A 740hp twin-turbo V12 in your GLK for only $580,000

Labels: GLK-Class

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK has been a great success in the compact luxury SUV segment. It is the best seller!

To further enhance this great design, Mercedes is introducing the AMG Styling Package. This package will be available to order in January and includes:

• AMG-designed front and rear bumpers with chrome skid plates


• 20" AMG twin five-spoke wheels with all-season tires


• Aluminum roof rails


• LED daytime running lamps (does not require lighting package)

The AMG Styling Package will be priced at $1,970.

Labels: Accessories, GLK-Class

The Univeral Media Interface or UMI has generated a lot of interest and questions since it was launched for the C-Class and GLK last year. There have been some complaints about the system being slow and Mercedes has addressed that and launched the new and improved Nav + 4 with enhanced performance and funtionality.

Nav + 4 has the same features as UMI:
1 - Navigation with free live traffic
2 - iPod/iPhone Interface
3 - USB Interface
4 - AUX Interface
5 - Bluetooth Audio Streaming

The improvements to the system are:
5 times faster route calculation
5 times faster destination entry
5 times faster zooming
Day/Night changeover in real time
Updated navigation data
Alaska, Hawaii & Puerto Rico included

New functionality includes:
Reality View Pro (highway signs)
Traffic Lane Assist Pro (road splits)
Enter destination via map


The NEW part number is A204 870 7096 and the MSRP is $1685 plus labor. The price could vary depending on the equipment already present in your vehicle. Also, it should be possible to upgrade an old UMI to the enhanced Nav + 4 with a software flash.

Labels: Accessories, C-Class, GLK-Class

Labels: Accessories, C-Class, GLK-Class

If you have a PCMCIA slot in your vehicle (S-Class, CL-Class, C-Class, GLK-Class) you need a PCMCIA adaptor to play music from a memory card. You plug the PCMCIA adaptor into the slot, then you can insert a variety of memory cards into the adaptor to access your saved music or podcasts.

This adaptor has been a little hard to find for some of my clients. Luckily, Mercedes has come out with their own. Called the PCMCIA Multi-Card Reader, it is priced at $102 and the part number is 6-7-82-3974. You should be able to order one from your local parts department.

A quick Google search will come up with cheaper readers that are meant to do the same thing, but these are meant to work with laptops and aren't guaranteed to work with your car like the Mercedes version is. Also, I haven't personally tested the Mercedes adapter with the larger SDHC cards so it may not read those.

Labels: Accessories, C-Class, CL-Class, GLK-Class, S-Class

-- Update -- This car is not available anymore. I just sold it.

We just purchased a 2010 GLK350 4matic for our pre-owned department.

Artic White
Black MB Tex
Premium 1 Package
Multimedia Package
Appearance Package
Trailer Hitch
1700 miles
In service date: February 9, 2009
Original MSRP was $44785

Sale price: $40,900

Or, for an extra $1000, we can make it a Certified Pre-Owned Car and it will have an extra year of warranty on up to 100,000 miles. A 5 year, 100,000 mile extended warranty on a new car would cost more than $3000!

Labels: Atlanta Classic Cars, GLK-Class

"While the satellite radio and iPod interface will keep you entertained in traffic, the superb drivetrain will put a smile on your face when you finally get out of town."

"The transmission rocks."

"On the track, the 3.5-liter V-6 hustled the Benz to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds. Stops were equally impressive: 60 to 0 mph in just 124 feet. "

"Merging and passing on the freeway are effortless, and the GLK can pull off a 15.0-second quarter-mile at 92.9 mph."

"The GLK still offers plenty of cargo space behind the rear seats. It's wide enough to place golf bags sideways in the rear and roomy enough to accommodate lots of large luggage pieces. "

"On the asphalt, it's sure to please luxury-loving drivers with its compliant ride and tight handling, as well as its spacious interior and high-tech features."

Read Motor Trend's full review here

Labels: GLK-Class

The 2010 GLK350 has officially been released to dealerships! We have 11 scheduled to arrive in the next few days in White, Black, Silver, Steel Gray, Red, Obsidian Black and Sand Beige. MSRPs range from $42,460 up to $49,875. The all have the Premium 1 package that includes Panoramic roof, Rain Sensor, Driver memory seat, Homelink, Auto-dimming mirrors, Sirius Radio, Power Liftgate, 115V AC power plug, and Compass in interior mirror.

We are also expected to get a lease special from Mercedes-Benz financial for under $500/month on the GLK! I do still have the White demonstrator GLK350 here for you to see and drive!

Labels: GLK-Class

The Universal Media Interface (UMI) for the 2009 C-Class and 2010 GLK-Class is now available to order from the factory for $1500! I have seen a lot of interest in this option since my last post and this will make it an even better value.

