Production model
The vehicle's design was heavily influenced by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.[10]
The GLK-Class shares the C-Class W204 platform, and production plans continued after the demise of the similar Smart Formore. The vehicle was unveiled in Auto China 2008.[11]
European models went on sale on June 30, 2008, with deliveries beginning in the autumn the same year. Early German models included GLK 220 CDI 4Matic BlueEfficiency, GLK 320 CDI 4Matic, GLK 280 4Matic, GLK 350 4Matic. GLK Edition 1 models are based on V6 engine models, but include exterior sports package, 20-inch wheels, Easy-Pack tailgate and specially coloured privacy glass in the rear compartment, interior sports package, black/white nappa leather seats from the designo range, AMG multifunction leather steering wheel, a black roof lining, exclusive aluminium trim elements and the Command APS system, calcite white body colour.[12]
GLK 220 CDI BlueEfficiency, GLK 220 CDI 4Matic BlueEfficiency, GLK 300 4Matic, GLK 250 CDI 4Matic BlueEfficiency were introduced in 2009.[13][14]
At launch in Germany and North America, the car was offered in all-wheel drive only, though a rear-wheel drive only version was added to the range.[15]
The GLK-Class was not sold in RHD markets, such as the United Kingdom and Australia, due to a driveshaft used to operate the front wheels on 4WD versions of the GLK. It is positioned such that it occupies the same space as the steering column for RHD models, and as such the two configurations are not compatible with each other.
Vision GLK Bluetec Hybrid (2008)
A concept vehicle demonstrating a Bluetec engine with hybrid module was developed. It includes a four-cylinder Bluetec Diesel engine, maximum 160 Nm electric motor, Alubeam Blue body colour, 20-inch light-alloy wheels, black leather upper dashboard upholstery, Command APS central display, Agility Control suspension.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.[16]
2008 SEMA concepts (2008)
Mercedes-Benz USA partnered with four tuners to develop custom designs based on the upcoming 2010 GLK-Class vehicles, as part of the US launch of GLK-Class SUV in 2009.[17]
The Urban Whip is a white roadster built by Boulevard Customs, NBS Performance.[18] Based on the GLK 350 4Matic, it included custom-made wide-body kit developed with RoBrady Design, body lowered by 64mm with custom lowering springs, 26-inch Asanti AF 150 chrome wheels with custom black accents and 295/25 ZR26 Pirelli Scorpion tires, front and rear Brembo performance brake kit with 381mm 2-piece floating rotors and 8-pot front callipers and 344mm 2-piece floating rotors with 4-piston rear callipers, 5.7 kW custom stereo system with eight HD amps and six new JL Audio 13TW5 flat subwoofers.
