Mercedes-Benz has brought a new level of sporty driving and ride comfort to the compact SUV world, the new 2010 Mercedes Benz GLK350 4Matic, the fifth model in the series. The Mercedes-Benz sport utility features cutting-edge engine and four-wheel-drive technology packaged in a stylish vehicle that’s the perfect size for today’s busy family. The GLK350 4Matic is solid, powerful, luxurious and destined to be one of the most fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz vehicles ever. Unfortunately, the off-road package that Mercedes-Benz claims will allow the GLK to rival the Land Rover LR2 in off-road capability will not be available in the U.S. Neither will the two Euro-market diesel engines, despite their efficiency advantages. The Mercedes-Benz GLK isn’t going to steal customers form the less expensive compact SUVs on the market, but it will attract potential Mercedes-Benz buyers who may be looking for something different.
Beautiful proportions (length 178.3 inches, width 72.4 inches, height 66.9 inches) and styling combine classic angular shapes together with the distinctive design features found in contemporary Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Taut lines and large, expansive surfaces mix with the traditional characteristics of a proper off-road vehicle, such as short overhangs, an upright front end, slim roof pillars, and a steeply raked windshield. Generous angles of approach and departure combined with impressive ground clearance allow the GLK to handle light off-roading with ease. On-road, the clear layout of the exterior and good all-around visibility, combined with a commanding seating position, enhance everyday practicality and relaxed driving, even in dense city traffic.
Sculpted lines of the dashboard dominate the interior, visually extending into the door panels to lend additional width to the generously dimensioned cockpit. Luxurious Sienna Pine wood with chrome trim highlights the dashboard and door panels at the front and rear, while the upper section of the encompasses the instrument cluster and the standard 5-inch color display. The driver’s armrest features integrated cupholders and the standard controller for the audio functions and the optional COMAND multimedia system are located in ergonomically ideal positions between the front seats. Control of the individual menus is intuitive, following the familiar and well-proven layout used in the current C-Class and S-Class models.
Powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine the 2010MY GLK 350 will form the basis of the U.S. lineup, and will be offered in both 4MATIC and two-wheel-drive versions, riding on standard 19-inch 10-spoke wheels with 235/50 tires. The GLK features a 108.5-inch wheelbase and boasts unique design language which sets it apart from the rest of the highly successful Mercedes-Benz family of SUVs that includes the M-Class, the larger GL-Class, the crossover R-Class and the iconic G-Class.
Source: Autos.AOL
