While one car boasts outstanding driving performance and high fuel efficiency, the other offers high fuel efficiency and good handling. What is the difference between the two? The sporty handling dynamics set the tone in the all-wheel drive GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: The modern, four-cylinder diesel with 150 kW (204 hp) and an impressive 500 Nm of torque guarantees top acceleration and flexibility. In fact, this model has the most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in the SUV world. The rear-wheel drive GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with the familiar 125 kW (170 hp) diesel engine, on the other hand, impresses with even better fuel economy (consumption as low as 6.0 l/100 km) while at the same time delivering great performance.

The new models underscore the leading position of the distinctive yet compact GLK. Whereas the GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC featuring permanently engaged all-wheel drive, 7G-TRONIC transmission and the segment’s most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine augments the world of top-of-the-range compact SUVs, the GLK 220 CDI with rear-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission offers maximum fuel economy. It consumes only between 6.0 and 6.4 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres and combines these low consumption values with good performance. The rear-wheel drive vehicle accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 205 km/h. The GLK 250 CDI4MATIC completes the sprint to the 100 km/h mark in 7.9 seconds and doesn’t stop accelerating until reaching 213 km/h. This sports car-like performance does not come at the typical cost of higher consumption. The diesel consumes only 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres on average.

GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC: The fun yet frugal power SUV

The GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY brings the world’s most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine for an SUV to the Mercedes-Benz range. The new 2143 cc diesel engine with direct fuel injection produces 150 kW/204 hp and 500 Nm of torque in the GLK for outstanding performance. Just as impressive as the sprint times and the top speed is the GLK’s top-gear acceleration. Thanks to its high torque, which is already present at 1600 rpm, the GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC accelerates powerfully when overtaking, requiring only 7.0 seconds for the sprint from 80 to 120 km/h. In spite of its great performance, this GLK model is very economical to drive, consuming only 6.7 litres of diesel fuel on average per 100 kilometres (combined NEDC consumption, preliminary value). This makes the GLK significantly more fuel efficient than comparable models in this performance class. The vehicle produces CO2 emissions of 176 grams per kilometre.Furthermore, it not only meets the EU5 emissions standard but also has the potential to fulfil the EU6 limits as well as the BIN 5 requirements in the USA.

Diesel engine with advanced common-rail technology

One of the hallmarks of the new diesel engine in the GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY is the increased maximum rail pressure of 2000 bar. This increase in pressure potential is a prerequisite for increasing engine output and torque while at the same time significantly reducing untreated emissions. Newly developed piezo injectors take advantage of the fact that piezoceramics change their crystal structure – and therefore their thickness – in a matter of nanoseconds (one nanosecond = one billionth of a second) when electrical voltage is applied. The new injectors are equipped with a stack of thin piezoceramic layers (called the “piezo stack”) to enable them to achieve a sufficient overall stroke from the very small stroke per layer. The injector needle is actuated directly, so that the fuel injection can be adjusted even more precisely in line with the current load and engine speed situation. Another key factor behind the low emissions, low fuel consumption at full load and peak output is the ignition pressure of 200 bars, which puts the four-cylinder diesel at the head of the field when it comes to diesel engines for passenger vehicles.

A two-stage supercharging system comprising a small high-pressure (HP) turbocharger and a large low-pressure (LP) turbocharger ensures that the optimum charging pressure is always available. The two turbochargers are connected in series, and each has a turbine and a compressor driven by this turbine for the combustion air. The HP turbine is located directly at the exhaust manifold and initially allows exhaust gas to flow through it, causing it to rotate at up to 215,000 revolutions per minute. The HP turbine housing features an integral bypass duct, which can be opened or closed by means of a wastegate triggered by a vacuum unit. If the flap is closed, the entire exhaust stream flows through the HP turbine so that the exhaust gas energy is initially available to drive the HP turbine. This allows the optimal boost pressure to be developed even at low engine speeds. As the engine speed increases, the wastegate opens, distributing the exhaust gas energy to the turbines with optimum efficiency. Downstream of the HP turbine, the two exhaust gas streams reconverge, and the remaining exhaust gas energy drives the LP turbine at a maximum speed of up to 185,000 revolutions per minute. At intermediate engine speeds, the wastegate of the HP turbine is opened so wide that the HP turbine ceases to perform any appreciable work. This allows the full exhaust gas energy to be directed with low losses into the LP turbine, which then does all of the turbine work.

