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?
Atlanta Classic Cars - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 Training
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!
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
The GLK showed up on mbusa today for the first time. Their have also been several recent pictures of the GLK from the filming of the new Sex in the City movie where it will be featured.
What do you think? If you would like to be added to my GLK update list just send me an e-mail. We usually get a sample car a few weeks before the real car arrives and the specs should start to filter out soon. I think it will be a great vehicle!