The UMI gives non-multimedia cars navigation, live traffic, ipod adaptor, usb port and bluetooth music streaming. It can be installed at the dealership for about $1850. If you know you want this option you can now order your car with it and it will be installed at the Vehicle Preparation Center (VPC) before it is shipped to the dealership. The VPC installation reduces the labor cost which is why it is less expensive when you order it than when you add it later.

Labels: Accessories, C-Class, GLK-Class

Labels: Future Models, GLK-Class, Mercedes Technology, Videos

Our first 2010 GLK350 has arrived at the dealership! This GLK is not for sale. It is here simply as a sample so that you can test drive the vehicle before the official launch in January.

2010 GLK350 -
Arctic White
Black MB Tex Interior
Premium 1 Package
MultiMedia Package
Sport Appearance Package
Running Boards
Heated Seats
MSRP $45,645

Please call me if you would like to setup an appointment to come test drive our GLK350!

Labels: Atlanta Classic Cars, Future Models, GLK-Class

The power liftgate has been a very popular feature on the ML, R and GL. Previously the liftgate had two settings - open fully, or the "limited" position that stopped it only a little bit open. The "limited" position did stop the liftgate from hitting cargo on the roof of the vehicle but made it difficult to access things in the cargo area.


You can now program the power liftgate to stop at any height you choose! This would be very useful for people who can't reach the button on the liftgate itself when it is in the fully open position and for people with a lower ceiling in the garage. I know that if I have my garage door up and open the liftgate it will hit the door. This will solve that problem. All you have to do is open the liftgate to the height you like, hold down the button on the liftgate until you hear a chime and let go. From now on the liftgate will open to your custom height! To go back to the fully open setting, hold the power liftgate button down until the chime sounds twice. Very easy...and very useful!

Labels: GL-Class, GLK-Class, ML-Class, R-Class

Our dealership just installed our first Universal Media Interface (UMI) system in a 2009 C300. I had been reading about this sytem but it seemed to good to be true. Now that I have had a chance to try it out, I am very impressed.


The UMI can be added to any 2008 or 2009 C-Class or 2010 GLK-Class that does not have the Multimedia Package. This system gives you navigation and a number of audio options that are very cool!

#1 - Navigation - The map data and entry system is very similar to what is in all of our other vehicles. It is displayed, in color, on the standard audio 5" screen. It was just as easy to use as the other systems and looks good.




#2 - Live Traffic - Using the FM traffic information, like the S-Class and CL-Class, the UMI will know about accidents and construction delays...for free! You can view these slow downs and ask the navigation to route you around it.


#3 - iPod Adaptor - The UMI can be added to cars with or without an exisiting iPod kit. If it didn't have one it is added in.

#4 - USB Port - Yeah! Good quality sound for those of us who use a non-iPod MP3 player. It is easily accessed in the glove box right next to the iPod adaptor.

#5 - AUX jack - In case you have some other form of audio you want to connect to the vehicle you can use an 3.5mm male to male audio cable to connect.

#6 - Bluetooth Audio Streaming - For those of you who want to beam stereo music directly from your phone using A2DP. The connection process is very similar to connecting your phone via bluetooth to the car and the audio quality is excellent! This is the first time this has been offered in any of our models!


Those are the highlights of the UMI system. We have the components in stock and are ready to install if you are interested. The price for parts and labor will be $1850 plus tax. I think it is an excellent value!

--- Update -- Read my new post on MHI as a factory option.

Labels: Accessories, C-Class, GLK-Class

Mercedes-Benz just announced that the panoramic roof will not be standard equipment on the GLK350. It has been moved into the Premium1 Package. That package will be priced at $3,150.

$35,900 Base Price
$875 Destination and Delivery
$3,150 Premium1 Package
$39,925 for a well-equipped GLK350

Premium1 Package includes - Panoramic roof, Rain Sensor, Driver memory seat, Homelink, Auto-dimming mirrors, Sirius Radio, Power Liftgate, 115V AC power plug, and Compass in interior mirror.

Also, did I mention that the 2 wheel drive version will arrive this summer for about $2000 less than the 4 wheel drive?

Labels: GLK-Class

GLK Training was held at Atlanta Classic Cars today. We received a full introduction to the 2010 GLK350 and were able to compare it to the BMW X3 and the Acura RDX.

The GLK is quite impressive! You can tell that Mercedes put a lot of work into developing this model specifically for drivers who want a small SUV, rather than just adapting a current model to fill a niche. From the outside it has its own distinctive styling - it does not look like a shrunken ML or a GL. It also has a presence - this is a car that you would notice driving down the road. On the inside, I was impressed with the seating position. It is smaller than a traditional SUV but the upright seating position and great visibility make it feel very commanding on the road. It was also a pleasure to drive. The V6 engine is plenty of power and the car felt very agile. It even has a 3500 lb towing capacity!


