Mercedes-Benz has launched a new engine for the GLK series of cars. The new diesel engine is a gem displacing 2.1-liters to produce a decent 136 hp. This latest 220 CDI BlueEfficiency configuration will serve the purpose of an entry level engine in the entire GLK lineup.
Mercedes-Benz has released some impressive figures to go with the new GLK engine lineup. The 2.1 liter engine runs on diesel and manages a remarkable fuel consumption figure of 40.5 mpg (5.8l/100km) in the new GLK lineup. These figures are for a combined cycle when a manual transmission was fitted in the new GLK. The fuel consumption figures after installing an automatic transmission rose a little to 37.9 mpg (6.2l/100km).
The Mercedes-Benz GLK series of cars run in direct competition with the Acura RDX, Infinity EX, Audi Q5 and BMW X3. The current range boasts of four engines consisting of two petrols and two diesels, namely: 350 4Matic and 280 4Matic, and 320 CD 4Matic and 220 CD 4Matic, respectively.
Out of these, the top of the line engine sits under the bonnet of 350 4Matic developing an impressive 272 hp and a torque of 350 Nm. This performance variant propels the car from zero to sixty in flash 6.7 seconds on to a top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h).Despite such performance figures, it returns a remarkable 22.6 mpg for the combined cycle.
Codenamed X204, the GLK range is manufactured in Germany (Bremen), Brazil and Mexico. Current C-Klasse platform forms the basis of GLK range, though, the design of the car continues the GL-Klasse legacy.
No less than three Mercedes model series at once have achieved the highest rating of five stars in the more stringent EuroNCAP test – the E-Class, GLK and C-Class. During the course of its development to date, the new E-Class has successfully come through over 150 high-speed crash tests and more than 5000 realistic crash simulations. These not only included the various impact configurations prescribed for rating tests and worldwide operating approvals, but also the in-house, Mercedes crash tests derived from accident research findings.
The EuroNCAP organization (European New Car Assessment Program) has made its test conditions more stringent this year. All the individual tests are separately rated and consolidated to produce an overall result. Front occupant protection accounts for 50 percent of the result, child and pedestrian protection for 20 percent each, and the new test criterion of driver assistance systems for 10 percent.
Spring 2009 sees the GLK receive not only a number of new items of equipment but also a special distinction. It’s the first Mercedes-Benz SUV model family to receive the sought-after Environmental Certificate in accordance with ISO standard 14062. In awarding the certificate, the independent specialists at the TàœV test organization have once again recognized the company’s commitment to environmental protection, as also laid down in the policy guidelines for the entire Daimler Group
These require the premium manufacturer to go much further than merely considering the environmental effects which a vehicle has while it is actually in use. Instead, the entire lifecycle from development through the production process and the use phase right up to disposal is examined and optimised. The Environmental Certificate is based on a complete life cycle assessment of the GLK which comprises some 40,000 separate processes. In addition to the GLK, the A, B, C and S-Class models have already been awarded the TàœV Süd Environmental Certificate.
Mercedes-Benz USA today reported March sales of 15,602 vehicles, a decline of 25%. The volume leaders for the month were the C, E, and GLK-Class with sales of 5,008, 1,978, and 2,598 respectively. On a year-to-date basis, the company sold 40,234 (56,341 last year) new vehicles, a decrease of 29% over the comparable period last year.
smart USA recorded 1,746 sales in March 2009. This figure represents a 1% increase over March 2008, and a 42% increase for the first quarter 2009. There are currently 75 smart centers operating in 35 states. Given the current economic conditions, this decrease in sales is not a big surprise, especially when you take into account the price of a Mercedes-Benz compared to its competition. What is surprising is that the E-Class is still selling well, even though, the new model has been announced.
Daimler AG today reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 15,614 vehicles in the U.S. for February 2009. Mercedes-Benz USA reported February sales of 14,199 vehicles. While sales for the month were down by 23.5%, the company’s February volume put it ahead of its mainstream competitors for the month.
A key contributor to February performance was the all-new 2010 GLK350, MBUSA’s versatile, compact SUV, which made a strong showing during its first full month on the market with sales of 1,918. The GLK’s February sales made it one of the company’s top-selling models behind the C-Class (3,990) and E-Class (2,104). On a year-to-date basis, MBUSA reported sales of 24,632, a decrease of 33.1% over the 36,839 vehicles sold during the comparable period in 2008.
After a successful lunch in the US, our friends to the north are prepping for a similar success story. Mercedes-Benz Canada launched their latest online initiative in support of the Canadian introduction of the all new GLK. Like most microsites these days, it tries to take inspiration from the vehicle, in this care innovative design of the bold new GLK. The microsite blends cutting-edge style with an independent spirit, prompting visitors to answer: “Where Do You See Yourself?” By interacting with a unique personality profiler. Visitors are able to create an image of their own GLK experience, which then remains as the site’s backdrop for the duration of the visit; and is also available as downloadable desktop wallpaper.
It’s definitely a fun site with lots of information and interactive media that let’s people experience the GLK through pictures and videos. ideal for getting a first impression, before heading down to the dealership for a test drive.
Whoever thought that the economic fortunes of the U.S. and Canada were linked would be puzzled by the fortunes of Mercedes-Benz north and south of the 49th parallel.
While January sales plummeted by an horrific 42.9% compared to January 2008 in the U.S., sales for the same period in Canada grew by 10.3%.
The importance of all this may be insignificant for the Mercedes-Benz hierarchy in Germany, given that the U.S. market is nearly 10 times larger than Canada, but maybe the Canadian success story might help to lift the gloom a little.
The 2010 GLK got off to a very good start, and the E-Class continued to sell well. The E-Class is great value right now – it comes with many options as standard that were previously part of expensive packages, and if you don’t like the new-2010 E-Class, now is the time to buy the outgoing model.
The all new GLK has landed in Canada and are being delivered to its customers as we speak. At this point only the GLK 350 4Matic is available. Starting price for the GLK 350 is $41, 800 CAD, which translate to roughly 35-36K USD. This is the starting price for the top-of-the-line GLK. Since it follows the engine displacements as the C class, there could potentially be a GLK 300 4Matic with a GLK 300 (2 wheel drive) along with the anticipated GLK 220 CDI (BlueTech) 4Matic.
First glance at the GLK results quite positively. The exterior proportions are great, interior furnishing and detailing is one of the best in its class. The interior materiality is quite rich with the usual command knob and screen, leather and aluminum or wood accents . More information and price option sheets after the jump.
We’ve just learned that on Thursday, December 18, American Express’ My WishList program will give away three 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 SUVs. This new model is currently available exclusively through the My WishList program, and its retail price has not been disclosed, but we wouldn’t be who we are if we didn’t know that it will start at around $35,000.
If you already didn’t know, the Mercedes-Benz GLK is a compact luxury SUV that basically fits any lifestyle. On the outside, the GLK’s efficient design lets you take even the tightest shortcuts — while on the inside, 54.7 cubic feet of cargo space allows you to haul everything you’ll need for the long way around. With just one look it’s easy to see: this Mercedes-Benz is up for whatever you are.
The US debute of the Mercedes GLK is still months away, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some of its destinctive features. Mercedes-Benz.tv is starting to look like a online version of Top Gear Fith Gear, where they actually have some interesting shows. In this episode of Drive Magazine, the GLK is pitted against a Parkour athlete. Let’s us watch and see how this ends up.
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