(MENAFN - Arab Times) A.R. Albisher and Z. Alkazemi Co - the exclusive general distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Kuwait - has launched the new Mercedes-Benz GLK compact SUV.
Displaying its full credentials on- and off-road, the new GLK's claim to leadership of the compact SUV segment is underscored by trailblazing assistance systems, a V6 306hp engine matching efficiency with agility, a new design and an extended range of equipment.
The newly designed exterior lends the GLK added dynamism. The body combines classic elements of all-terrain vehicles with the design idiom of the current Mercedes-Benz models. Stringent lines, expansive surfaces and the smooth-surfaced, volume-emphasizing front and rear areas harmonise with the hallmark GLK body features which are typical of classic, functional all-terrain vehicles. Apart from the attendant benefits in off-road terrain, this design also offers concrete advantages in day-to-day use. The high seat position provides a commanding view of the traffic situation, with the body lines also designed for excellent visibility.
The designers at the Centre of Competence for Interiors have undertaken a thorough makeover of the dashboard, for example: a wide trim in aluminium or optionally in wood spans the entire width of the dashboard. The new round vents and additional trim elements in silver shadow also catch the eye. A high-end colour display is optionally available for the instrument cluster. A three-spoke sports steering wheel, new upholstery colours and seat designs plus indirect ambient lighting featuring LED fibre-optic technology, which is available on the GLK for the first time, further enhance the feel-good atmosphere inside the car.
Speaking on the launch of the new GLK in Kuwait, Michael Ruehle, General Manager, Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Co., said: "The Mercedes-Benz GLK seamlessly combines the drivability and luxury of our passenger car range with the functionality of SUV and unique design to provide a vehicle with compelling appeal to our customers in Kuwait. Whether going to the office, doing the shopping, going to dinner, taking the kids to football or going camping, the new high spec as standard GLK ticks all the boxes."
Compact
The new GLK compact SUV is available in Kuwait with a breath taking array of equipment and features as standard, including: AMG Sports Package (Exterior & Interior), 19 Inch AMG Wheels, LED Day Time Driving Lights, Panoramic Sun Roof, Electrically folding exterior mirrors, flashing Adaptive Brake Lights and 7-speed automatic transmission. The standard interior technology also impresses with Rear View Camera, Active parking assist including Parktronic, luxury multifunction leather steering wheel, Memory Package for Front Seats, Interior Light Package with Ambient Lighting, Comand with Comand Online and Media Interface.
The newly designed exterior lends the GLK added poise. The body combines classic elements of all-terrain vehicles with the design idiom of the current Mercedes-Benz models. Stringent lines, expansive surfaces and the smooth-surfaced, volume-emphasizing front and rear areas harmonise with the hallmark GLK body features which are typical of functional all-terrain vehicles. These include short overhangs, the upright front end, slender roof pillars, a steep windscreen and the taut roof line. The body design is not a stylistic end in itself. Rather, it applies the advantages typical off all-terrain vehicles to the compact SUV class. Accomplished ATV-specific features such as approach and departure angle and ground clearance enable off-road ventures at any time. The neatly designed body and the good all-round visibility combined with the seat position enhance suitability for everyday use and provide for relaxed driving.
Beneath the newly designed headlamps, all models offer LED daytime driving lights in a chrome clasp as standard. The radiator grille with two slats and central star follows the design idiom of the current passenger car models. The slats are painted silver, with chrome inserts optional. The headlamps embody a new interpretation of the signature Mercedes lamp design. On the basic model with reflection-type headlamps, a chrome torch feature spans the two reflectors. On models fitted with the Intelligent Light System (ILS), the bi-xenon headlamp comprises the projection unit, a reflector and the torch with LED fibre-optic cables for the position light, above which the turn signal indicators consisting of individual LEDs are located.
Design
A particularly striking feature of the side view is the roof rails, featuring a totally new design tailored to the new design idiom. The polished gallery bar rests on black plastic supports and lends the silhouette a more elegant line. As a welcome side-effect of this new design, the new rails weigh considerably less than their predecessors. This is particularly beneficial to driving dynamics, as a weight reduction in the roof area of a vehicle has a far greater impact than equivalent weight savings in other areas, such as the underbody.
