Car Review Beijing Unveiled: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK

Meet the German automaker's first compact SUV designed primarily for the American market.

Slated for a January launch in the U.S. as a 2010 model, the Mercedes-Benz GLK is the German automaker's first compact SUV designed primarily for the American market. The GLK is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 making 268 bhp and will come in either rear - or 4Matic all wheel-drive. Riding on a 108.5-in. wheelbase, the GLK has angular lines that give it the look of a traditional truck-based SUV inspired by the larger G-Class Gelaendewagen.

Measuring 178.3 in. in overall length, the GLK stands 66.9 in. tall and is 72.4 inches wide. Mercedes has loaded the vehicle with many amenities found in its luxury cars, including dual-zone climate control, adjustable steering, power seats, front and side airbags and a 5-in. in-dash LCD display. A rear-seat entertainment system with two 8-in. headrest-mounted screens is available as an option.

When equipped with 4Matic all-wheel drive, the GLK splits torque 45/55 front to rear under normal conditions, while the multidisc clutch in the center differential will send traction to the wheels with the most traction under icy conditions. Weighing 4036 lb., the GLK is capable of 0–60-mph acceleration of 6.5 seconds, according to factory numbers, while delivering 23 mpg on the EPA highway cycle.