Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK Freeside Concept
Mercedes-Benz’s Vision GLK Freeside concept marks the company’s entry into the small-luxury SUV class currently occupied by the Acura RDX, the BMW X3, and the Land Rover LR2.
Designed to look like a scaled-down version of Mercedes’ own GL-class, the square-jawed GLK will be the fifth SUV/crossover in Mercedes’ enormous lineup. With pricing expected to start at about $35,000, and with a fully loaded model going for more than $45,000, there will be some overlap between the GLK and the larger M-class when the GLK goes on sale later this year.
This lightly disguised concept is basically what the production version will look like. Mercedes is counting on the upright roof pillars, square wheelhouses, and GL-class styling cues to attract a different type of buyer to the GLK than the comparatively soft and feminine M-class.
Built on a beefed-up version of the new C-class platform, the GLK shares its 108.7-inch wheelbase and some floor stampings with the sedan. Although the concept car being unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit is powered by a 2.2-liter diesel engine with 170 horsepower, the GLK is expected to launch in the U.S. as the GLK300 (3.0-liter V-6 with 228 horsepower) and the GLK350 (3.5-liter V-6 with 268 horsepower).
A diesel engine is a possibility for the future. For the GLK, the most likely candidate will be the 3.0-liter V-6 diesel that is currently available here in the E-class, M-class, R-class, and the GL-class. After launch, the GLK350 will get a direct-injection version of the 3.5-liter V-6 with over 300 horsepower.
In addition to engine options, prospective buyers will also get to choose between two different chassis setups—on-road friendly or off-road ready. On-road biased GLKs get a stiffer chassis with larger wheels and performance tires. Off-road GLKs will sit higher for more ground clearance and will have off-road-oriented tires on smaller wheels.
The Vision concept unveiled in January differs only in details from the production GLK. Look past the matte-finish paint, the leather-swathed interior, and the diesel under the hood and the production version emerges.
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