Rendering: Mercedes BLK compact crossover

The German luxury carmaker, Mercedes Benz, is preparing an even smaller version of the GLK. This new uber-mini G-Wagen will be called the BLK, the new crossover will be a competitor for BMW’s future X1 and Audi’s Q3. Based on the next Euro only B-Class, the future BLK will debut in 2012 and will cost 5000 Euros cheaper than the slightly larger, GLK.

From the outside, the BLK is smaller than the GLK, but on the inside it is almost as roomy as its big brother. Taking a cue from the original Mini Cooper, the Mercedes Benz engineers turned the engine sideways and mounted it transversely under the hood; this makes a flatter floor pan, and fewer intrusions into passenger compartment.

Engine options for the new BLK will consist of a 2.0 Liter turbo diesel making 175 HP, 204 HP and 225 HP; there will also be a gas burning turbocharged engine with the same displacement making 204 HP and 238 HP. If you are averse to shifting the gears of a manual transmission, Mercedes will also be offering their eight-speed double clutch automatic gearbox.