sales of Mercedes-Benz. The market far more important for the whole family of SUVs, as well as for the M-Class, GLK-Class and GL-Class is represented by the United States. The second market in terms of importance for the whole terrain is China, followed by Germany. The classic off-road "G" enjoys great popularity on the German domestic market, while the R-Class is more demand in China.