The GLK-Class production version will make its world debut this week-end at the Beijing Auto Show. It will make its U.S. dealer showroom debut in January 2009 as a 2010 model.

The new sport utility is destined to be one of the most fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz vehicles ever. Smaller and lighter than its well-known SUV siblings, the GLK features a fuel-sipping 3.5-liter V6 engine, a sophisticated seven-speed automatic transmission and available 4MATIC full-time four-wheel-drive. All of these components combine to give the GLK350 an impressive 0-60 time of just 6.5 seconds (estimated) while achieving an 23 mpg (estimated) on the highway.

Both the GLK350 and GLK350 4MATIC are matched with a seven-speed automatic transmission as standard. Low overall weight (estimated 4,036 lb. curb weight) and the exceptional aerodynamics for a vehicle of this design (cd figure 0.35) further contribute to the exceptional performance and low fuel consumption.

The 2010 GLK features all the impressive design and safety technology found in other Mercedes-Benz models, including standard front and side air bags as well as window air bags. Among its many comfort and convenience features is an available rear-seat entertainment system featuring two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones and an integrated dual-source DVD player.

2010 Mercedes GLK-Class

Specifications
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  • Model: 2010 Mercedes GLK-Class
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Press release

Mercedes-Benz released official pictures and information today of the all-new GLK-Class sport utility vehicle.  The versatile SUV will debut at Auto China in Beijing on Sunday, April 20, and make its U.S. dealer showroom debut in January 2009 as a 2010 model.

Powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine the 2010MY GLK350 will form the basis of the U.S. lineup, and will be offered in both 4MATIC and two-wheel-drive versions, riding on standard 19-inch 10-spoke wheels with 235/50 tires.  The GLK features a 108.5-inch wheelbase and boasts unique design language which sets it apart from the rest of the highly successful Mercedes-Benz family of SUVs that includes the M-Class (which spurred the trend toward more car-like SUVs), the larger GL-Class, the crossover R-Class and the iconic G-Class.

Showcasing bold exterior design, generous cargo capacity and available 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, the GLK350 combines the perfect balance of styling, versatility and performance.  The 2010 GLK-Class will be produced exclusively at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany.

Aggressive Styling and a Unique Personality


With its poised, confident presence, the GLK-Class leaves no doubt about its intent to conquer the compact premium SUV segment.  In sharp contrast to the relatively soft forms of other similar-sized vehicles, the striking, angular profile of the GLK sets it apart from the competition.  From its steeply-raked windshield to the integrated rear spoiler on its tightly styled roof section, the bullish shape of the new GLK suggests power and agility, and echoes the G-Class -- the iconic pioneer of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family.

Mercedes-Benz Design Chief Prof. Peter Pfeiffer adds: "With the G-Class we created a style icon that has been a benchmark in SUV design for the past 30 years.  Combining this bold concept with the latest Mercedes-Benz design idiom makes the GLK a vehicle of genuine character."

Beautiful proportions (length 178.3 inches, width 72.4 inches, height 66.9 inches) and styling combine classic angular shapes together with the distinctive design features found in contemporary Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.  Taut lines and large, expansive surfaces mix with the traditional characteristics of a proper off-road vehicle, such as short overhangs, an upright front end, slim roof pillars, and a steeply raked windshield.  Generous angles of approach and departure combined with impressive ground clearance allow the GLK to handle light off-roading with ease.  On-road, the clear layout of the exterior and good all-around visibility, combined with a commanding seating position, enhance everyday practicality and relaxed driving, even in dense city traffic.

A Luxurious, Feature-Rich Interior


The GLK boasts a long list of standard equipment, including details not typically found in this vehicle class.  Inside, a two-zone automatic climate control system, adjustable steering column, front seats with electrically adjustable height and backrest angle (including seat inclination adjustment) and manual lumbar support with two-way adjustment for the driver's seat are all standard on the GLK.  Standard integrated Bluetooth interface for mobile phones, a microphone for the hands-free system and a central 5-inch color display round out the list of interior appointments.

