Mercedes Benz GLK

[haven]

Mercedes-Benz formally announced its GLK small SUV at the Beijing Auto Show. The GLK will compete in a marketplace crowded with models of similar size from several manufacturers, including the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infiniti EX35, Land Rover LR2 and VW Tiguan.

The GLK specs include:

3.5-liter V-6
268 hp, 258 lb-ft
7 speed automatic trans
4Matic all wheel drive

overall length 178.3 in.
wheelbase 108.5-in.
height 66.9 in.
width 72.4 in.
ground clearance 7.9 in.
curb weight 4036 lb

Cargo volume
23.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats
54.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

0–60-mph 6.5 seconds
EPA 23 mpg combined

built in Germany, not Alabama

off-road package (may not be available in USA right away)
17 inch rims
8.3 in. ground clearance
hill descent control
skid plates
re-mapping of transmission, throttle and traction controls for off-road

other engine options likely to be coming in the future
-- 2.1L 4 cylinder turbodiesel (295 lb-ft torque, 34 mpg)
-- diesel electric hybrid (413 lb-ft torque, 40 mpg)

lower-priced alternatives include
Subaru Forester
Toyota RAV4
Jeep Liberty
Honda CR-V

 

[Redline]

I would seriously consider one for my wife with a diesel (34-mpg) IF their quality control was much better.

 

[haven]

It took a while, but Mercedes is now planning to import the GLK with 2.1L turbodiesel in the Fall of 2011. The new model will be called the GLK250 BlueTec. The diminutive diesel produces 369 lb-ft of torque.

Car and Driver says that mpg in the high 30s is possible. I imagine the EPA rating will be closer to 30mpg highway. Not bad for a 4000 lb vehicle with AWD. While the GLK lacks low range and locking differentials, it's a fine vehicle for most forest roads and scenic byways.

http://blog.caranddriver.com/merced...-c-class-in-2012-eight-models-in-u-s-by-2014/