Auto Bild Reports On Mercedes' Rumored Entry-Level SUV

Posted by www.eMercedesBenz.com on June 28th, 2006 

As you may remember, many, many moons ago we brought you spy photos  
of what was then called the Mercedes MLK, a BMW X3 fighter that  
reportedly will share a number of components with the upcoming C-Class.

Now, in an article published by the insightful kids over at Auto  
Bild, it's being reported the MLK moniker is a distant memory,  
replaced instead by the new and improved title of the "GLK."  But the  
fun doesn't stop there, ladies and gentlemen - Auto Bild's article  
then goes on to state what we can expect to see from the GLK, based  
on... well I'm not really sure what it's based on, but I'll stoke the  
rumor flames anyways, and let you form your own conclusions.

Obviously, as the rendering implies, the GLK will look like a smaller  
variant of, you guessed it, the GL-Class. Flared wheel arches,  
angular shapes and a broader, masculine stance all give way to what  
appears to be a mini-GL.  As for the GLK's underpinning's, it  
reportedly will still share a nearly identical chassis to the one  
found on the forthcoming C-Class, or more specifically, the C-Class  
4MATIC variant.  Differences between the GLK's "Direct Control  
Chassis" and the C-Class' chassis will include longer spring travels,  
higher wheel loads and larger wheels.

Power for the new model is expected to be provided by a total of four  
engines - one four-cylinder and three six-cylinder variants, with  
engines being paired specifically with both 4X2 and 4X4 models.   On  
the rear-wheel drive GLK, a new 2.2 Liter CDI producing 190  
horsepower is supposedly in development, along with a 231 horsepower  
3.0 Liter V6.  As for the four-wheel drive GLK, a 3.5-Liter 272  
horsepower V6 is planned, along with a 224 horsepower 3.0-Liter diesel.

And finally, what Mercedes would be complete without a wealth of  
technological gadgetry?  Brake Assist, Distronic Plus, ABS, ESP and  
the new COMAND system are all expected to be featured on the new GLK,  
along with the typical CD, telephone, and MP3 functions.

Pricing for the GLK is expected to come in around EUR 20,000 less  
than the GL, with the new model possibly debuting as early as 2009.

Rumors - you gotta love 'em.

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www.eMercedesBenz.com.