The two compressors are likewise connected in series and are in addition connected to a bypass duct. The combustion air from the air filter first flows through the low-pressure compressor, where it is compressed as a function of the LP turbine’s driving power. The compressed air then flows into the high-pressure compressor, which is coupled to the HP turbine, where it undergoes further compression for a genuine two-stage supercharging process.

The key benefit of this intelligent, on-demand control is the improved cylinder charging and, consequently, high torque even at low engine speeds. What’s more, fuel consumption is reduced. During normal operation, the advantages of this concept can be seen in the harmonious driving characteristics with no turbo lag, a good torque curve across the entire engine speed range, spontaneous throttle response and noticeably improved performance. As a logical supplement to the turbocharger system, Mercedes-Benz installs a larger intercooler that reduces the temperature of the compressed and heated air by as much as 140 degrees Celsius so that a larger volume of air can enter the combustion chambers.

The newly developed exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR valve) works like a rotary disc valve and precisely controls the quantity of fresh air and recirculated exhaust air to effectively reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides.

Sacrifice without detriment: The GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with rear-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission

The powerful, yet economical four-cylinder diesel engine in the GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is another unit from this same generation of engines. It produces 125 kw/170 hp and, depending on the equipment level, consumes only between 6.0 and 6.4 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (combined NEDC consumption, preliminary value). CO2 emissions are from 158 to 168 grams per kilometre. Not only does it meet the current EU5 emissions standard, this version also has the potential to fulfil the EU6 limits as well as the BIN 5 requirements in the USA.

In combination with a tried and tested six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, the engine of the GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY exudes a lot of power and responds to the driver’s commands with a great deal of agility. It boasts good pulling power and, like the more powerful variant, is extremely smooth running for a four-cylinder diesel engine. In addition to good performance, the engine generates an impressive torque at low engine speeds: Peak torque of 400 Nm is available over a wide rev range from 1400 to 2800 rpm, making it possible to drive very fuel efficiently at low engine speeds in everyday driving situations. The rear-wheel drive vehicle sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 205 km/h.

The GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is also available with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission as an option.

BlueEFFICIENCY: Efficient measures for reducing fuel consumption

Like all BlueEFFICIENCY models from Mercedes-Benz, the two new GLK models also feature an extensive package of measures that help to reduce fuel consumption. Measures besides the diesel engine with direct injection and the low-friction powertrain include weight savings achieved through the use of high strength and ultra high strength steels in the bodyshell and weight-optimised alloy wheels. Aerodynamic side mirrors and underbody panels lower the air resistance, and newly developed 235/60 R 17 V tyres reduce rolling resistance. A regulated fuel pump and the energy-saving electric power steering system further reduce the GLK’s fuel consumption. Thanks to a fuel-consumption computer and a display showing current fuel consumption, GLK drivers can check their fuel consumption at any time and adjust their driving behaviour accordingly.

New equipment details for the new model year

New equipment options are available for the distinctive compact SUV. These include convenience features such as KEYLESS GO or – in combination with the COMAND APS multimedia system – a reversing camera with static help lines that make it easier to manoeuvre in tight quarters. Effective immediately, all COMAND infotainment systems are able to receive digital radio (DAB). Passive safety was further improved by the standard pelvisbag*, which provide additional protection to the pelvis in the event of a collision. The crash-responsive exit assistant is a new function of the Memory equipment package that makes it easier to exit the vehicle after an accident by automatically moving the power-adjustable steering wheel to its highest position. The optional Intelligent Light System (ILS) now includes LED* daytime running lights, and 19 inch winter wheels have been added to the portfolio for the coming cold season.

Customers can choose ARTICO, a particularly robust, yet breathable synthetic leather for the interior of the GLKs.Also available is the luxurious designo line of two-colour leather appointments in black/light brown and black/corteccia.

Drivers with sporting ambitions can select EXTERIEUR*, a new AMG sports package based on the existing sports package. The scope of supply includes, in addition to the standard sports package, AMG-specific front and rear aprons with optical underbody protection in chrome, body-colour side skirts, a radiator grille with two smooth chrome louvers, a chrome rub strip and 20 inch, twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels asymmetrically shod with 235/45 R20 tyres up front and 255/40 R20 tyres in the rear.

* available from December 2009

Attractive model range: A choice of six GLK models

The GLK is a powerful and distinctive compact SUV.The striking, multi-talented vehicle sets itself apart from its competitors through its functional and appealing body shape while also combining attributes that previously were completely contradictory: Thanks to its AGILITY CONTROL chassis with variable damping, the vehicle brings together impressive handling with great driving safety and outstanding ride comfort.

