Jalopnik: Freeside

Detroit Auto Show: 2009 Mercedes GLK Vision Freeside Unveiling Extravaganza

Travis Hudson — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:01:00 EST

We've already showed you Mercedes' new mouthful, the 2009 GLK Vison Freestyle 320 CTDi Bluetech Concept. But tonight, Mercedes officially unveiled it at big band extravaganza at MOCAD.

Due to the extravagance of the event, we couldn't help but feel that we were experiencing something akin to the last days of the Roman Empire. While a 1920's influenced German brass band played Britney Spears covers, Kim Catrall made a cameo appearance, we drank moderately-priced champagne and Dr. Z delivered a partially incomprehensible accounting of Mercedes' accounts.

We don't really understand where the GLK fits into all of this and weren't totally impressed. It looks like a busy, fussy X3 with really cool, optional, roof rack mounted LED lights — basically the 2009 version of KC smiley faces.

The one saving grace was the wheels. Which actually delivered on the classy, art deco feel Mercedes were trying to go for with the whole thing.

Detroit Auto Show: Mercedes Vision GLK Freeside High-Res Photos

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:15:00 EST

When the first official pictures of the Mercedes Vision GLK Freeside emerged there was some discussion as to whether the car was intended for lesbians or wealthier Toyota RAV4 owners. We hope these new high res will clear up any confusion. Things you immediately notice about the higher resolution photos is the LED lamps build into the forward roof rack.

You'll also notice how, at least in one version of the GLK, the two-tone color scheme is pronounced with the darker (perhaps plastic) bumpers. You may also recognize that MB test drivers always have pained looks on their faces. [Mercedes Benz via World Car Fans]

Detroit Auto Show: Mercedes Vision GLK Freeside Photos And Details Emerge

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 21:15:00 EST

Every time we mention the new Mercedes GLK the name gets a little longer. The new Mercedes Benz Vision GLK Freeside, which will debut at Detroit, is going to be built on the C-Class platform and powered by either a 2.2 liter four-cylinder turbodiesel that's good for 175 horsepower or a gas V6 (though American models should get both a diesel and gas option). The concept version gets a seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifter. The ever observant folks at Edmunds Inside Line have the inside story, posting the photos because Autoweek apparently already broke the story.

Additionally, the new GLK will get the 4Matic AWD system, adaptive headlights, ESP, a million airbags, three-zone climate control and the COMAND infotainment center. The wheels are 20-inches with five gigantic spokes, as seen. More details on this nearly-production concept later today. [Edmunds Inside Line]

Detroit Auto Show: First Mercedes GLK Freeside Concept Official Image

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 12:45:00 EST

The Mercedes Benz GLK, which was found naked on the set of the Sex & The City movie, will debut at the Detroit Auto Show as the GLK Freeside Concept and the crafty crowd at Carscoop managed to grab a non Sara Jessica Parker-ed official version of the GLK.

The GLK is the upcoming competitor to the Land Rover Freelander and BMW X3 in the luxury compact SUV market. Full information on the available engines and options are as-of-yet unannounced. But like all good things we're sure that information will leak to the net sooner than later. [CarScoop]