Autobild has published the first undisguised image of the 2008 Mercedes GLK-Class, the main competitor of the BMW X3. The GLK-Class will make its world debut at either the 2007 Frankfurt or 2008 Geneva Auto Show. An AMG version is also expected.

The car will feature all-weather tires, hill-descent control, a mildly raised suspension with skid plates, and some outdoorsy cosmetics but no extra diff locks or a low-range transfer case. The curb weight will be between 3400 and 3700 lbs.

For the US market will be available: the GLK280 V-6 4Matic (228 hp); the GLK350 V-6 4Matic (268 hp); and the GLK320 CDI V-6 4Matic (221 hp). The car will feature a seven-speed manu-matic gearbox. The AMG version will have an output of 500 hp.