Mercedes-Benz Freeside concept. Click image to enlarge |
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Mercedes-Benz Freeside concept
Stuttgart, Germany - Mercedes-Benz has announced the world debut of its Vision GLK Freeside at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The compact vehicle, now close to series production, provides "a vision of the shape to SUVs to come," the company said.
The GLK name comes from "G" for its cross-country ability, "L" for luxury and, as in other Mercedes model series, the "K" is for Kompaktheit, or "compactness". The vehicle is powered by a new-generation Bluetec four-cylinder diesel engine, combined with a 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The Freeside includes Agility Control suspension for handling dynamics and agility, along with ride comfort, the angular design of the original G-Class combined with features from the company's passenger car range, and a high-strength body shell for stability and absence of vibration and noise.
Features include Pre-Safe safety concept, Intelligent Light System, COMAND APS centre, rear-seat entertainment system with two screens, and three-zone automatic climate control.
"The Vision GLK illustrates the logical way in which our extremely successful model strategy can be continued in the SUV segment," said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG, who helped to develop the G-Class in the mid-1980s. "The needs profiles are different now. But there's one thing that hasn't changed: if a Mercedes has a G in its name, it has to perform exceptionally in all conditions."
The GLK Freeside uses a 2.2-litre engine producing 170 horsepower, with reduced consumption and emissions; the company said it will meet U.S. BIN 5 and California LEV2 regulations.
The Vision GLK Freeside is expected to be launched in the fall of 2008.