The rear bumper lends a bold, sporty character to the GLK's rear end with its width-emphasizing lines and delicate tail lights. Particularly striking features here are the new-style simulated underguard - optionally in chrome - and the chrome-plated tailpipe trims integrated in the rear apron which also come as standard. The tail lights have undergone a complete revamp in terms of both appearance and functions. Fibre-optic cables and LEDs are also employed to provide the GLK's rear end with a unique and characteristic night design, the new licence plate LED lamp adding a finishing touch.
The range of engines provides for drive comfort and attractive performance in all GLK models in conjunction with low emissions and fuel consumption. The GLK 350 4Matic petrol-engine model featuring the trailblazing engineering of the leading generation of V-engines deploys BlueEfficiency technology to make its mark in terms of performance and fuel consumption.
The excellent fuel economy of the GLK is underpinned by a comprehensive package of BlueEfficiency measures as well as by this state-of-the-art engine technology. In addition to the ECO start/stop function that comes as standard, these measures include the seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. Low-friction axle drives, electric steering and tyres with low rolling resistance also play their part in reducing fuel consumption.
The 4Matic drive system in the GLK-Class is among the most powerful all-wheel drive systems there is; its control systems break new ground. Advantages over other systems with a transversely installed drive unit are achieved thanks to the basic compact, light and friction-loss-optimised design with its longitudinally positioned engine and integrated main and transfer case. Fuel consumption, for example, is at the same level as that of a comparable, conventionally driven vehicle, whilst noise and vibration levels are on a par with those in higher vehicle categories.
In combination with the ESP, ASR und 4Ets dynamic handling control systems, the basic 45:55 percent distribution of drive torque between front and rear axle provides for superior and clearly predictable handling. The newly developed multi-disc clutch in the central differential supports the system when particularly low friction values apply between tyres and road surface, such as on snow or ice. A basic locking effect of 50 Newton metres between front and rear axle results in a significant increase in traction while maintaining a high level of driving stability.
Assistance systems familiar from the S- and E-Class feature as standard to enable a further improvement in active safety and driver-fitness safety and take the compact SUV to the top of its market segment. Electric steering with Steer Control, which supports the driver in unstable driving conditions by triggering an impulse which can be felt on the steering wheel, prompting countersteering by the driver in the correct direction, Brake Assist (BAS), which provides additional brake power when emergency braking is detected, and Adaptive Brake featuring Hill-Start Assist, HOLD function, brake drying in the wet and priming of the brake system all support the driver. The high standard of active safety is ensured by the Agility Control suspension with selective damping system, the ESP Electronic Stability Program with integrated trailer stabilisation and tyre pressure loss warning and, on the 4Matic models, by permanent all-wheel drive and the 4ETS electronic traction system.
Safety
Optional equipment includes the Attention Assist drowsiness detection system and the Pre-Safe anticipatory safety system. Additional assistance systems, including active variants, are optionally available. One example here is Active Parking Assist, enabling automatic manoeuvring into and out of parking spaces. To facilitate manoeuvring when visibility is poor there is a backup camera with guide lines or - for the first time from Mercedes-Benz - a 360 camera. Additional systems are optionally available as individual items or in special packages. The Driving Assistance package Plus comprises Distronic Plus including BAS Plus, Pre-Safe Brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist. The Parking package combines the described 360 camera including Active Parking Assist and Parktronic. The Lane Tracking package includes Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist. Another new development is the Offroad Engineering package in combination with the Intelligent Light System (ILS). Offroad Light is available here for trips in difficult terrain. Specific headlamp settings provide for better off-road orientation by more widespread illumination of the field of vision.
The revamped GLK incorporates the integral safety concept in keeping with Mercedes-Benz's brand philosophy, which is based first and foremost on real accident scenarios. The GLK's highly robust occupant cell provides an effective basis for occupant protection in conjunction with the front and rear deformation zones. The GLK comes with numerous standard-fit items of equipment to protect its occupants. In addition to airbags, pelvisbags and sidebags for driver and front passenger, there are also windowbags for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers as well as a kneebag for the driver. The crash-responsive pedals and the crash-responsive Neck-Pro head restraints for driver and front passenger further bolster the level of protection. An active bonnet serves to reduce the risk of injury for the more vulnerable road users.