The ultramodern engine line-up in all GLK models provides superlative drive comfort and compelling performance coupled with superior fuel efficiency and low emissions. Besides the two new models GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, the vehicle is also available in four other versions: The new diesel models are supplemented by the 4MATIC version of the GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the tried and tested GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC V6 diesel model. The GLK model range is rounded off by the two V6 petrol models GLK 300 4MATIC and GLK 350 4MATIC. They and the three four-cylinder diesel models meet the strict EU5 emissions standard.

All GLK models with all-wheel drive come standard with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.

Spring 2009 sees the GLK receive not only a number of new items of equipment but also a special distinction: compact and distinctive, it is the first Mercedes-Benz SUV model family to receive the sought-after Environmental Certificate in accordance with ISO standard 14062. In awarding the certificate, the independent specialists at the TÜV test organisation have once again recognised the company’s commitment to environmental protection, as also laid down in the policy guidelines for the entire Daimler Group. These require the premium manufacturer to go much further than merely considering the environmental effects which a vehicle has while it is actually in use. Instead, the entire lifecycle from development through the production process and the use phase right up to disposal is examined and optimised. The Environmental Certificate is based on a complete life cycle assessment of the GLK which comprises some 40,000 separate processes. In addition to the GLK, the A, B, C and S-Class models have already been awarded the TÜV Süd Environmental Certificate.

The certification to ISO standard 14062 applies to all GLK models. The Mercedes-Benz GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY was used as the basis for calculating a range of parameters including the energy requirement and emissions over a distance of 200,000 kilometres. The results for the compact SUV were extremely positive: it consumed just 6.7 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres (176 g CO2/km) and performed to a higher standard than that required by the EU 5 emission limits which come into force in September 2009. Factors optimised through the BlueEFFICIENCY strategy include aerodynamics, rolling resistance, vehicle weight and energy management. What’s more, all GLK models are also compatible with future fuels. They are already designed to meet the requirements of EU plans to increase the biofuel content. A bioethanol component of 10 percent (E10) is permissible for petrol engines while diesel engines are able to run without any reservation on fuel with a 10-percent biofuel component, comprising 7 percent biodiesel (B7 FAME) and 3 percent hydrogenated vegetable oil.

Design for Environment: environmental protection starts on the drawing board

The “Design for Environment” (DfE) concept was integrated in the complex development process for the GLKright from the start. Special DfE teams made up of engineers from a wide range of disciplines – such as life cycle assessment, dismantling and recycling planning, materials and process engineering, as well as design and production – ensured compliance with the defined environmental objectives. The integration of DfE in the product development process ensured that environmental aspects were considered from the very earliest stage of development. As Dr Herbert Kohler, Chief Environmental Officer of Daimler AG, points out: “The environmental quality of a vehicle is determined by more than its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. It’s necessary to look at the entire life cycle from development through production and use to disposal. This is a striking example of Mercedes-Benz’s comprehensive commitment to the environment. The Environmental Certificate for the GLK confirms the success of our strategy in this important area.

Public access to the Environmental Certificate and a detailed presentation of it is available in the “Life Cycle” documentation series at www.mercedes-benz.com

Comprehensive environmental concept making consistent use of secondary and renewable raw materials

The GLK already meets the requirement for a 95-percent recoverability rate which is applicable from 01.01.2015. Even at the development stage, care was taken to ensure that certain thermoplastic components – such as bumpers, wheel arch linings, side member, underbody and engine compartment panels – could be segregated and disassembled easily. In the GLK, 30 components with a total weight of 41 kilograms contain a proportion of high-grade recycled plastics. These include wheel arch linings, cable ducts and underbody panelling. As far as possible, the secondary raw materials used are obtained from vehicle-related waste flows, one example being the front wheel arch linings which are made from recycled vehicle components.

A total of 27 components with a combined weight of 20.7 kilograms are made with renewable raw materials. These components are to be found principally in the interior of the GLK. The seat upholstery contains some 15 percent pure sheep’s wool. Olive coke is used in the activated charcoal filters which prevent hydrocarbon emissions resulting from fuel evaporation and are self-regenerating during vehicle operation.

