55 Votes

First real production shots of an X3 killer from Mercedes?

Agent001 submitted on 12/16/2007 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 3:28:41 PM

90 user comments | Category: Spy Shots | Source: www.autospies.com

Tag Links: 2009 Mercedes GLK, BMW X3, Sex in the City, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon

The Spies were out on the set of the new Sex in the City movie and caught these first shots of the upcoming Mercedes GLK SUV.

Will this be Sarah Jessica Parker's new ride or one of the other girls?

And to add a little more drama into the mix, if they show it as Cynthia Nixon's ride, will the GLK be 'stigmatized' as a Lesbian, Chick SUV?

Sorry to ruin the Detroit Auto Show Mercedes party introduction boys...but AutoSpies.com has crashed the party to give you a first look, weeks before the official intro.

Is it a STUD or a DUD?

Is a 'Baby GL' design, the right strategy for it?

Will they be able to steal the crown away from the BMW X3 as the best premium small sport ute?

Or will the next X3 steal the thunder again?

And tell us how we did describing it to you way back in August before everyone else...

AutoSpies Scoop the GLK first

More GLK photos: jalopnik.com/cars/detroit-auto-show/2009-mercedes-glk-gets-naked-on-sex-and-the-city-movie-set-334486.php

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First real production shots of an X3 killer from Mercedes?

About the Author

FWD Torque Steer. Absolute proof the Devil exists.
— Agent001 (View Profile)

User Comments

I don't think the X3 is a very impressive car. To me, it just kind of looks cheap. Still.

The EX is far better, and the RDX is left in the dust by both.

But this GL? I'm not sure. It may be a bit too squared-off and too stubby.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 3:44:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Sorry S4, but the RDX beat the X3 in at least two comparos in the major mags. What do you people have against acura really?
— Blakura (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 4:42:12 PM | | Votes: -4

oh yeah and the x3 beat the rdx in some comparos as well (such as in car and driver)
— chris760 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 5:22:09 PM | | Votes: 2

no thanks
— pacotacolol (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 6:00:38 PM | | Votes: 0

"What do you people have against acura really?"

They're incredibly boring.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 8:35:01 PM | | Votes: -1

Blakura is absolutly right.The Rdx is a great Sport SUV compact.Im the owner of the Rdx right now.and i have to say that yesteraday here in Montreal we had a snow storm.and my Rdx was stuck in the Snow and so the X3 of my neighbourg.and I was the first to be Out.And The X3 was still in the snow after my 2hours of shopping at the mall..
— acurardx (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 6:45:40 PM | | Votes: 1

The X3 is a good size for driving around in the city but BMW still has rip-off pricing for it in Canada. They should price it in Canada in U.S. dollars now that the Canadian dollar is at par.
— EnnNorak (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 10:04:50 PM | | Votes: 1

Alot like the older G. Looks good in my opinion.
— Czelinski (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 4:07:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Seeking to steal sales away from the ugly X3 is the ugly mercedes version. Are all vehicles suppose to be ugly in this category? Th EX is the only exception to that rule
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 4:10:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

To be honest, i don't think the EX is much of an exception. It looks like an awkward G35
— henbmw (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 9:01:34 PM | | Votes: 3

Wrong. The Rogue lookalike ex is just as ugly as everything else with a nissan or infiniti badge on it.
— tattedtwice (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 11:36:57 PM | | Votes: 2

Yes, awkward proportion G.
— StickShiftCamry (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 11:38:29 PM | | Votes: 2

WHAT ON EARTH IS THAT
— SevorbeupstryIsBack (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 4:15:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

AGREED!

This GLK looks like a chunky mish-mash of God knows what!
— Hyundai (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 5:55:06 PM | | Votes: 0

wayy better looking than the X3
— Talli (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 4:37:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

But he next X3 is coing by end of 08 so how much momentum can MB gain.

Sources tell us the next X3 is X6 cool in design.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 4:40:48 PM | | Votes: 2

what has happened to MB? After such beautifully crafted designs of the GL, CLS, S, SL, SLK, and E, they come out with a comely C and now this atrocious GLK? It's square and exremely busy. Someone needs to be fired.
— senorgato (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 4:57:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Thank you, Senor.... Gato. :P

I agree that this thing is a very busy, chunky looking... ahem... "thing".

Maybe it looks better in person. One thing I could say for sure, is that it COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER THAN THIS!!!
— Hyundai (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 5:57:55 PM | | Votes: 2

Actually the gl and this thing are the only things m-b makes that are remotely attractive. ALL the sedans, ALL the coupes and both roadsters are ALL hideous. So much so that if given one, I'd give it right back with a no-thanks, or take it and sell it QUICKLY.
— tattedtwice (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 11:40:10 PM | | Votes: 1

I like this new MB and it's much nicer than that Infiniti EX girly mobile, but that line under the head lights should be straight, shouldn't it?

o_O
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 5:08:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

Oh, and I love the side lines ;)
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 5:09:57 PM | | Votes: -5

43le_, of course you would, you're a dentist!

