Mercedes-Benz debuts GLK-Class at Auto China 2008

The off-road engineering package - with DSR switch, a "G" switch for activating a special off-road program and a heavy-duty, weight-optimised underguard and underbody protection in Gemtex - is also available as an optional extra. If the COMAND APS system is specified, the navigation system has a useful extra feature designed specifically for off-road vehicles. If the vehicle enters an area not covered by digitised maps, the driver can activate a tracking system to record and save the vehicle's route. This means that GLK drivers can always find a way back to their starting point, based on the principle of Ariadne's thread.

Customers can also opt for the THERMOTRONIC 3-zone luxury automatic climate control system (for the first time in this market segment), genuine leather appointments, fine wood trim elements or the rear-seat entertainment system with 2 screens, radio remote control, 2 sets of radio headphones per screen and an Aux-In socket for multimedia devices such as games consoles. LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control makes the COMAND APS system even easier to use, while the fully electrical, 10-way seat adjustment feature with memory package simplifies the process for setting preferred seating positions. Items that can be ordered for all models include 20-inch light-alloy wheels and the electrically operated panoramic glass sliding sunroof. Further options that come highly recommended include the Intelligent Light System (ILS), featuring five light functions (cornering light function, country mode, motorway mode, active light function and enhanced fog lamps), which are activated in specific driving situations and weather conditions, or the EASY-PACK tailgate, which can be operated at the push of a button.

Mercedes-Benz GLK Edition 1: attractive model to celebrate sales launch

The exclusive "Edition 1" model will be produced to mark the sales launch of the GLK-Class. This particular variant, sure to be the subject of great demand, is based on the exterior design of the models with exterior sports package but also features 20-inch wheels, the electrically operated EASY-PACK tailgate and specially coloured privacy glass in the rear compartment. The interior is based on the interior sports package and has been upgraded to include further quality details such as black/white nappa leather seats from the designo range, an AMG multifunction leather steering wheel, a black roof lining, exclusive aluminium trim elements and the COMAND APS system. All of these exclusive GLK models are available in calcite white as standard, although customers can specify any other paint finish. Engine-wise, the GLK Edition 1 can be combined with any of the V6 units.

Mercedes offers the widest range of SUVs

Mercedes-Benz offers the widest range of SUVs in the premium segment, the GLK being the brand's fifth model series in this internationally growth-oriented market. In response to customers' wishes, the company initially extended its model range sideways and upwards by introducing the R-Class, M-Class, GL-Class and G‑Class. The GLK, a compact SUV, is the latest addition to this successful family.

The R-Class is the model series with the most variants, all of which impress with an outstanding level of long-distance comfort and the most generous and variable interiors of all the Mercedes SUVs, including up to seven seats. The most successful Mercedes-Benz Sports Utility Vehicle, with around 950,000 vehicles sold to date, is the M-Class, offering an exciting and highly effective balance between on-road performance and off-road ability. This model series, which celebrated its high-profile premiere some ten years ago, is seen as the precursor to all today's premium SUVs. The GL-Class in turn has occupied pole position in the SUV world since 2006, its occupants travelling first-class whatever the conditions, whether on or off the road. The G-Class, which effectively started it all, is celebrating 30 years of service this coming year. The "G" really comes into its own when venturing off the beaten track and still ranks as one of the world's best off-roaders.

Bremen plant produces the GLK-Class on an exclusive basis

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