The 2010 GLK features all the impressive design and safety technology found in other Mercedes-Benz models, including standard front and side air bags as well as window air bags.  Among its many comfort and convenience features is an available rear-seat entertainment system featuring two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones and an integrated dual-source DVD player.

The distinctive looks of the GLK exterior are seamlessly continued inside, with luxurious materials and precise detailing.  The taught, sculpted lines of the dashboard dominate the interior, visually extending into the door panels to lend additional width to the generously dimensioned cockpit.  Luxurious Sienna Pine wood with chrome trim highlights the dashboard and door panels at the front and rear, while the upper section of the encompasses the instrument cluster and the standard 5-inch color display.  The driver's armrest features  integrated cupholders and the standard controller for the audio functions and the optional COMAND multimedia system are located in ergonomically ideal positions between the front seats.  Control of the individual menus is intuitive, following the familiar and well-proven layout used in the current C-Class and S-Class models.  Additional shortcut buttons provide direct access to the most important main functions.  Front and rear headroom figures are 39.8 inches and 39.7 inches respectively, while the cargo area boasts 23.3 cubic feet of storage.  Cargo capacity balloons to 54.7 cubic feet when the 1/3:2/3-split rear seats are folded forwards.

A Wealth of Optional Equipment for the GLK buyer


Contributing to the versatility of the new SUV, five option packages as well as nine stand-alone options are planned for the 2010 GLK350.  The popular Premium 1 package offers GLK buyers a spacious Panorama Sunroof, SIRIUS satellite radio and a power liftgate.  Customers seeking even more luxury can opt for the Premium 2 package, which adds Bi-Xenon headlamps with adaptive lighting and headlamp washing system, rain sensing windshield wipers, memory settings for the driver’s seat, and much more.  The Multimedia Package (which debuted on the new C-Class) adds COMAND with hard-drive Navigation as well as a rear-view back-up camera.  Exterior options include an Appearance Package offering larger 20-inch 7-spoke wheels and Aluminum roof rails and, for the interior, an Upholstery Package adds interior lighting, a full leather interior and burl walnut trim.

Available 4MATIC All-Wheel-Drive System


The optional all-wheel-drive powertrain at the heart of the GLK350 4MATIC is one of the most capable systems on the market.  The dynamic ESP®, ASR and 4ETS driving systems work in concert to ensure top-notch longitudinal and lateral control and superb handling stability both on and off-road.  Thanks to a compact, longitudinally designed engine, transmission and transfer case arrangement, the system offers various advantages over its counterparts equipped with a transversely installed drive unit.  Estimated 23 mpg highway fuel consumption is on a par with comparable rear-wheel vehicles, while vibration and noise levels rival those of luxury models.

The 45:55 torque distribution between the front and rear axle – along with the ESP®, ASR and 4ETS dynamic handling control systems – guarantees effortless and exceptional performance.  Loss of traction on snow or ice is compensated for by the newly developed multi-disc clutch in the center differential, which provides a basic partial locking torque between the front and rear axle.  This arrangement produces a significant increase in traction while maintaining directional stability.

Agility Control Suspension


The sophisticated Agility Control suspension on the new GLK-Class helps resolve a common paradox facing the SUV segment – how to create a vehicle that combines agile on-road comfort with off-road capability.  For sporty, responsive handling, the suspension and, above all, the shock absorbers need to provide a certain firmness however, this may compromise comfort and limits off-road performance.  If the vehicle is setup with softer dampers, dynamic handling naturally suffers.  Thanks to "amplitude-dependent damping" the suspension can adjust to perform in either driving conditions.  During normal driving on moderately contoured roads or slow off-road manoeuvres, the system responds softly, enhancing both the occupants' comfort and the vehicle's off-road capability.  During more spirited driving or when performing abrupt evasive maneuvers, the dampers adjust to a harder setting ensuring optimum handling stability.  Additionally, speed-sensitive power steering supports the driver with a precise balance of high-speed road feel and low speed maneuverability.  Maximum power assistance is available during parking and off-road driving, while at higher speeds, the assistance is reduced in favor of greater handling stability.