lol
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 8:35:14 PM | | Votes: -2

Not very attractive. Too many lines/cuts
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 5:58:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Vendetta, the EX35 looks like a ladies perfume bottle.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 6:20:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

43le_, of course you would, you're a dentist!

lol
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 8:34:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

The Tiguan is very nice (although it doesn't compete with these cars--try the CR-V), and the LR2 is also a looker. Not ugly at all.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 8:37:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I don't know why all the negative comments are hinging on the cars' design. This GLK, if anything, embodies traditional Mercedes-Benz styling cues: boxy with a hue of curvacious lines thrown in for that elegant final roundup. I quite like it, though I think the grille could perhaps use a different look. That part of the car seems a little "incomplete".
— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 6:44:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Oh my, that looks like a jacked-up Subaru Forester! Not pretty...even in a look-at-me, I'm a plain box, sort of way....
— IhavearedS2000 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 6:46:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

^^^x2

this rebadge forester is hideous...another reason to stay away from sex and the city, it already gives the women crazy ideas/thoughts/ways, now we have an ugly promo vehicle too
— r15mohd (View Profile)

Posted on 12/18/2007 8:46:23 AM | | Votes: 1

Isn't that a Rav-4?
— AgentOrange (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 6:47:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

From Pictures it is damn FUGLY.

Looks like a breadbox!

The EX35 is definately the much better looking new product in this category.

But I'll wait to reserve final judgement until seeing one in person.
— skinny (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 6:51:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I was always impressed with MB design, but this? WTF? The GL and ML are both modern MB design beautifully executed. The GLX looks boxy and proportions seem strange. I guess they were cutting down costs in the design department in order to price it competetively. If it'll have the same reliability problems as the ML, it will be a flop for MB. On the other hand X3 looks like crap too, especially the front bumper and headlight area. Infiniti EX is too feminine, nice interior though.
— koobah (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 6:54:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

the front of the GLK looks funny (grille), but rest looks pretty good. what's going on with all the deboosting on "positive" comments?
I think it will be better than the X3, but this design isn't as good as the GL or ML as other people have commented
— Monk (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 7:04:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

two bars and wider (more golden-ratio style) grille would have been better.
— Monk (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 7:05:08 PM | | Votes: 1

This is one of those vehicles that, no matter how well it drives, I would be absolutely embarrassed to be seen in something so horribly unattractive.

Odd proportions are just a small part of all that is wrong with this design.

One Word - YIKES!
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 7:33:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

What's wrong with the design?

Clearly the aim here was to create something boxy-looking. It actually works on SUV-type cars in this day and age in my opinion.
— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 7:48:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Bill, there's nothing wrong with the design and when these Lexus fans get to see one up close they'll then understand ;)
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 8:31:30 PM | | Votes: 0

MArk my word, Lexus will be copying boxy design in no time...
— w209w114 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 3:47:19 PM | | Votes: 2

Every crossover SUV looks oddly proportioned (with the Q7 being the worst). I think the GLK will sell well and it does not look like anything else. Good job MBZ.
— lyonboy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 7:55:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The more I look at it, the more I strongly believe this to be the single least attractive looking vehicle of the 21st century...

So Far - That Is.

It's the 1st Mercedes design that's both Amateuristic and Unrefined.
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 8:15:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I would say this car has 1 two many lines somewhere, but no where is this car ugly, I think it looks quite intriguing, definitely worth a look at. Straight B work, where the X3 is C+ and the RDX is a B+, looks alone of course.
— MBKing (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 8:17:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Im not going to say the RDX is terrible. i got one for my wife and for all of those in this room that keep bashing the rdx, i know for a fact that most of you have not driven it.

the rdx isnt amazing, but its not as bad as you all think it is.
i think its in the same league as the x3, and the ex.
as for this new mercedes- the boxiness reminds me of the range rover.
i think it looks great, and for all the guys in this room, which i think 99% of the people on autospies are guys have to realize cars like rdx, ex, x3 and this new benz were made for women and they will all sell . some more than others.
— iamdabest1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 8:19:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

^ Uhhh...

It's the GLK... I'd think that the (Martin Luther) King estate would surely protest having this visual abomination (even remotely) associated with their esteemed father's initials.
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 11:54:12 AM | | Votes: 1

Shhhh. Maybe it was made to subliminally appeal to black buyers? ;)
— w209w114 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 3:49:32 PM | | Votes: 1

I think it's more appropriate to market it to Blind People/The Visually Impared, because it's certainly NOT a vehicle to be Seen In.

Note: Unless You're A Complete Mercedes Badge Whore.
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 4:26:15 PM | | Votes: 1

What's going on with the side mirrors?

