Carlsson has unveiled their new tuning program for the Mercedes-Benz GLK Facelift. Carlsson’s makeover for the GLK features OE quality PU-RIM aerodynamic components for vehicles with and without the AMG sport package.
The aerodynamics package includes new front and rear bumpers, a front lip spoiler and a chrome-plated rear diffuser. There are also a stainless steel mesh grille inserts and LED DRLs. Upon request, the compact SUV can be ordered with lowering springs, a sport-tuned suspension, a stainless steel sports exhaust system and different alloy wheels available in dimensions from 18” to 21” fitted with proper tires.
The interior boasts set of aluminum pedals, branded floor mats and illuminated door sill plates. The customers can pick and choose their ideal colour and pattern from fine leather and Alcantara, and complement it with matching wood or carbon-fibre inlays.
There is a performance package for the GLK 220 CDI, which can be boosted to 204HP (150 kW) and 500Nm (368 lb-ft) – an increase of 34HP and 100Nm.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK has made its world debut in April and now is going officially on sale with a starting price of € 36 235.50.
The GLK comes with a newly designed exterior, which gives it more dynamic outlook and powerful stance. In the body one can easily see the combination of the classic elements of all-terrain vehicles with the design philosophy of the current Mercedes-Benz models.
The front and the rear of this unique Mercedes-Benz vehicle are now further emphasized by its stringent lines and expansive surfaces. And in addition to this the designers have thought about the comfort of the driver as well. They have included high seat position as a pivotal point in the interior, for it provides a commanding view of the traffic situation, with the body lines also designed for excellent visibility.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK
Looking further in the interior upgrades, there can be seen that the dashboard is completely transformed. For instance, a wide trim in aluminium or optionally in wood spans the entire width of the dashboard.
Moreover, the new round vents and additional trim elements in silver shadow also catch the attention. There is also included a three-spoke sports steering wheel, new upholstery colours and seat designs plus indirect ambient lighting featuring LED fibre-optic technology. The latter is offered for the first time on the GLK for the first time.
More importantly, the range of engines included is conjunction with low emissions and fuel consumption. The customers can choose up to six diesel models and one petrol engine.
The GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC one for example, features a four-cylinder diesel engine which is able to generate 150 kW (204 hp) of power and 500 Newton metres (370 lb-ft) of torque from a displacement of 2143 cc. The consumption of this model is absolutely amazing: on average, the compression-ignition engine consumes 6.1 to 6.5 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. The CO2 emissions here are 159 – 169 g CO2/km in NEDC combined mode.
Furthermore, the two rear-wheel-drive models GLK 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY come equipped with six-speed manual transmission. They also might amaze you, because they are even more fuel efficient.
What I mean is that both versions has a fuel consumption of 5.5 – 5.6 litres of diesel per hundred kilometers. Their Co2 emissions range between 143 – 147 g CO2/km in NEDC combined mode.
The top performer among the diesel versions however, is the GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY. It comes upgraded with additional 25 kW (35 hp) power increase. Despite this fact, it is still able to perform with 17 percent less fuel, and has a fuel consumption of 6.9 – 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The CO2 emissions here are 179 – 183 g CO2/km in NEDC combined mode.
The only petrol model offered is the GLK 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY petrol-engine. It includes the trailblazing engineering of the leading generation of V-engines which deploy BlueDIRECT technology to make its mark in performance and fuel efficiency.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK Interior
In terms of safety and security a brand such Mercedes-Benz is probably unsurpassed. The GLK comes equipped with innovative technologies. For the first time featured here for instance is the electric steering with STEER CONTROL, which supports the driver in unstable driving conditions by triggering an impulse which can be felt on the steering wheel, prompting countersteering by the driver in the correct direction.
Moreover, there are also included the Brake Assist (BAS), which offers additional brake power when emergency braking is detected, and ADAPTIVE BRAKE featuring Hill-Start Assist, and HOLD function, the AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system, the ESP® Electronic Stability Program with integrated trailer stabilisation and tyre pressure loss warning, permanent all-wheel drive and the 4ETS electronic traction system. All these are featured as a standard in the 2012 GLK.
What about the optional equipment? Here the customers can choose among many innovations, some of which include: ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, PRE-SAFE® anticipatory safety system, Active Parking Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, Intelligent Light System (ILS).
