Stuttgart: The Mercedes-Benz GLK, which made its world premiere at Auto China in April 2008, is being unveiled in its natural habitat for the first time. Yet it is not just the distinctive all-rounder's practical and appealingly compact body form that sets it apart from the competition. It also brings together what were previously seen as entirely contradictory attributes, with supreme driving dynamics and outstanding driving safety going hand in hand with exceptional ride comfort courtesy its 'agility control'.

The GLK is being produced solely at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany. European customers can order the compact model from 30 June, 2008, onwards for deliveries set to commence in October.

Meanwhile the variable 4MATIC all-wheel drive system joins forces with the latest electronic control systems to deliver consummate on-road performance and superb off-road proficiency. It is precisely this kind of combination that lends the GLK such immense appeal. According to Dr Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the Daimler AG board of management, "The GLK rounds off our tremendously successful SUV family, transferring characteristic Mercedes qualities such as refinement, dynamism and safety to a compact format in the process. This has now significantly raised the bar in this market segment."

The GLK 220 CDI BlueEfficiency model  features the new entry-level four-cylinder diesel engine from Mercedes-Benz, which develops 125 kW/170 hp and is a fuel efficient vehicle, only consuming 6.9 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres. The highly robust body of the SUV is the key to the pioneering passive-safety set up

Also, attractive equipment packages make the GLK stand out from its competitors. For the first time Mercedes has included state-of-the-art systems such as the Pre-Safe safety concept and the intelligent light system (ILS)  in this market segment.

The exclusive "Edition 1" model is being brought out to mark the sales launch of the GLK-Class. This particular variant, sure to be the subject of great demand, is based on the exterior design of the models with exterior sports package but also features 20-inch wheels, the electrically operated Easy-Pack tailgate and specially tinted privacy glass in the rear compartment. The interior has been upgraded to include further quality details, such as black/white nappa leather seats from the designo range, an AMG multifunction leather steering wheel, a black roof lining, aluminium trim elements and the Comand APS system.

The exclusive GLK models are available in calcite white in the basic version, although customers may specify any other paint finish. Engine-wise, the GLK Edition 1 can be combined with any of the V6 units.

Mercedes-Benz offers the widest range of SUVs in the premium segment. The GLK, a compact SUV, is the latest addition to the successful family and the brand's fifth model series in this internationally growth-oriented market. The R-Class is the model series with the most variants, all of which impress with an outstanding level of long-distance comfort as well as the most generously proportioned and variable interiors of all the Mercedes SUVs, including up to seven seats.

The most successful Mercedes-Benz sports utility vehicle, with around 950,000 vehicles sold to date, is the M-Class, offering an exciting balance between on-road performance and off-road ability. This model series, which debut around ten years ago, is seen as the precursor to all today's premium SUVs.

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