New equipment features and model designations for the GLK

A number of new items of equipment are available for the distinctive, compact SUV. These include comfort and convenience features such as KEYLESS GO or – in combination with the COMAND APS multimedia system – a reversing camera with a display showing static guide lines to assist with manoeuvring. Inside the GLK, customers can now choose particularly hard-wearing yet also breathable ARTICO man-made leather. What’s more, the luxurious designo line is also available with two-tone leather appointments in a choice of black/light brown and black/corteccia.

Spring 2009 sees the GLK model designations change in accordance with the other Mercedes-Benz model lines. The two versions with a V6 petrol engine now have the model designations “GLK 300 4MATIC (formerly GLK 280 4MATIC) and GLK 350 4MATIC (unchanged) and, like the GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC with BlueEFFICIENCY technology, meet the requirements of the EU 5 standard which comes into force in September 2009. The second diesel version, the GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC (formerly GLK 320 CDI 4MATIC), complies with the EU 4 standard.

The GLK range at a glance:

* All models feature 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, ** depends on equipment

As is the case with 4MATIC’s fine-tuning on a dry or wet road, directional stability and therefore the active safety of the GLK models is always to the fore when wintry conditions prevail, too. The basic 4MATIC mechanism with a 45:55 percent torque split between the front and rear axles along with the multiple-disc limited-slip centre differential with a basic locking torque of 50 Nm adds up to an ideal solution. This basic design delivers high traction since, on the one hand, the dynamic shift in axle load toward the rear axle that occurs during acceleration is used to deliver more drive torque to the rear. Meanwhile, the multiple-disc limited-slip centre differential can also variably shift the drive torque from 30 to 70 or 70 to 30 percent between the front and rear axle, whenever the road conditions so dictate. As such, the electronic control systems ESP®, 4ETS or ASR can intervene as late as possible; the bulk of the torque is converted into traction on slippery roads.

All interventions go virtually unnoticed, but the drivers are still informed immediately if they are driving on the limit. In this case a yellow warning light flashes in the instrument panel – a clear signal to adjust their driving style to the road conditions.

The arrangement featuring a permanent design mechanism has key advantages over other systems that first need to diagnose a lack of traction before activating their 4×4 all-wheel drive. The 4MATIC on the GLK will have already made use of this valuable time to transmit drive torque via the wheels to the road.

Kamm circle: the laws of physics sets limits

Just like any all-wheel-drive system, 4MATIC in the GLK has to abide by the laws of physics, a fact clearly illustrated in what is known as the “Kamm circle”. The fundamental rule is that a tyre is only able to transfer a certain level of overall force to the road surface. If a large amount of force is required in a longitudinal direction, for example when accelerating or braking, the lateral forces available are reduced. When cornering the reverse applies. In this case a particularly high degree of lateral force is needed for directional stability, whilst the longitudinal force potential is restricted. When designing the drive mechanism and fine-tuning the control systems, engineers’ skills are called upon to use this correlation in such a way that the very best possible handling is ensured in any conditions. The frictional coefficient µ describes the physical grip between the tyres and the road surface. On a dry road this figure is high (µ=0,9), and on a snow-covered road it is low (µ=0,3).

Despite the engineers’ best efforts, it is ultimately the drivers themselves who determine how safe they are on the road. They should always adapt their driving style in accordance with wintry conditions and ensure that their vehicle is suitably equipped; winter tyres are absolutely essential.

Balance of forces in the “Kamm‘s Circle”

The employees at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre have a wealth of experience at their fingertips in this respect. The first all-wheel-drive system was created over 100 years ago, and the engineers also occupy a leading position where the fine-tuning of all-wheel-drive control systems is concerned. 4ETS celebrated its world premiere in 1997 in the first generation of the M-Class, development work having begun as far back as 1993. Mercedes-Benz thus enjoys the most extensive experience of all car manufacturers with these systems.

4ETS: integrated “automatic start-off aid” for ice and snow

When pulling away in wintry conditions the engineers use the off-road algorithms on the GLK 4MATIC to develop optimum traction. Certain road conditions are automatically detected and the interventions of the 4ETS electronic traction control system adjusted so that as much acceleration as possible can be achieved with minimal wheel slip, providing optimum directional stability in the process. This strategy also allows the vehicle to pull away under adverse conditions, such as when one side of the vehicle is on an icy slope (the so-called µ‑split) or both wheels on the front or rear axle have limited grip (µ-jump).

