2008 Detroit Auto Show: Mercedes-Benz GLK Crossover Iowa

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What it Is

Vision Mercedes-Benz GLK Preview - 2008 Detroit Auto Show: Humph. Some concept. And another thing: if the GLK is good enough for the girls on Sex in the City, it's good enough for us poor ink-stained wretches, by golly.  Debuted on the movie lot of the upcoming SITC movie (oops), the GLK showed up at Cobo Center in Detroit for a little thing called the Auto Show. In fact, two of 'em showed up, though only one will be on sale in January of 2009.. Pricing has not been not announced, but you can expect the C-Class derivative to compete with the BMW  X3 and new Land Rover LR2.

Why it Matters

With gas prices high and the world in a snit over global warming, driving big SUVs is insensitive and soooo yesterday. That makes small car-based SUVs popular, and Mercedes-Benz is nothing if not the choice of the popular crowd. Thusly, we get the GLK, a compact crossover based on the C-Class, and with it an all-new four-cylinder Bluetec diesel engine. The combination of this style with that engine makes for a wicked little 'Ute, one that offers up looks, convenience and performance in its class.

What's Under the Hood

Assumptions and reports indicate that the GLK will be powered by a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine, mated to the automaker's seven-speed automatic transmission and featuring their 4MATIC all-wheel-drive. The big news, however, is that of a new 2.2-liter four-cylinder Bluetec diesel engine introduced with the GLK. The company has performance pegged at 204 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft of torque, making this a fun and zippy little ride.

What We Think

First, we love the idea of a performance GLK from Mercedes-Benz. Second, we say hooray to the automaker's plan to offer 50-state clean diesels not only in the GLK but also in the R, M and GL Class SUV families. Availability is expected to reach national status by the second half of 2008.

By Brian Chee
Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz

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