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK pricing begins at € 36 235.50
The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK will offer excelent driving dynamics to all its customers. In addition to that is its outstanding driving safety and ride comfort. What is visible at first sight is the new design interpretation that the SUV got. The body combines classic elements of all-terrain vehicles: stringent lines, expansive surfaces and the smooth-surfaced, volume-emphasizing front and rear areas harmonise with the hallmark GLK body features. The functional exterior features also include: short overhangs, the upright front end, slender roof pillars, a steep windscreen and taut roof line. The neatly designed body and the good all-round visibility combined with the seat position improve suitability for everyday use, but also provide excitement in driving.
Furthermore, beneath the newly designed headlamps, all models offer LED daytime driving lights in a chrome clasp as standard. The radiator follows the design idiom of all current passenger car models. The basic model comes with reflection-type headlamps. On models featuring the Intelligent Light System (ILS), the headlamp comprises the projection unit, a reflector and the torch with LED fibre-optic cables for the position light, above which the turn signal indicators consisting of individual LEDs are located. The roof rails in a totally new design are particularly striking in the side view. Next, the rear bumper gives sporty character to the GLK’s rear. At the rear, the tail lights have undergone a complete transformation: fibre-optic cables and LEDs are also employed to provide the GLK’s rear end with a unique and characteristic night design. Next, what is new in the 2012 GLK are the newly developed wheels in size 43.2 cm (17-inch), 48.3 cm (19-inch) and 50.8 cm (20-inch), which are available in various paint finishes or with a high-sheen finish.
There is of course an AMG Sports package for the GLK featured. First an AMG Exterior Sports package is available and in details it includes: AMG front and rear apron, the specific radiator grille with two chrome slats, AMG LED daytime driving lights, 48.3 cm (19-inch) AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels and a sporty suspension setup.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK
And what about the interior of the GLK interior? As you might conclude yourself, the newly designed GLK interior offers design, a quality feel and a choice of high-quality materials. The designers had given a complete makeover of the dashboard: wide trim in aluminium or optionally in wood spans the entire width of the dashboard; the new round vents and additional trim elements in silver shadow are also included; a high-end colour display is optionally available for the instrument cluster; a three-spoke sports steering wheel, new upholstery colours and seat designs plus indirect ambient lighting featuring LED fibre-optic technology. The Interior Sports package which was available for the predecessor model has been also upgraded, with sports seats, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather, black sports seats in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre with stitching in alpaca grey (alternatively real black leather upholstery), door centre panels in ARTICO man-made leather with diagonal stitching, shift lever in nappa leather with chrome surround and sports pedals in brushed stainless steel. Furthermore, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK is fitted with the Audi 20 CD radio as standard. It has the following functions and tools: Twin tuner, TFT display with 14.7 cm (5.8″) diagonal, mp3/wma/aac-compatible CD drive, USB interface incl; CD cover display, AUX-IN socket in the centre armrest, Bluetooth® interface with hands-free function and audio streaming for music transfer; telephone keypad.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK Interior
Further improvements in the GLK are possible thank to the assistance systems featured, which is similar to those from the S- and E-Class. It works in terms of active safety and driver-fitness safety. The optional equipment includes the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system or the PRE‑SAFE® anticipatory safety system. There are also additional assistance systems, including active variants, such as the Active Parking Assist, which enables fully automatic manoeuvring into and out of parking spaces. Other system packages are for instance Driving Assistance package Plus, which comprises DISTRONIC PLUS including BAS PLUS, PRE-SAFE® Brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.
Of course, this new and modern 2012 GLK comes with wide range of engines, which provide driving comfort and attractive performance. More importantly, they also low emissions and fuel consumption. All in all there are six diesel model engines and a petrol one.
Model
Cyl.
cc
kW/hp
at rpm
Nm from
rpm
0-100
km/h (s)
Vmax
km/h
l/100 km
NEDC combined
CO2
g/km
GLK 200 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY
4
2143
105/143
3200-4600
350
1200-2800
10.8
(10.3)
190
(195)
5.6-6.0
(5.5-5.6)
145-156
(143-147)
GLK 220 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY
4
2143
125/170
3200-4200
400
1400-2800
8.7
(8.5)
205
(205)
5.6-6.0
(5.5-5.6)
145-156
(143-147)
GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY
4
2143
125/170
3200-4200
400
1400-2800
8.8
205
6.1-6.5
159-168
GLK 220 BlueTEC 4MATIC
4
2143
125/170
3200-4200
400
1400-2800
8.8
205
6.1-6.5
159-169
GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC
4
2143
150/204
4200
500
1600-2800
8.0
210
6.1-6.5
159-169
GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY
V6
2987
195/265
3800
620
1600-2400
6.4
232
6.9-7.0
179-183
GLK 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY
V6
3498
225/306
6500
370
3500-5250
65
238
8.1-8.6
189-199
Furthermore, the GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC boasts the most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in the SUV world. It has a direct-injection engine which is rated at 150 kW (204 hp) and generating 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque from 2143 ccSome of the key merits are the engine’s torquey character, its top speed and its flexibility. What needs to be highlighted here is the extremely low fuel consumption: the compression-ignition engine consumes 6.1 to 6.5 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres! The CO2 emissions stand at 159-169 grams per kilometre. Similarly to the GLK 220 BlueTEC 4MATIC model, it also complies with the EU6 emissions standard and the US BIN 5 standard.
