14 Jan 08
Mercedes is previewing its X3 rival with two concepts: the Vision GLK Freeside and Townside, thought to be very close indeed to the final production model (production versions will be launched at the Beijing Motor Show in April).
The white-painted Freeside will feature a 170bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine, though other engines, including petrol V6s, will be offered when sales start late this year. There may even be a V8-engined AMG version.
The final production model may not come with the Freeside concept's white leather seats and black/white wood trim, but equipment on offer is expected to include adaptive headlamps, adjustable suspension, stability control, hill descent control, driver's knee airbag, the Pre-Safe crash-sensing system and rear-seat DVD screens.
The blue Townside, meanwhile, is more road-focussed than the rugged-looking Freeside, with its ride height lowered by 30mm. It sits on multispoke polished alloy wheels, and does without the side body cladding, bonnet power bulge or roof rack. Based on the latest C-Class underpinnings and resembling a mini GL-Class, the five-seat GLK has been developed to rival the BMW X3, upcoming Audi Q5 and suchlike. It has Mercedes' 4Matic torque-split four-wheel-drive system, which should give sufficient off-roading abilities for most uses. The design and packaging of this system means that it can't be converted to right-hand drive, but a two-wheel-drive-only version of the GLK may be developed for the UK at a later date.
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