Are those L.E.D.'s?
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 8:32:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I like it. It still looks like a truck. I'm sick of the rounded crossover look. If I want a car ride and profile, I'll buy a station wagon. The EX mine as well be a G with a hatch. Kudos to MB for keeping the SUV look alive.
— jeffgall (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 8:46:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Exactly, Mercedes wanted something that would stand out and be different and boxy. Its a dare move on their part but ultimately it sets it apart from the rest of the globs.
— w209w114 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 3:44:51 PM | | Votes: 1

I like it. Mercedes has really come back to its former glory. I wish those green-weenies over in california would ease up over the diesel emissions regulations, a diesel version of this would be awesome.
— neutral (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 8:51:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I love it, well done Benz, its another winner.
— xj13 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 8:52:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Very odd looking car, not good looking at all, sorry benz you can't compete with the EX with this.
— farabira1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 8:55:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

How would you know that? Strictly from looking at it? Thats very clever,,, :cough, cough:
— w209w114 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 3:43:36 PM | | Votes: 0

Very Euro looking, I love it :)
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 10:25:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

fugly
— BMWM (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 10:37:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Looks pretty good to me. I'm not a small ute kinda dude but I like it. Much better than the X3 and a million times better than the RDX. I haven't seen a EX35 up close yet so I will reserve judgement. All in all I like it though.
T
— TauronB2G (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 10:50:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

it looks great
— pchera01 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 11:36:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Looks like the G and the GL got a bit too happy.
— EvoAudi (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 11:37:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

the X3 is ugly, I'm sorry to say, this is no better, I fear for the Q5 or the unknown, not to be named Q3, smaller version, i hope they won't be that ugly... but it is so difficult to do a small SUV. Only the RDX seems to look right, that Rogue/EX, is also a disaster.
— 1evlaudi (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 1:59:38 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

We're obviously from entirely different aesthetic planets.

The RD-X seems to look right to you?

Have you looked closely at that Front End?

Seriously... Have You?
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 11:58:02 AM | | Votes: 0

Obviously...
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 4:23:39 PM | | Votes: -1

The Q5 will basically look like an A5 that morphed into an SUV, which is hot.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 11:34:05 PM | | Votes: 2

Non, i don't like this MB.
— LE34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 3:25:14 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Is the BMW X3 really "the best premium small sport ute" or has it just been the only premium small sport ute until now?
— ATrip (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 8:59:42 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Wow, I didn't expect it to look this bad. The spy shots and earlier renderings did not give a real indication. The current ML is better than the first, the GL took a while but has grown on me, but this thing is a mess. I have no problem with the boxy profile, but the details are terrible and the character lines are going every which way.

— Hachee2001 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 9:30:16 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The countdown until the debut of a boxy Lexus Sport Utility begins today.
— w209w114 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 3:51:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Actually I quite like it now.

But I hate white cars. Put this in a darker colour and off we go.

I hope Merc introduces that V6 TT !
— SevorbeupstryIsBack (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 5:33:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

What is wrong with you? First you call the X6 "brilliant" (I love it too, but I thought you'd hate it), now you "quite like" the GLK which is hideous, but you hate the Jaguar XF which is even better than both?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 11:35:13 PM | | Votes: 1

Everyone has different taste S4..... I think the X6 is the sexiest SUV in the world.... others think its the ugliest!
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 12/18/2007 3:50:25 AM | | Votes: 1

the X6 and this GLK is horrendous...

the EX is the looker in this class, and has the most impressive interior so far.

the X3 just doesnt do it, the exterior is bland, interior is BORING! and i wouldn't pay 35k+ for a body that has black plastic on 15-20% of its body panels.

the Q3 can be a looker, i love how the front of the Q5 is shaped, but the rear is really ugly IMO. hopefully Audi can address that. the A5 scheme seems to be perfect in fitting this rite in, btw i saw an A5 last nite and it is one great looking vehicle!
— r15mohd (View Profile)

Posted on 12/18/2007 8:53:33 AM | | Votes: 0

M53R, I love the X6, too.

But before, Sevor said he hated this... now he loves it?

BTW, r15, the Q5 isn't out yet. Maybe you're thinking of the Q7, but the Q5 will be competing with these SUVs (X3, GLK, EX, RDX, LR2), and the Q3's production isn't assured. I don't see where an even-smaller SUV would fit in the lineup.

And yes, the S5 is gorgeous!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/18/2007 7:41:24 PM | | Votes: 1

Gotta love the title, 'X3 killer'. Never mind that no one's driven it or knows any specs or that m-b has YET to make anything that's 'killed' a competiting BMW; they sure as hell won't be doing it with a cute-ute.
— tattedtwice (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 11:47:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

S-Class!!!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/18/2007 7:41:53 PM | | Votes: 2

I am a fan of MB this thing looks like a Old VGA graphic, is blocky and almos any japannese car on this category looks better. WAKALLAA is the frist impresion of my little nephew.... >:-)
— Yonder7 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/18/2007 5:25:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I like it.
— hooahguy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/18/2007 5:57:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

X3 is...yawn...boring. I'd take an RDX anyday, SUV capability, a turbo 4 that keeps up with the guzzling V6's and gets better mileage, and looks to accompany. Oh and you get HIDs, heated leather, moonroof, XM, paddle shifters, and many others included in the cost.
— Whelan (View Profile)

Posted on 12/19/2007 2:53:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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First real production shots of an X3 killer from Mercedes?

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