So when starting off on µ-split one side of the GLK is on snow or ice and the other on asphalt. There are major differences in the coefficient of friction between the left and right-hand side of the vehicle. On all vehicles with open axle differentials the wheel with the lowest coefficient of friction limits the maximum transferable driving power. If the driving power rises above the maximally transferable power, the wheels on snow or ice start to spin, and the GLK would not be able to start off. This situation is immediately registered by 4ETS and the spinning wheels are baked by precisely the right amount of pressure build-up in the wheel brakes. As the wheel with the higher coefficient of friction is now supported via the brake force of the wheel with the lower coefficient of friction, the GLK starts to move. Following the start-off process, the wheel characteristics are observed very closely and the brake pressure controlled in such a way that, as far as possible, there is no difference in speed between the individual wheels. The braking force applied by 4ETS simulates, as it were, a higher coefficient of friction on the side with ice or snow, which, in an ideal case, corresponds to the coefficient of friction on the asphalt side. This produces an optimal transverse locking effect on the axle differentials, resulting in the maximum possible acceleration on µ-split.

Pulling away easily on different road surfaces (µ-split)

Starting off on “µ-jump”, where one of the GLK’s axles is entirely on ice or snow and the other axle is on asphalt, is made more difficult by the large differences in coefficient of friction between the front and rear axle. On vehicles with an open longitudinal differential the axle with the lower coefficient of friction determines the transferable driving power. Whilst the multiple-disc limited-slip centre differential with its basic locking torque of 50 Newton metres does have a balancing effect, it is unable to even out these extreme differences in coefficient of friction. In these conditions, too, both wheels on the axle with the lower coefficient of friction start to spin if the driving power exceeds the maximum transferable driving power at this coefficient of friction. 4ETS helps here by immediately recognising and braking the spinning wheels. This enables the axle with the higher coefficient of friction to be supported by the braked axle with the lower coefficient of friction – and the GLK starts to move.

Stable conditions on wintry roads

On winding roads covered with snow and ice, vehicle stability is primarily controlled by means of engine torque regulation in the acceleration skid control system ASR. Taking into consideration the longitudinal and lateral dynamics of the vehicle continuously determined by the ESP® sensor system, the ASR control thresholds are adjusted according to the driving situation, as illustrated by the aforementioned Kamm circle. In order to prevent the vehicle from tail-skidding, on winding roads the longitudinal force must be controlled via engine torque regulation in such a way that sufficient lateral force is always available. In order to comply with this law of physics, when driving on winding roads at low frictional coefficient, vehicle stability is mainly controlled by means of intervention from ESP® and the acceleration skid control system ASR so that a sufficient reserve of lateral force is always available. Initially, only sufficient engine torque is transferred to the outer wheels to ensure the tyres can develop sufficient lateral force. If this control function cannot generate directional stability, then ESP® applies the brakes to stabilise the vehicle.

Stable handling characteristics while cornering

In contrast to the control mechanisms operating when driving on winding roads, considerably more longitudinal force can be provided when accelerating in a straight line, as the tyres hardly have to transfer any lateral force. Here it is important that the tyres can work in the optimum µ-slip curve range. In order to achieve this, in this driving situation the control thresholds for the engine torque regulation are raised. The multiple-disc limited-slip centre differential simultaneously works on the transfer case, locking the powertrain longitudinally with 50 Nm. This locking factor substantially increases traction, without compromising the control systems. The final drive ratios therefore allow the 150 Nm to be transferred to the wheels.

In certain wintry conditions it may be necessary to deactivate the control systems via the “ESP®OFF”-switch. This is the case where high slip values are required at the wheels – for example to get out of deep snow with or without snow chains. When braking drivers still have full support at their disposal, even in ESP OFF mode. Once back on a road surface with a normal covering of snow, drivers should then activate the control systems again.

The 4MATIC drive system in the GLK is among the most powerful all-wheel-drive systems there is; its control systems break new ground. Advantages over other systems with a transversely installed drive unit are achieved thanks to the basic compact, light and friction-loss-optimised design with its longitudinally positioned engine and integrated main and transfer case. Fuel consumption, for example, is at the same level as that of a comparable, conventionally driven vehicle, whilst noise and vibration levels are on a par with those in higher vehicle categories.

In cooperation with the dynamic handling control systems ESP®, acceleration skid control ASR and 4ETS, the basic 45:55 percent torque split between the front and rear axle ensures assured and predictable handling. When fine-tuning the control systems the engineers at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre placed particular importance on defined understeer characteristics, as displayed by all GLKmodels even in the most varied of road conditions: on dry roads, in rain, snow, ice or on unsurfaced roads.

