The BRABUS Exclusive Program for the Mercedes GLK

More power and, more importantly, more torque for more driving fun and better fuel economy: BRABUS also offers engine tuning for the GLK-Class, backed by the exemplary BRABUS Tuning Warranty of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers or 62,000 miles (see BRABUS warranty conditions as of November 2006).

For the top-of-the-line turbo diesel model GLK 320 CDI 4MATIC BRABUS offers its ECO PowerXtra D6 (III) tuning that delivers an additional 48 hp (47 bhp) / 35.3 kW and a peak torque of 590 Nm (435 lb-ft). It turns the SUV into one of the sportiest diesel models in its class. The sprint from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes just 6.9 seconds, top speed is 228 km/h (142 mph). Naturally BRABUS power tuning meets the same stringent EURO IV emission limits as the production engine.

The gasoline-powered V6 model GLK 350 4MATIC equipped with BRABUS B7 power kit gains 15 hp (DIN and bhp) / 11 kW for a new rated power output of 287 hp (283 bhp) / 211.2 kW. For even more power BRABUS has developed its BRABUS 4.0 displacement engine, also available for the GLK 280 4MATIC. 332 hp (327 bhp) / 244 kW and a peak torque of 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) at 4,200 rpm provide plenty of added driving fun and excellent performance: A sprint time of just 6.1 seconds for 0-100 km/h (62 mph) and a new top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) speak volumes.

All BRABUS engines are lubricated exclusively with ARAL high-performance motor oil. The fully stainless-steel BRABUS quad sport-exhaust systems lend all GLK models a powerful exhaust note.

Sporty design paired with aerodynamic efficiency and top-notch quality: The BRABUS designers upgrade the striking styling of the Mercedes GLK with an extensive body-components program that is manufactured in OEM quality from high-end Pur-R-Rim plastics.

The face of the SUV receives a dynamic upgrade with the BRABUS front apron. This aerodynamic-enhancement component was developed in the wind tunnel, and features daytime running lights as well as optional auxiliary high beams and fog lamps. The innovative two-piece BRABUS roof attachment with integrated LED position lights further upgrades the front of the GLK.

Homogeneously shaped BRABUS rocker panels create a perfect aerodynamic transition between front and rear wheel arches. LED lights integrated into the underside of the panels illuminate the ground on either side of the SUV for safe entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark.

The BRABUS rear apron with centrally located reflector and cutouts left and right for the stock exhaust or the BRABUS quad sport exhaust system upgrades the SUV's rear. The new BRABUS tailpipe styling is key to the striking rear appearance of the customized SUV. The BRABUS roof spoiler with its red LED position lights left and right is attached to the lift gate.

BRABUS offers its customers a multitude of possible tire/wheel combinations for the Mercedes GLK-Class. The list ranges from Monoblock A wheels in size 8.5Jx17 with general operating certificate to 21-inch high-end versions mounted with matching high-performance tires from BRABUS technology partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.

The largest combination features wheels in size 9Jx21, available in various versions, from the sporty Monoblock S light-alloy wheels with five double spokes to the Monoblock E version with nine spokes and polished outer flange, to especially exclusive fully polished forged multi-piece wheels in the classic BRABUS Monoblock VI design. The largest approved tires for front and rear axle measure 255/35 R 21 in size.

For even more agile handling and a ride height lowered by some 35 millimeters (1.4 inches) BRABUS offers either sport springs or a complete suspension that offers a somewhat firmer ride than the production one.

Exclusive interior design has always been a special strength of BRABUS. The extensive program also offers owners of a Mercedes GLK countless individual options.

The range of available BRABUS accessories includes stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo, various versions of an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel, and even interior trim sets made from high-quality woods with various grains or from genuine carbon fiber. In order to transform the rear cabin of the GLK into a multimedia lounge the BRABUS interior designers have developed special BRABUS consoles for the seatbacks of the front seats. Each of the precisely fitting consoles includes a 7-inch LCD screen and an integrated DVD player.

The company-own BRABUS upholstery shop fulfills customers' customization requests in any desired color and with a wide variety of exquisite materials and numerous upholstery designs. With meticulous precision the specialists create superb interiors custom-tailored to the individual customers' preferences.

[Source: BRABUS]

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.

