Sunday, January 13, 2008

New Vision From Benz!

Mercedes-Benz GLK Freeside Concept

Scheduled to go on sale this fall in Europe and early next year in North America and China, the five-passenger GLK debuted at the Detroit auto show as a concept called Vision GLK Freeside. It joins the G, GL, ML and R-Class in the company's rapidly expanding utility-vehicle portfolio. Mercedes says the concept is "close to series production."

Built on C-Class underpinnings, the GLK concept sports a seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, plus 4Matic all-wheel drive. The vehicle is powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel rated at 175 horsepower, and rides on 20-inch wheels and tires. The production model will offer U.S. buyers a choice of V6 gas and diesel engines.

Technical highlights include adaptive headlamps, driver-adjustable suspension, speed-sensitive power steering, electronic stability program, automatic slip reduction and downhill speed regulation.

Among the features on the concept are a full complement of airbags — front, side, window and driver-side knee — as well as Mercedes' PreSafe system, three-zone automatic climate control, COMAND infotainment center and rear-seat entertainment system with twin screens.

The Vision GLK Freeside is painted diamond white magno with a matte clearcoat; detachable body parts are finished in gloss sterling silver. Inside, the vehicle is trimmed in black leather and contrasting matte white leather with black piping, chrome and wood accents.

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