A double-disc clutch achieving a basic locking torque of approximately 50 Nm between the front and rear axle is fitted to the central differential. The clutch pack is permanently preloaded via a plate spring. In the case of spinning wheels on one of the two axles, a friction torque is transmitted to the axle spinning more slowly by relative movement of the discs. A sustained improvement to traction and directional stability of the vehicle are achieved through this principle of variable torque shift. Particularly in the case of low coefficients of friction between the tyres and the road surface the traction and stabilising effect of this so-called pre-lock clutch is clearly noticeable.

Adaptive Brake: state-of-the-art brake control system enables shortest stopping distances – even in wintry road conditions

The newly developed ADAPTIVE BRAKE control system encompasses the following basic functions: the anti-lock braking system ABS, acceleration skid control ASRand yaw moment control. ABSand ASR record and control the driving situation longitudinally, the yaw moment control the lateral dynamics. If ADAPTIVE BRAKE diagnoses critical operating conditions, within the limits of the laws of physics traction and directional stability are retained or reinstated through precise brake actuation and drive torque control.

New additional functions make ADAPTIVE BRAKE even safer and more convenient. Hill Start Assist prevents the vehicle from rolling unintentionally in the opposite direction of travel wished by the driver. A function known as priming has also been added. If the driver quickly removes his or her foot from the accelerator, the system prepares for possible panic braking by placing the brake linings on the brake discs using little pressure. Through the indirect pressure build-up when operating the brake pedal this will then shorten the stopping distance if a full brake application does occur. Thanks to ADAPTIVE BRAKE’s ability to produce even the slightest amounts of brake pressure precisely, it is possible to remove the film of water which forms on the brake discs in wet conditions through brief, light brake actuation. This reduces even further the brake response time, and thus the stopping distance, in the wet. Intervention takes place as soon as the windscreen wiper has reached a certain number of wipe cycles and the driver has not braked of his or her own accord in the meantime.

The GLKis fitted with adaptive brake lights as standard. This system warns following traffic that there is a critical braking situation by initiating flashing of the brake lights if the vehicle’s rate of deceleration is high. In the case of emergency braking from a speed of over 70 km/h the hazard warning lights are automatically activated when the vehicle comes to standstill.

The “off-road” switch in the centre console helps the GLK-Class to make good progress on rough terrain if the equipment line with the “off-road engineering package” is selected. At the touch of a button a special drive program comes into operation; it varies the 7G-TRONIC’s shift points, “softens” the accelerator characteristic and activates the ESP® functions with off-road ABSand a special off-road 4ETS. A further switch turns on the DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) which automatically keeps to a pre-selected speed between 4 and 18 km/h on steep downhill inclines. The driver can vary the speed at any time using the cruise control lever.

In addition to a tyre pressure loss warning system the GLK’s Electronic Stability Program ESP® comprises vehicle/trailer stabilisation as standard. This diffuses critical operating conditions through precise brake actuation as they arise. The maximum towing capacity is 2000 kilograms.

Strong characters: The GLK-Class from Mercedes-Benz

The new GLK is a strong character which enriches the world of compact SUVs. With its practical, attractively compact body style this distinctive multi-talented vehicle is in a class above its competitors, successfully combining qualities previously deemed to be conflicting: thanks to the AGILITY CONTROL suspension, outstanding driving dynamics go hand in hand with superb handling safety and excellent ride comfort. Working together with the electronic control systems the state-of-the-art variable all-wheel-drive system 4MATIC unites optimum on-road performance with high off-road suitability. It is precisely these connections that make the GLK so attractive: within the Mercedes-Benz SUV family this is one of the models characterised in particular by an impressive performance spectrum on surfaced roads, and yet at the same time that all-important “G” is part of its signature.

The four and six-cylinder engines, as powerful as they are economical and environmentally compatible, guarantee effortlessly superior performance. The GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model comes with the new four-cylinder diesel engine from Mercedes-Benz. The base engine mobilises 125 kW/170 hp and consumes 6.7 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. The highly stable body forms the prerequisite for the vehicle’s groundbreaking passive safety, its quiet running and interior comfort complete with the hallmark Mercedes feel-good factor and its high value retention. An excellent level of interior equipment and appointments and attractive equipment packages help the GLK to stand out from the compact SUV crowd to an even greater extent. What’s more, systems such as the groundbreaking PRE-SAFE® safety concept and the Intelligent Light System ILS are available in this market segment for the first time.