Mercedes GLK battles it out with BMW X3 at Nürburgring

Hans submitted on 05/22/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 9:00 PM
from: www.worldcarfans.com

Tags: Mercedes GLK Hits the Track at Nürburgring

Mercedes GLK Hits the Track at Nürburgring

Mercedes GLK battles it out with BMW X3 at Nürburgring

Mercedes has descended upon the Nürburgring with their new GLK compact crossover. The new W204 C-Class-based sport-ute did some hot laps with a BMW X3, which will be its primary competitor, and our sources say that the GLK appeared to hold its own in the track day duel.

Since the "K" in GLK stands for kleine (German for small), the name implies that this car is a smaller version of the GL-Class. True to form, the GLK's styling takes many cues from the Mercedes' large GL-class sport-utility.

The GLK won't rival a Land Rover LR2 for serious off-road prowess, but the extra ground clearance should provide a sufficient off-road capability when combined with Mercedes' 4matic four-wheel-drive system. Expect the usual range of C-Class engines to be on offered in the GLK.

The exact launch date for the GLK is not clear. A September unveiling in Frankfurt may be too early, which would leave the Los Angeles, Detroit, or Geneva auto shows as other potential launch events for the GLK to make its official bow.

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david999 - 5/23/2007 6:48:30 AM

-3 Boost

Looks very much like a like a Suburu Forrester

http://www.egmcartech.com/2006/12/20/2009-mercedes-glk-undisguised-with-official-information/

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EnnNorak - 5/23/2007 7:56:23 AM

+3 Boost

david, the article you reference is dated December 20, 2006 but it does have nice clear pictures. I'd like to have more design details about the AWD system that Mercedes p[roposes for this vehicle and why their AWD is superior to that of the X3 for example.

dumpsty - 5/23/2007 11:00:26 AM

+1 Boost

The the article that david999 referenced was old, the CGI concept looks much like the concept in the 'Ring video. Wait, I take that back! The CGI concrpt looks A LOT like the GLK in the video.

Rupert - 5/23/2007 11:24:01 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

ML sort of rivals the X5 it just lacks the 7th seat. But it is priced in line with the X5 and RX and only slightly less than the Q7, which is a lot less than the GL.

This is very confusing.

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Bill - 5/23/2007 2:01:30 PM

+2 Boost

The ML competes with the X5. What always confuses me is whom the Audi Q7 competes with. I've seen comparisons pitting it against the X5 and ML, but also against the GL. What's going on here?

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JRobUSC - 5/23/2007 6:24:46 PM

+1 Boost

that front end, the grill especially, is WAAAAAAY too 1990's Acura. Rest looks ok. And enough bashing the X3. It was deserved in 2004 and 2005 inside and out, and in 2006 for the inside. They got it right finally. Go check out a Crimson Red on cream beige/black leather 2007 X3 with the dark wood and tell me that's not a sweet looking vehicle.

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