In addition to a tire pressure warning system, the tried-and-tested Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) for the GLK incorporates a vehicle/trailer stabilization function, which helps maintain control while towing a trailer by applying the individual wheel brakes as required.  The GLK offers a maximum tow rating of 3,500 lbs.

Complete Safety Package for Maximum Occupant Protection


In combination with the front and rear deformation zones, the GLK's high-strength passenger cell provides a highly efficient foundation for the occupant protection systems, which include:

  • Adaptive, two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger
  • Front side-impact airbags
  • Windowbags across both seat rows from the A-pillar to the C-pillar
  • Active head restraints for the driver and front passenger
  • Crash-optimized pedal system
  • 3-point seat belts for all five seats
  • Belt tensioner and adaptive belt-force limiter for the driver and front passenger, belt tensioner and single-stage belt-force limiter for the outer rear seats
  • ISOFIX child seat attachments
  • Belt height adjuster for the driver and front passenger
  • Belt status indicator for the rear passengers in the instrument cluster


Mercedes remains true to the philosophy that the best accidents are the ones that are avoided entirely. With this in mind, standard equipment for all GLK models includes Brake Assist (BAS), which shortens the braking distance significantly -- especially during panic braking -- to help prevent accidents or at the very least mitigate their consequences.  The front section incorporates precisely defined crumple space between the body and the major assemblies beneath, allowing the hood to yield considerably if hit by a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist. Together with the specially designed front bumpers and the softer foam of the integrated bumper impact absorbers, these measures afford pedestrians a high degree of protection.

Proven V6 Powerplant


The new sport utility is destined to be one of the most fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz vehicles ever.  Smaller and lighter than its well-known SUV siblings, the GLK features a fuel-sipping 3.5-liter V6 engine, a sophisticated seven-speed automatic transmission and available 4MATIC full-time four-wheel-drive.  All of these components combine to give the GLK350 an impressive 0-60 time of just 6.5 seconds (estimated) while achieving an 23 mpg (estimated) on the highway.

Both the GLK350 and GLK350 4MATIC are matched with a seven-speed automatic transmission as standard.  Low overall weight (estimated 4,036 lb. curb weight) and the exceptional aerodynamics for a vehicle of this design (cd figure 0.35) further contribute to the exceptional performance and low fuel consumption.

Much as the latest C-Class sedan has brought a new level of sporty driving and ride comfort to the sedan world, the new GLK brings a new combination of agility and comfort to the SUV market.  The GLK also broadens and extends the Mercedes-Benz sport utility line with cutting-edge engine and four-wheel-drive technology packaged in a stylish vehicle that’s the perfect size for today’s busy family.

The Widest Range of SUVs


Mercedes-Benz offers the widest range of SUVs in the premium segment, the GLK being the brand's fifth model in the series.  In response to customers' wishes, the company’s Family of SUV’s has grown to include the R-Class, M-Class, GL-Class and G‑Class.  The new GLK is the latest addition to this successful line-up.

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Design


With its poised, confident presence, the mere look of the GLK-Class leaves one in no doubt about its intent to conquer the premium compact-SUV segment. All while displaying unmistakable echoes of the G-Class, the forefather of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. As Head of Design, Gordon Wagener, remarks: "Combining the puristic design of our style icon, the G-Class, with the latest Mercedes-Benz design idiom makes the GLK a model with genuine character."

Distinctive personality radiating power and dynamism


No other model in the world of compact SUVs, past or present, comes close to matching the GLK's distinctively expressive appearance. The body is beautifully proportioned (length 4528 mm, width 1840 mm, height 1689 mm), while there is a special allure in the interplay between the classic angular shape and the typical design features found in all contemporary Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Here the unmistakable design idiom, consisting of taut lines and large, expansive surfaces, is combined with the typical body features of a practical off-road vehicle, such as short overhangs, an upright front end, slender roof pillars, a steeply angle windscreen and flat roof lines. Rather than being a stylistic end in itself, however, the body design allows the typical advantages of an off-road vehicle to be introduced to the more road-oriented compact-SUV category. Large angles of approach and departure coupled with generous ground clearance make excursions off the beaten track a highly pleasurable experience. The fact that the driver enjoys both an excellent overview of the body and a good all-round view courtesy of the raised seating position boosts everyday practicality and guarantees relaxed motoring, even when driving in dense city traffic.

