The new Mercedes-Benz compact SUV has been met with an outstanding response from customers in the first month after the vehicle was released for sale on June 30, 2008. In Western Europe alone, Mercedes-Benz has already received a total of 10,000 orders for a GLK-Class vehicle by the end of July. Deliveries of the GLK, which celebrated its world premiere at the Auto China show in Beijing at the end of April, are scheduled to commence in Western Europe in October, with market launch in the U.S. set to follow at the beginning of 2009.
The exclusive GLK “Edition 1” variant has already attracted a lot of interest even before its official introduction to the market, as Mercedes-Benz has received 1,000 orders for the special model to date. In Germany, every fourth GLK order is an “Edition 1” vehicle. The special model will only be available for the launch of the GLK-Class. Among other things, the high-end model will feature a specially designed exterior and interior with a sports package as well as an AMG multifunction leather steering wheel.
“Apparently the GLK-Class perfectly meets the current trends,” says Dr. Klaus Maier, head of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The GLK is a compact SUV that has everything that is typical for a Mercedes-Benz: an expressive design, extensive safety features, and the typical Mercedes-Benz driving comfort. Moreover, it impresses customers with its outstanding performance in both on and off-road applications.”
The media response to initial GLK-Class test drives was also very positive. During a three-week driving presentation on all types of terrain in July, a total of 600 international media representatives were able to experience for themselves the superior driving quality offered by the model series. Thanks to its AGILITY CONTROL chassis, the GLK boasts excellent handling and safety combined with outstanding driving comfort. In addition, the model’s variable 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and electronic stability control ensure perfect on-road performance, and reliability in off-road applications.
Mercedes-Benz offers four and six-cylinder engines for the GLK that are both powerful and economical. The brand will also begin offering a BlueEFFICIENCY model in the spring of 2009 in the form of the GLK 220 CDI featuring a new four-cylinder diesel engine. The GLK-Class boasts pioneering passive safety systems, excellent interior comfort and low noise, and a high level of value retention. Mercedes-Benz is also making available for the first time in this vehicle class state-of-the-art systems such as the PRE-SAFE® safety package and the ILS intelligent light system.