As we compared the GLK to the BMW X3 I was shocked to realize that the X3 navigation system is the same system that was in my 2003 MINI Cooper S! That leads me to believe that BMW really hasn't devoted enough attention to the specific needs of their X3 driver. The character in the X3 also seemed to be lacking. It does look just like a small X5 and does not catch your eye on the road. I know that the X3 will be our main competitor and I really look forward to showing people how much more quality you'll get in the GLK.

I was unfamiliar with the Acura RDX (and I still probably couldn't pick it out of a line-up!). This car is a re-outfitted Honda CR-V. I can't believe that people would pay close to $40,000 for this vehicle. The RDX lacks all of the insulation, finishing, and attention to detail that makes a Mercedes a good value at any price. On the road the Acura has some torque steer, lets in a lot of road noise and is just not a compelling vehicle.

Overall I was thrilled with the GLK! I think Mercedes is really demonstrating a commitment to quality and serving their customers. I know that this vehicle will be an excellent choice for people who want more room than a sedan offers but don't need a huge SUV. Also, the pricing is fantastic. I was expecting it to come in only slightly lower than the ML350 and it turns out it is going to be very close to the price of a C350! Base MSRP is $35,900 and I think you max out around $47,000 if you get all the bells and whistles. I would guess that the most common set-up, Premium 1 Package, ipod and heated seats would be around $39,500.

We expect to get a demonstrator vehicle at the dealership in December and the GL350 will be for sale in January of 2009. If you live in the Atlanta area please let me know if you would like to be notified when the demo vehicle arrives. I can't wait to introduce you to the newest member of the Mercedes family!

Labels: GLK-Class, Newsletter

It was just announced (about an hour ago) that the MSRP for the 2010 GLK350 will be $35,900. I'm in a training session today at our dealership on this new model. I will post more info, photos, and my impressions later this evening.

Labels: GLK-Class

Labels: GLK-Class, Videos

Don't expect to see a convertible or an optional skate park package when the 2010 GLK350 gets here, but at the SEMA show anything is possible.


Boulevard Customs - 26in wheels, 5,700 watt stereo and no top


Legendary Motor Cars - Mobile skate park


Brabus Widestar - Definitely the best looking out of the group and probably the only one that you'll actually be able to buy.


RENNTech Pikes Peak - Nice wing... RENNTech should probably just stick to drivetrain upgrades.

Labels: Accessories, GLK-Class

The 2010 GLK350 should be here in January. Here is a great overview from MotorWeek.

Labels: Future Models, GLK-Class, Videos

Motor Trend went to Spain to get behind the wheel of the new GLK350. While the car they tested had the off-road package that is not expected to be an option here it is still a good article for anyone interested in this new compact SUV. You can read their full report here

Labels: Future Models, GLK-Class

Mercedes just sent out an information sheet on the 2010 GLK350 4Matic. I have included the 4 pages here as a PDF for you.


This SUV will be slightly smaller than the ML350 and will share a lot with the C-Class. This is the first time I have seen a real interior picture. Notice that it has the same steering wheel, armrest, instrument cluster, door buttons and climate control as the 2008 C-Class.

You'll be able to see a lot more of the GLK in the new "Sex and the City" movie. From what I understand, one of the women drives the new GLK and Mr. Big is chauffered in an S550 as well!

Labels: Future Models, GLK-Class

At the Geneva auto show Mercedes-Benz showed off their new Vision GLK BLUETEC Hybrid. Based on the upcoming GLK-Class this concept combines a 2.2 liter BLUETEC diesel with a mild hybrid system to result in a stunning 40 mpg. The 2.2 liter diesel by itself is a great package with an output of 224 hp & 413 lb-ft of torque.

I'm a huge fan of diesels and I would love to see this motor with or without the hybrid in the GLK and next years C-Class for the US market. Based on Mercedes past launches I would expect to see the GLK BLUETEC available a few months after the gasoline powered GLK350 comes out this summer. The hybrid GLK will probably launch in 2009 or 2010 along with hybrid versions of several other Mercedes models.

Get in touch with me today to get on the list for the new GLK.

Labels: Diesel, Future Models, GLK-Class, Mercedes Technology

The Vision GLK was introduced at the 2008 North American International Auto Show this week. This is will be Mercedes new small SUV - a little smaller than the ML but with styling more similar to the GL - hence the name. We expect it to be for sale in the US in early 2009 as a 2010 model. Most of the interior and navigation appear to be very similar to those found in the 2008 C-class. The auto show versions were powered by a new to the US market 2.2 Liter BLUETEC clean diesel rated at 168hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Based on the performance of our current ML and GL diesel models I would estimate this setup will get about 30mpg highway.

Labels: Future Models, GLK-Class