Powerful and expressive: the front end of the GLK


The most eye-catching feature at the front of the GLK is the powerful radiator grille with its succinctly styled frame, which leaves no doubt that this model series belongs to the family of Mercedes-Benz off-roaders and SUVs. Featuring two fins on the "exterior sports package" model variant and three on the "off‑road styling package" variant, both radiator designs are painted in a "matt brilliant silver" finish. Additional chrome trim provides a contrast to the radiator grille mesh, which – just like the air intake grille and front fog lamp covers below it – is coloured in matt black, lending further emphasis to the car's sportiness. The standard clear-lens projection-beam headlamps create a visual link between the upright front end of the vehicle and its beefy flanks. The "off-road styling package" equipment variant hints at the off-road prowess of the GLK-Class by including matt black rub strips in the bumper on each side along with a simulated underguard.

Beefy profile with classic off-roader proportions


The side view of GLK is reminiscent both of the iconic G‑Class and its contemporary interpretation in the form of the GL-Class. The model's family ties are plain to see from the short overhangs, upright front end, steeply angled windscreen and the taut roof lines terminating in a distinctive rear spoiler. The body designers also turned the roof rails into a styling element. In conjunction with the "off-road styling package", this standard equipment detail has a matt black finish, and combines with the matt black off-road pads und side skirts to underline the off-roading character. On models with the "exterior sports package", the roof rails have a matt-lustre aluminium look. The visual interplay between the roof rails, the body-coloured side skirts and the chrome trim strips along their upper edge is a sign that this equipment variant is more destined for the road. Stainless-steel running boards with raised black studs are available as an option for both variants.

The side window panels in high-gloss black make the glass surface appear to be self-contained. This detail lends tranquillity to the profile view and elongates the greenhouse, as it is known, to dynamic effect. Running along the beltline below the side windows is a chrome-plated trim strip which merges into the contours of the front wing and rear sidewall. This produces a coherent link between the vehicle's front, side and rear sections.

Underneath the beltline, the side view is dominated by a powerful shoulderline which emerges from the front wheel arch and converges to a point at the rear. This striking feature line, which is repeated across all model series, clearly identifies the GLK as a member of the current generation of Mercedes vehicles. The expressive surface styling is continued into the muscular wheel arches where, regardless of the wheel size fitted, the standard-specification light-alloy wheels are almost flush with the outer edge of the wheel arch lip. The "off-road styling package" variant of the GLK rides on flat-styled 5-spoke wheels in a 17-inch format, with the option of more angular-looking 20-inch 7-spoke wheels. In "exterior sports package" guise, the GLK is shod with 19-inch wheels in a 10-spoke design. Here again, customers may also opt for 20-inch wheels, this time with a 5-twin-spoke design.

A fitting finale: the tail end of the GLK


The tail rounds off the coherent body design, with the individual styling elements coming together to form a perfectly shaped whole: the rear spoiler prolongs the taut lines of the roof, before bringing the vehicle to a neat conclusion with a continuous spoiler lip. The tail light units form a further connecting element between the flanks and the rear. Not only are they a key identifying feature of the current Mercedes design idiom common to all model series, their horizontal structure adds further emphasis to the rear's broad, imposing appearance. In conjunction with the optional lighting package, LED indicators are fitted whose brilliant, crystalline finish further enhances the high-class looks. The stainless-steel load sill guard, which effectively protects the painted bumper from damage when loading the vehicle, is flush-fitted and adds a further touch of visual appeal to the rear.

As at the front of the vehicle, there is a noticeable difference in focus between the "exterior sports package" and "off-road styling package" variants at the rear end too. Whereas the former pursues the sporty theme with chrome strip inserts, the tail of the latter is dominated by robust off-road elements, including matt black rub strips and a simulated underguard. The two-pipe exhaust system with rectangular tailpipes that is standard with all engine variants lends further impact to the striking looks of the GLK-Class.

