The Vision GLK Freeside design study will debut at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show. The producion version will be launched in Autumn 2008.

As in the brand's tradition, the “G” in the name alludes to the archetypal cross-country vehicle, the “L” stands for luxury and the “K” stands for compactness (German: Kompaktheit).

Exterior Design

Based on a high-strength bodyshell platform, the GLK Freeside measures 4.52 metres in length, compared to the 4.78 of the M-Class and the 5.09 of the GL-Class.

The exterior design combines the angular design of the original G-Class with typical design features from the contemporary Mercedes-Benz passenger car range.

Stylistic borrowings from the forefather of all Mercedes-Benz SUVs give the Vision GLK FREESIDE a special positioning.

Head of design Prof. Peter Pfeiffer explains, “With the G-Class we created a styling icon which has been the benchmark for almost 30 years.

" Combining this unostentatious design with the latest Mercedes-Benz design elements makes the Vision GLK FREESIDE a vehicle of genuine character.”

The company’s unmistakable design idiom, with its interplay of taut lines and large, expansive surfaces, is combined with the typical body features of a functional off-road vehicle, such as short overhangs, an upright front end, slim roof pillars, a steeply raked windscreen and taut roof lines.

Specially manufactured 20-inch light-alloy wheels and muscular wheel arches add an extra touch of power and charisma to

The vehicle’s body design allows for large angles of approach and departure and good ground clearance.

The clear layout of the body and the good all-round visibility, combined with the raised seat position, increase the vehicle’s suitability for everyday on-road use.

Unlike conventional metallic paintwork, the special-effect “diamond white magno” paintwork features a matt clearcoat that protects the surface.

The detachable body parts, in gloss sterling silver, produce a charming contrast and give the study an even more exclusive look.

Technical Features

The Vision GLK FREESIDE is powered by a longitudinally mounted 2.2 liters four-cylinder diesel Bluetec unit that delivers 125 kW/170 hp, with an injection pressure of 2000 bar and a two-stage turbocharger system.

The engine is coupled with the 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission and the new 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, a compact, lightweight and friction-optimised which features a 45:55 percent basic distribution of the drive torque between the front and rear axle.

The “G” button in the centre console activates a special transmission mode which varies the shift points, adjusts to “softer” accelerator characteristics and activates the ESP’s off-road function. A manual shift mode is also available.

The Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) automatically maintains a preselected speed on steep downhill inclines. Additional controls include ESP®, ASR and 4ETS.

The suspensions feature an amplitude-dependent damping system: the damping forces of the shock absorber are configured to respond flexibly rather than lineally.

In normal driving mode the system responds softly, enhancing both the comfort of the occupants and the off-road capability. At higher speeds the assistance is reduced in favour of greater driving stability.  

Interior

Inside, the dashboard is a dominant element with its wide, emphatically three-dimensional trim lending the generous interior an additional sense of width.

The main focus is an elegant trim tier in matt, anthracite-coloured cebrano wood with white grain and a precision-tailored chrome trim strip. This element, with its rich contrasts, extends across the full width of the interior and divides the main body of the dashboard into three horizontal planes.

The upper area is trimmed in black leather and encompasses the instrument cluster and the static COMAND APS central display.

The lower area, like the tunnel and the footwells, echoes the colour scheme of the exterior paintwork. The seats and the lower part of the door trim are in specially coated white leather which, like the “diamond white magno” paintwork, has a matt gloss finish.

The occupants are protected by a comprehensive safety concept, based on a high-strength passenger cell and energy-absorbing deformation zones at the front and rear.

The protective programme includes front airbags, sidebags and windowbags, plus a kneebag for the driver and crash-responsive head restraints.

Interior equipment includes PRE-SAFE safety concept, the Intelligent Light System (ILS), COMAND APS infotainment centre, a rear-seat entertainment system with two screens and THERMOTRONIC 3-zone automatic climate control.

(Source: Mercedes-Benz)