Next, the two rear-wheel drive models GLK 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with six-speed manual transmission are even more fuel-efficient! Both versions deliver 5.5 – 5.6 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres (143 – 147 g CO2/km) of fuel consumption. However, the top performer among the diesel versions is the GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: it has the whole 620 Nm (458 lb-ft) of torque which come from the V6 compression-ignition engine with exceptional power delivery from low revs. At the heart of the BlueDIRECT technology package is the third-generation spray-guided direct petrol engine with piezo injectors. In combination with multi-spark ignition, this technology offers further potential for fuel savings. Not only this comprehensive package of BlueEFFICIENCY contributes for the low fuel consumption, but also the ECO start/stop function that comes as standard. These measures include the seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, which comes as a standard on all 4MATIC models of the GLK. In addition, the standard-fit ECO display in the instrument cluster also enables the driver to check his driving style with regard to the prevailing fuel consumption level.
Next to be mentioned is the safety equipment featured in the GLK, which includes as a standard: airbags for driver and front passenger, kneebag for driver, pelvis bag
for driver and front passenger, sidebag for driver and front passenger, windowbag for driver, front passenger and rear passengers; seat occupancy recognition for front passenger seat; crash-responsive pedals; ISOFIX child seat anchorage points in the rear and Top Tether attachment points on the rear of the rear seat backrest; 5 head restraints, height- and tilt-adjustable for driver, front passenger and in the rear, crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints for driver and front passenger; 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, belt status display for rear seats in the instrument cluster; pedestrian protection with active bonnet. The active safety equipment package includes: ADAPTIVE BRAKE including Hill-Start Assist, HOLD function, brake drying in the wet and priming, AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), Acceleration Skid Control (ASR), Brake Assist (BAS), assisting the driver with additional brake power
when emergency braking is detected, Direct-Steer system with speed-sensitive power assistance and variable steering ratio; STEER CONTROL, which supports the driver in unstable driving conditions by triggering an impulse which can be felt on the steering wheel, prompting countersteering by the driver in the correct direction; ESP® Electronic Stability Program including trailer stabilization; 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with 4ETS electronic traction system (except for GLK 200/220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY); Tyre pressure loss warning.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK Interior
All seven models of the GLK come as standard with range of equipment designed to optimise safety, comfort and agility for the occupants and driver. The standard features of the interior includes electrically adjustable front seats with height and backrest adjustment, a folding armrest for driver and front passenger with stowage compartment, a folding rear armrest with double cup holder and stowage compartment, THERMATIC 2-zone automatic climate control, 12 V sockets in the centre console and the luggage compartment, power windows all-round with one-touch control and automatic reversing function and a trip computer with current consumption indicator. There are also available as a standard: rain sensor, Headlamp Assist, central locking with infrared radio remote control, cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter (except for GLK 200/220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY) and outside temperature indicator, green-tinted heat-insulating glass all-round, heated, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors in body colour with aspherically curved glass and integrated indicator and 43.2 cm (17-inch) 7-spoke light-alloy wheels. The individual options include broad choice of metallic and non-metallic paints and the vast range of interior options. There is a choice of ten metallic and non-metallic paints and two special paint finishes in diamond white BRIGHT metallic and luzonite grey. The interior can be further customized and appointed in a variety of styles ranging from sporty to classically elegant. The range of single-tone interior options includealpaca grey, various beige tones, black; in addition the range of the available two-tone design leather finishes are black/corteccia, black/porcelain and black/light brown.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK is being offered in seven model versions with starting price of 36 235 Euros.
BRABUS GLK V12 topped the Nardo speed tables as the fastest street-legal SUV on the planet. With an annormous speed of 322.3 km/h (200.3 mph) reached at the Italian high-speed oval track on October 19th, 2009, the BRABUS GLK V12 is the new world champion in SUV speed category. (more…)
Off-roaders are only suitable for terrain; compact means sacrifice and sports cars only appeal to contortionists who have no spine: once prejudices were easier and the choice of the right car was therefore complicated. (more…)
Audi set the base price for its all-new and segment-redefining 2009 Audi Q5 crossover vehicle at $37,200. The Audi Q5 will begin to arrive in U.S. dealerships next week and will be offered in three equipment levels. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the 2009 model-year Audi Q5 Premium starts at $37,200. Pricing for the Audi Q5 Premium Plus starts at $41,500, and the Audi Q5 Prestige starts at $48,200. Prices do not include a destination charge of $825, taxes, title or dealer charges.