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]

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]

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]

Supposedly it'll be off-road ready despite sharing many components with the new C Class. As we said before, power is expected to come from a 3.5-liter V6 with Mercedes 4Matic all-wheel-drive as a standard feature. In addition, all versions are expected to have the 7G-Tronic TouchShift automatic transmission, but, we're fairly certain we're seeing the luxe ute in its natural habitat — out front of over-priced Beverly Hills (or Manhattan) boutique shoe stores. We're hoping to have a full spy report from Brenda soon, but here's our older shots of the new GLK for you to peruse at your pleasure.

This one isn't breaking news in any way, but it's something one of our spies ran into while travelling the autobahn. He caught an enormous Mercedes test fleet, consisting of seven GLK prototypes, and a choice selection of some of the the Mini-Me G's primary competitors. Seeing run-groups like this is a sure sign of a prototype in the home stretch of its development cycle.

Ford: Another take on the Ford Verve that showed up at the Frankfurt Auto Show, hinting at the next generation subcompact to be sold in the US. Expect this iteration to ditch the hatch for a trunk.

Kia: A 2009-model SUV based on the Mesa concept. The seven-seater will be Kia's largest SUV yet.

Hyundai: The production version of the V8-powered, rear-wheel drive Genesis large sedan. Execs are saying the price will come in well under $30K, and horsepower of the new V8 at around 380.

Mazda: It's supposed to be a toned-down concept based on the Nagare (pictured) styling. But have you ever seen a toned-down Mazda concept? Yeah, they don't exist.

Mercedes-Benz: The unveil of a production model, likely the midsized GLK crossover.

Mitsubishi: They'll show both a concept and a production car, with more details expected in December.

Suzuki: It's the North American debut of a concept unveiled at Tokyo, meaning it'll be old news.

Subaru A global debut. Speculate at will.

[Carscoop via Autoblog]

It looks like all those spy shots had a true-life story to tell. The motoring authoritarians at Motor Authority say Mercedes has confirmed production of the BMW X3-fighting GLK for the 2009 model year. The first cars, they say, will start showing up in the second half of next year. That means a likely unveiling of the baby GL at the Frankfurt show this September, ahead of a fight to the death on the streets of Wilton, Connecticut by decade's end. – Mike Spinelli

Mercedes-Benz confirms GLK SUV for 2008 [Motor Authority]

Related:
More on the Mercedes GLK [internal]

SPY PHOTOS: Mercedes GLK Hits the Track [World Car Fans]

Related:
Spy Photos: More on the 2009 Mercedes GLK [internal]

Spies caught the new Mercedes mini ute, the GLK, patrolling the streets in its spy-thwarting flack jacket. The competitor to the BMW X3 and upcoming Audi Q5 will be based on the new C-Class, which means it'll be built in Germany instead of in the deep south of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where its larger sibling is birthed. Unveiling venue info is sketchy, with obvious armchair predictions of either Frankfurt later this year or Geneva '08. – Mike Spinelli

SPY PHOTOS: Mercedes GL Bluetec and GLK [World Car Fans]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2009 Mercedes GLK [internal]

If you forgot Mercedes was planning a major offensive on the luxe small-SUV market, new pictures of the coming GLK-as-prototype will serve as memory refreshment. Looking like a mini GL-Class ute, the GLK will face down the BMW X3 and Acura RDX (and eventually the Audi A5) in what may be the most pointless (but fast-growing) vehicle genre. The new mini Merc, which will share components with the next C-Class — including a 3.5-liter V6, 4Matic and 7G-Tronic TouchShift automatic — is set for unveiling at either the 2007 Frankfurt or 2008 Geneva shows, says Edmunds Inside Line. We might even see an AMG-tuned autobahn smoker by next decade — if the fates keep their sense of humor. – Mike Spinelli

Spy Shots: Mercedes GLK Nabbed Outside HQ [Edmunds]

Related:
Spec'ing the 2008 Mercedes GLK [internal]

Germany's AutoBild offers a homegrown vision of the upcoming small SUV from Mercedes — now expected to be dubbed GLK. The BMW X3-fighter, which AB says is coming in 2008, will likely be a soft roader fitted with more luxury mojo than stump-pulling prowess, with power coming from Merc's six-cylinder stable. New underpinnings, which engineers are calling the "direct control chassis," promise less body roll, a tighter turning radius and more responsive steering. No word on a US release of the GL-Class's smaller brother (originally thought to be tagged an M-Class), but we'd imagine 2009 is as good a guess as any.

Vorschau Mercedes GLK (translated) [AutoBild]

Related:
Mercedes to Focus on Small SUV for 2008; Spy Photos: Mercedes MLK [internal]