Interior complements the exterior styling perfectly


The distinctive looks of the exterior are seamlessly continued inside the GLK-Class. On the one hand, the sophisticated finish of the surfaces brings the latest in Mercedes design to the interior. And on the other, the GLK offers an upmarket, luxurious interior, boasting materials of exquisite appeal plus precise detailing. There is a profound sense of wellbeing – a hallmark of all Mercedes vehicles – while the interior's overall quality feel is on a par with that in the GL-Class.
The orchestrating element here, due to its dominant styling, is the dashboard, visually extending into the door panels to lend additional width to the generously dimensioned interior. A large trim strip divides the basic structure into three vertically arranged sections. With its large, taut surfaces, precision-finished edges and perfectly positioned seam of chrome, this element sets the styling tone for the rest of the interior. In its basic version, this component has a coarser, yet nevertheless sophisticated textile covering, which matches the seat upholstery fabric. There are two different fine wood trims and an aluminium trim to choose from.

The upper section of the dashboard spans the instrument cluster and the fixed central display in a single sweep, and has a matt black finish regardless of the colour chosen for the interior appointments to prevent irritating reflections in the windscreen. Like the centre tunnel, the lower section of the dashboard is coloured black, grey or beige, depending on the colour chosen for the appointments. At the front end of the centre tunnel can be found two trim elements in piano lacquer look, in the form of the ashtray fascia and the shift console cover. Depending on the additional equipment features that are specified, these covers together with the trim strip in the dashboard may be finished in pine brown or burr walnut wood. There is also the alternative of aluminium trim in conjunction with the "interior sports package".

The door panels take their cue from the dashboard's styling. The beltline is always matt black, generating a "wrap-around" effect and making the vehicle's occupants feel safe and secure. And this has the added benefit of also eliminating reflections, of course. The characteristic Mercedes adjustment controls for the driver's seat and front passenger seat are located in trim panels whose appearance and material selection harmonise with the dashboard's trim strip. The same is true of the chrome door openers in the front and rear. The armrests below them rest on long, galvanised metal door pulls and match the selected appointments colour on all models. Many different materials are available to choose from: fabric, ARTICO man-made leather/fabric, ARTICO man-made leather and leather. GLK customers can specify either an all-black interior or an interior in black with contrasting alpaca grey or almond beige. In the latter case, the seats, armrests, door pockets with built-in speakers and the lower section of the dashboard are finished in the lighter colour, as is the carpet if almond beige is specified. An even more striking contrast is provided by the sahara beige colour that is available for the optional leather appointments: here, just the seats and armrests stand out with their light-coloured finish in the otherwise black interior.

But it does not stop there, as the Mercedes designo range presents customers with a yet wider choice of appointments options. The designo seats fitted as standard in the "EDITION 1" special model, which are upholstered in contrasting black and a very pale porcelain beige, are just one example of the possibilities on offer.

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Interior and climate control


An aesthetically appealing interior architecture which harmonises beautifully with the exterior's styling, a generous level of spaciousness offering ideal ergonomics, a pioneering operating concept, the refined specification, automatic climate control – the GLK-Class is designed to make driving it an experience that is as every bit as comfortable and relaxing as it is safe. The high-strength, robust body also does its bit to further heighten this feeling of wellbeing. The vehicle's unshakable foundation supplements the balanced level of comfort with minimum background noise and pleasant vibration characteristics.

The dimensional concept for the body allows excellent use to be made of the interior space whilst maintaining a compact vehicle footprint (4528 mm long x 1840 mm wide). The primary factors that help to boost the interior's roominess are the vehicle's generous height (1689 mm), its larger wheelbase (2755 mm), the steeply angled windscreen (50 degrees), the relatively wide track (1567 mm at the front, 1588 mm at the rear), as well as a propshaft tunnel that is narrow for a 4x4 model. This basic design enables a typical off-roader seating position, whose key comfort dimension is on a par with that of the considerably larger M-Class: the distance between the seat reference point and the heel reference point is 318 millimetres in the front and 347 millimetres in the rear. This combines with the perfect ergonomics of the seat designs to promise relaxed motoring for all, whether it's on a short trip into the city centre, a long journey of several hundred kilometres or when negotiating off-road terrain. The excellent accessibility of the GLK is likewise impressive. Large door opening angles (front: 65 degrees, rear: 73 degrees), the high roof edge and slender door sills make getting into the GLK a straightforward affair.