With the new Q5, Audi will have its first crossover vehicle for luxury car buyers who otherwise might have considered buying the Lexus RX, the BMW X3 or the Mercedes-Benz GLK.
The launch of this new vehicle allows Audi its first opportunity to surpass those, and other, contenders in the popular luxury crossover vehicle segment. The new Audi Q5, with its combination of head-turning exterior and interior design, comprehensive safety features expected of a premium luxury vehicle, technological innovation and responsive Audi performance, more than achieves that goal.
“Luxury crossover vehicles appeal to a wide audience seeking both practicality and performance,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “But monotony has developed in that segment – sameness we’re certain the Audi Q5 now disrupts with its array of distinctive styling cues and forward-thinking features.”
The Q5 indeed offers plenty of unique features that give it a balance of functionality, luxury and performance. The Q5 will be the only vehicle in its segment with three-zone climate control, which lets drivers and passengers select their own comfort levels. It is the only vehicle in its segment with 40/20/40 rear seats that recline and offer fore-aft adjustment for the comfort of passengers and for balancing cargo-carrying capabilities.
Audi is also equipping the Q5 with its signature LED tail lights as standard equipment, including running lights, brake lights and turn signals. The Audi Q5 will offer standard hitch preparation for 4,400-pounds of towing capacity, which puts it at the head of its class. Also standard are roof rails with aluminum cross bars that sync with the Audi ESP system to adapt accordingly.
Audi has a strong reputation for outstanding automotive interiors and that tradition carries through in the Q5 with standard twelve-way power front seats, leather seating surfaces throughout and genuine wood or brushed aluminum inlays. Available exclusive luxury touches on the Audi Q5 include the Bang & Olufsen Sound System and the exclusive Audi drive select system that allows motorists to choose among four distinctive driving configurations.
The Audi Q5 will be the first model sold in the U.S. with available MMI Navigation plus, the third generation of Audi’s acclaimed MMI (Multi-Media Interface) system, which manages entertainment, communications and navigational information.
The new MMI Navigation plus offers a high-capacity hard disk with 40 gigabytes of memory (including 10 GB for media storage), DVD drive and an automotive grade NVIDIA™ chip for graphics processing. The added processing power allows MMI Navigation plus to render 3D maps of the entire U.S., including branded points of interest, and detailed images of buildings while offering real-time traffic information. The system also features a new, larger screen that measures seven inches from corner to corner, a vocal command recognition system that understands complete words in a variety of languages and improved joystick controls.
The Audi Q5 is derived from the same Audi-exclusive platform first developed for the A4 model range. The versatility of that vehicle platform gives the Q5 the driving comfort and performance characteristics of a luxury performance automobile and the longest wheelbase in its class. The efficient engineering and design of the Q5 also translated into shorter front and rear overhangs for better weight distribution to help stability. Audi also widened the vehicle platform to increase shoulder room inside the Q5 and to optimize the driver’s seating position for a more commanding view of the road.
The Audi Q5 will also lead the segment of AWD, gasoline-powertrain crossover vehicles in fuel economy. According to the U.S. EPA, the Audi Q5 achieves 18 mpg city mileage and 20 mpg combined – both tops in the category – along with 23 mpg highway mileage.
Magdalena Dietz, 29, entrepreneur and PR consultant, today received the key to her new Mercedes-Benz GLK from Bremen plant manager Peter Schabert. Ms. Dietz is the first customer to take delivery of a vehicle of the entirely new GLK-Class following its market launch. (more…)
In time for the market launch of the new Mercedes GLK, BRABUS presents an extensive and exclusive customization program. The program includes performance tuning for all engine variants, gasoline and diesel, sporty yet elegant body components, one-piece and multi-piece wheels with matching suspension solutions, and exclusive interior options. (more…)
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is a major event on the fashion calendar: between July 17 and 20 top German and international labels and designers will be showing their latest creations in Berlin. Exceptional products from Mercedes-Benz will add a touch of glamour to the catwalk. The exclusive iPhone® pouch, featuring high-quality CRYSTALLIZED™ Swarovski Elements, provides a glimpse of what can be expected in the new GLK Collection. (more…)