Mercedes GLK Class

Mercedes is set to take over the compact SUV market with the launch of the refreshed GLK. It has new design features, plenty of equipment and for the first time ever it will be available in Right Hand Drive. 

Mercedes GLK

The refreshed look begins at the front where it gets new redesigned headlamps. They are available as either standard reflector type headlamps or as powerful bi-xenon. The headlamps are surrounded by daytime running LED headlamps. The front radiator grill also receives a fresh look. It now has two slats and a central Mercedes star visible in all new models.

Amazing rear redesign

The slats are painted in either silver or chrome. Below the refresh front grill is a large air splitter combined with the front under guard.  They, just like the grill, can also be finished in either chrome or silver. At the side are distinctly shaped side air intakes that also have LED fog lamps fitted to them.

Restyled front headlamps

They not only offer amazing illumination but give the GLK front classy look. The previous model’s characteristics such asan upright front end, slender roof pillars, a steep windscreen and the rigid roof line remain unchanged.

Side profile remains unchanged

However above the roofline one will notice the new roof rails. They now have a polished exterior that rests on black plastic supports. The visible changes in the side include new side rails that not only make easier to get in and out the GLK but the side a refined touch. The GLK also has new wheels available in different sizes.

A choice unique powerplants

The sizes range from 17-inch, 19-inch and sporty 20-inch wheels. At the back, the new restyled bumper helps to emphasize the new GLK’s rear end.  The rear under guard and the chrome-plated tailpipe trims are neatly integrated under the rear bumper. The tail lights have undergone a complete revamp in terms of both appearance and functions.

Distinct restyled front look

Fiber-optic cables and LEDs are also employed to provide the GLK's rear a magnificent rear look especially at night. To better improve the overall GLK looks, customers can choose a comprehensive AMG Exterior Sports package. With the package the GLK gets an AMG front look, AMG daytime running light, classy 19-inch 5 spoke AMG wheels and a sporty suspension setup.  

Sporty suspension

The GLK is available with a choice either diesel or petrol engines. All power plants are designed to offer rewarding characteristics to each owner. For example the new GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC model comes with a four-cylinder diesel engine that has an impressive 204hp and 500 Nm of torque. The engine consumes 6.1 liters of diesel per 100km. The next examples are rear wheel drive versions; the GLK 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY use an average of 5.5 to 5.6 litres of diesel per 100km.

7G TRONIC clutch system

The top of the range diesel version is the GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY now produces an extra 35hp more compared to previous diesel. The fuel consumption is now 6.9 litres per 100km which is around 17% less fuel usage than the previous top of the range diesel model.

Top of the range V6 heart

The top of the range model, The GLK 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY model has a 3.5litre V6 engine that has a top speed of 230km/h. It will sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.7 seconds. Fuel efficiency is set at 10.4litres per 100km. 

Panorama sun roof

All models come with a seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission system with ECO start/stop functions. In the 4MATIC versions the GLK is fitted with a powerful all-wheel drive system.

Enough room for five

The system is merged with ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) and 4ETS (4 wheel Electronic Traction Control System) dynamic control systems that offer perfect power distribution between the front and the rear axle. This combined with a multi-disc-clutch system offer increased traction on all the four wheels at any given surface. 

Combination of fibre optic and LED make the rear lights

Inside the five seater interior, is an overall makeover of the dashboard, seats, steering wheel and entertainment system. The dashboard trim is available in aluminium or optional wood choices that span the entire width of the dashboard. It also has cool round vents and additional trim elements finished in silver.

Three spoke multifunctional steering wheel

The driver holds a three-spoke sports steering wheel with numerous buttons. Behind the steering wheel, there are two shifter paddles that are finished in polished metal. A high end colour display is visible at the central instrument cluster. It feeds the driver with necessary information about the car at any given time.

Plenty of storage in the back

All models with 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission are fitted with the DIRECT SELECT lever in ergonomically convenient position on the steering column tube. An optional interior sports package lets occupants enjoy seats covered in ARTICO man made leather or Nappa leather.

Now with cool new rims

Leather also covers the shifter paddles, door inner panels. All GLKs come fitted with standard single CD radio. This has a twin tunner system, a 5.8 inch TFT screen, USB interface, Aux-in, Bluetooth interface with hands free function and audio streaming capabilities. There is also a telephone keypad.  

Side mirrors with integrated indicators

The top of the range COMMAND online multimedia system has numerous apps for occupants to enjoy.  It comes with LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system, that lets the driver operate the system by commands. It can also receive digital television thanks to a new digital TV receiver. Connected to the system is a Harman Kardon® Logic 7®surround sound system that has a 7-channel DSP (Digital Signal Processing) amplifier and 2-channel booster with a total output of 510 W.  The sound is released through twelve high-performance loudspeakers while Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS give the best interior surround ever. 

Unique silver air vents

As with all Mercedes models the GLK comes with a host of driver assistance system to further boost its overall safety. There are numerous airbags located all-round the interior of the GLK. There is an airbags for driver and front passenger, kneebag for driver, pelvis bags for driver and front passenger, sidebags for driver and front passenger, windowbags for driver, front passenger and rear passengers. There is also a seat occupancy recognition system for front passenger seat that activates or deactivates the airbags.

4MATIC Controls

It also has crash-responsive pedals to lower injury to the driver’s legs in a collision. Another cool system called ISOFIX provides child seat anchorage points in the rear and Top Tether attachment points on the rear of the rear seat backrest.

Front Cockpit

This allows for easier installation and removal of a child seat while offering the best protection during a collision. All occupants will benefit from the 5 head restraints in all seats that are height-and tilt-adjustable, 3-point seat belts including mechanical belt height adjustment and belt force limiter for driver and front passenger plus automatic belt height adjustment on the outer rear seats.  

5.8 touch screen

There is electric steering with STEER CONTROL that delivers an impulse that promps the driver to countersteer the GLK in the correct direction. Brake Assist (BAS), which provides additional brake power when emergency braking is detected is also available. ADAPTIVE BRAKE system that features Hill-Start Assist, HOLD function, brake drying (in the wet) and priming of the brake system when emergency braking is available as standard.

Leather covered seats

 ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system and PRE-SAFE are available as optional extras. Other additional systems include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist. The also a Parking package that combines a 360° camera including Active Parking Assist for automatic maneuvering in and out of parking spaces and PARKTRONIC that monitors any obstructions when reversing. The Lane Tracking package includes Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist. 

Instrument cluster

Prices for the GLK start from € 36,235.50 (Kshs. 4 million) for the GLK 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model to € 50,099.00 (Kshs. 5.6 million) for the top of the range GLK 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY.  

Installed driving aids

Currently the Left Hand Versions of the GLK are available on the market as Mercedes conclude the testing of the RHD models. Expect a RHD version of this amazing model soon.