Mercedes-Benz debuts GLK-Class at Auto China 2008

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Mercedes-Benz debuts GLK-Class at Auto China 2008

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April 22, 2008 The keenly anticipated world premiere of the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class at this year’s Auto China fair in Beijing, did not disappoint. The compact SUV reconciles attributes that were previously completely contradictory: by virtue of its Agility Control suspension, the aim being to offer outstanding performance and handling AND ride comfort. Working in conjunction with the onboard electronic control systems, the variable 4MATIC four-wheel drive ensures perfect on-road performance together with well-balanced off-road capabilities.

While the GLK-Class model is among the more road-oriented vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz SUV range, it certainly earns the "G" in its model designation. "The GLK rounds off our extremely successful SUV family, and transfers typical Mercedes attributes such as refinement, dynamism and safety into a compact format. This means that the bar in this market segment has now been raised considerably", said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG.

TEXT FROM THE JUST RELEASED PRESS KIT BELOW (note - Mercedes' words, not ours)

Superior performance is assured by the range of powerful yet economical and environmentally compatible four and six-cylinder engines. As a BlueEFFICIENCY model, the GLK 220 CDI comes equipped with the new Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder diesel engine.

This entry-level unit develops 125 kW/170 hp, but consumes only 6.9 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. The rock-solid foundations of the GLK-Class are equally convincing. The extremely robust bodyshell provides the basis for exemplary passive safety, superior noise and interior comfort with the feel-good atmosphere typical of a Mercedes, and high value retention. A very high standard of onboard features and attractive equipment packages likewise distinguish the GLK from the rest of the compact SUV field. Moreover, the very latest systems such as the trailblazing PRE SAFE safety concept or the Intelligent Light System (ILS) are available for the first time in this market segment.

Stuttgart/Beijing - Brimming with genuine character, the new GLK-Class is set to take the world of compact SUVs by storm. Yet it is not just the distinctive all-rounder's practical and appealingly compact body form that sets it apart from the competition. It also brings together what were previously seen as entirely contradictory attributes. The Agility Control suspension serves up a unique blend of outstanding handling dynamics, exceptional driving safety and superlative ride comfort.

Meanwhile the sophisticated, variable 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system joins forces with the latest electronic control systems to deliver consummate on-road performance and superb off-road suitability. It is precisely this kind of combination that lends the GLK-Class such immense appeal. The GLK-Class may be one of the more road-oriented Mercedes-Benz SUVs, but the "G" - alluding to the archetypal Mercedes off-roader - still has a rightful place in the model name.

Superlative performance comes courtesy of the powerful yet economical and eco-friendly four and six-cylinder engines. The BlueEFFICIENCY version of the GLK 220 CDI features the new entry-level four-cylinder diesel engine from Mercedes-Benz, which develops 125 kW/170 hp yet only consumes 6.9 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres. And the unshakeable foundations of the GLK-Class are similarly impressive.

The highly robust body is key to the pioneering passive-safety setup, the extremely low noise levels, the exceptional degree of interior comfort - to produce that typical Mercedes feeling of wellbeing - and the high value retention. Furthermore, exemplary appointments and attractive equipment packages make the GLK stand out from the compact-SUV masses. Plus state-of-the-art systems such as the leading-edge PRE-SAFE safety concept and the Intelligent Light System (ILS) are available in this market segment for the very first time.

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