Ideal seating position, partially power-adjustable front seats as standard


Although the GLK is designed to offer a high standard of seating comfort all round, the ergonomics experts paid particular attention to the driver's workstation. Consequently, the driver's seat, steering wheel and the pedals – which have been adapted to make allowance for the steeper seating position – are all aligned along the same axis. This basic positioning alone is sufficient to create optimum ergonomic conditions. Ample adjustment ranges together with the generous amount of headroom (1010 mm) allow drivers of virtually any stature – even those over two metres tall – to find a comfortable seating position where they can easily reach the controls. The driver's seat's fore-and-aft position can be adjusted by 265 mm and its height by 54 mm, whilst the standard adjustment for the steering wheel allows it to be repositioned through 60 mm in an axial direction and 50 mm vertically. These are some of the best figures in this vehicle segment.

All models will initially go on sale with partially power-adjustable seats in the front, allowing the seat cushion height and backrest angle to be set at the push of a button. The driver's seat also includes a manual adjustable 2-way lumbar support as standard. In the case of the optional "fully electrical, 10-way seat adjustment" – which includes electrical 4-way lumber support adjustment for both the driver and the front passenger – the seats as well as the front head restraints can be brought into the correct position by means of the familiar 3-part adjustment switches in the door control panels. The built-in memory function enables previously programmed settings for the seat, steering column and exterior mirrors to be automatically restored at the push of a button. There is also an entry and exit aid which can be activated. The crash-responsive head restraints in the front are a novel new development, whose tilt angle can be adjusted in addition to their height.

The passengers in the rear can also enjoy a level of spaciousness which is generous by compact SUV standards. Apart from the ample headroom of 1012 mm, the shoulder room is also impressive at 1408 mm, as is the elbowroom (1440 mm) and the effective legroom (891 mm). The outer head restraints in the rear can be adjusted for height and tilt angle too.

Variable load compartment, copious amounts of load space


When loaded normally, i.e. up to the top edge of the rear seat backrests, the load compartment of the GLK is able to hold 450 litres with a loading width of at least 950 millimetres. Should extra transport capacity be required, the rear-seat backrests can be folded down, either individually in the ratio 1:2 or completely, producing an almost perfectly flat load area. This concept makes for considerably simpler usability compared to systems where the seat cushion folds too. Folding the entire backrest flat produces 1550 litres of load capacity, with the load compartment then measuring 1674 millimetres in length. As an extra safety feature, a red indicator on the release button clearly shows when one of the rear backrests is not properly locked into place.

The load compartment's contents can be hidden from sight thanks to the load compartment cover, while the load-securing rings featured as standard make it easier to fasten down items of luggage. The vehicle's specification also includes bag hooks, coat hooks in the tailgate trim, a 12-volt power outlet and a lamp at the side of the load compartment. Also to be found on the standard equipment list is an additional stowage compartment under the fold-up load compartment floor with a capacity of 86 litres. The compartment is split into smaller partitions by a removable stowage tub. Optional equipment features include the safety partition net as well as the EASY‑PACK tailgate, which can be opened and closed at the push of a button, either from the driver's seat or by using the locking system's remote control.

Full complement of comfort features, luxurious extras


The GLK-Class model range from the 125-kW/170-hp GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC upwards, boasts a high-class comfort specification even in standard guise (see list of equipment features). GLK customers furthermore have the option of upgrading their vehicle with the sort of comfort-enhancing features that are normally the preserve of more exclusive model segments. The list of options offered by Mercedes-Benz for the GLK-Class includes:

  • Interior sports package: 3-spoke leather steering wheel with shift paddles, aluminium trim elements in the dashboard and in the front and rear door panels, stainless-steel door sills in the doors, interior lighting package, instrument cluster in matt silver with tube-style design, combined fabric/ARTICO man-made leather upholstery, sports pedals with stainless-steel look, selector lever in leather with chrome inlay
  • "Leather appointments": leather upholstery, including rear armrests, in the colours black, alpaca grey, Como beige, macadamia beige, interior lighting package with air vent thumbwheel illumination, footwell lighting in the front, handle recess illumination, exit and warning lights in the front and rear doors, special floor mats front and rear, reversible mat in luggage compartment
  • "Wood trim": "matt pine brown" or "burr walnut" for dashboard trim strip, four door control panels, shift console cover, ashtray


Further comfort features which are available to order separately for the interior:

  • Automatically dimming interior mirror and exterior mirrors
  • COMAND APS with 7.5-inch monitor positioned in centre of dashboard, integral radio, CD/DVD player, DVD/hard-disc navigation with tracking system for recording routes outside areas covered by digitised maps, telephone operation and off-road menu, can be combined with TV tuner and reversing camera
  • Rear seat entertainment system with two 8-inch screens, radio remote control, 2 sets of IR headphones, aux-in socket for multimedia devices such as games consoles, DVD player
  • KEYLESS-GO
  • Media interface
  • Multifunction leather steering wheel
  • Panoramic glass sliding sunroof, electrically operated
  • PARKTRONIC
  • Privacy glazing
  • Heated front seats


A new LINGUATRONIC system with extended functionality, that is available as an option in conjunction with COMAND APS and Audio 50 APS, offers supremely convenient operation of the audio, communication and navigation systems. The voice-operated control now recognises whole-word commands, which can be spoken by anyone without the need to train the system first. The system is simply activated by means of a control on the right of the multifunction steering wheel, and can be used for: making a call by saying the telephone number, controlling the audio system, calling up the global address book and operating the navigation system.

A pleasant interior temperature whatever the weather


The standard comfort features include an elaborate system that maintains an ideal interior climate no matter whether driving in the depths of winter, the height of summer, through clouds of dust on dried-out tracks, or when pollen levels are critical. All GLK models comes with the THERMATIC 2-zone automatic climate control system, that allows separate temperatures to be set for the left and right of the vehicle. In the automatic mode, the blower speed is smoothly adjusted as a function of the difference between the actual and set temperatures. The system's electronic control gleans its information from an extensive network of sensors: in addition to two interior temperature pickups, the system also consults the exterior temperature pickup to help it calculate the optimum individual climate settings. A solar sensor, which measures both the intensity of the sun's rays and the direction they are coming from, improves regulation of the interior temperature by automatically adjusting the flow rate and temperature of the air.

For the passengers in the rear, there are two central air vents on the rear end of the centre tunnel trim; both the airflow rate and its direction can be adjusted separately. THERMATIC offers further convenience-enhancing features besides: if the air-recirculation button is pressed for longer than two seconds, any open windows as well as the tilting/sliding sunroof will close automatically (tunnel function) and all fresh air entering the interior will be directed via the combination filter. Pressing the button for around two seconds again will return the windows and sunroof to their previous positions and reopen the fresh air flap.

At low ambient temperatures, the heating circuit's heat exchanger keeps the interior snug and warm with its heating output of around 11.0 kW. In order to keep the warm-up phase short after starting the diesel engines in the GLK 220 CDI and GLK 320 CDI models from cold, an electronically controlled PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heating element is used. In contrast to conventional systems, where additional diesel fuel is burned in a heater booster to shorten the warm-up phase, the PTC system has a far more neutral effect on the environment and is substantially more effective too.

An even greater scope of functions is available by opting for the THERMOTRONIC 3-zone luxury automatic climate control system. This system version features a climate control panel in the rear centre console which can be used to program or automatically regulate the temperature and airflow settings for the rear passenger compartment. There is also a REST button which can be pressed after the engine has been switched off to heat or ventilate the passenger compartment for about 30 minutes, depending on the temperature set at the control panel and the outside temperature.

Exemplary control and display concept