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Mercedes-Benz considers building GLK in U.S., diesel C-Class and GLK on their way

Mercedes-Benz considers building GLK in U.S., diesel C-Class and GLK on their way

Kenneth Hall July 31st, 2008 Kenneth Hall By Kenneth Hall Author July 31st, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 Mercedes-Benz is considering building its new GLK compact SUV in the U.S. to take advantage of the low dollar and the vehicle’s expected popularity in the North American market. Despite the decline in the popularity of SUV models, the U.S. is expected to remain the single biggest market for the GLK and it has been revealed that production of the SUV could come Stateside. Speaking at the launch of the new GLK, a Mercedes-Benz executive told Edmunds that both the GLK and the C-Class sedan, on which it’s based, could be built at the carmaker’s Alabama plant. "We are looking at everything these days like never before, and you can expect many moves of this nature over the next several years," he explained. However, he added that such a move wouldn’t occur until 2013 at the earliest. One thing he did confirm was that a 2.2L turbodiesel engine will be available in North America in both the C-Class and GLK, but not until 2010. Developed 167hp (125kW) and 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque, the engine is ideal for the GLK and in some ways is better than the 3.5L V6 in the GLK350 range topper. Engineers are still working on the engine to combine with BlueTec diesel technology to make it comply with all 50 U.S. state emissions laws. The new GLK will go on sale in North America by April next year. Mercedes-Benz GLKMercedes GLK
Mercedes-Benz considers building GLK in U.S., diesel C-Class and GLK on their way

Mercedes-Benz considers building GLK in U.S., diesel C-Class and GLK on their way

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Mercedes-Benz is considering building its new GLK compact SUV in the U.S. to take advantage of the low dollar and the vehicle’s expected popularity in the North American market. Despite the decline in the popularity of SUV models, the U.S. is expected to remain the single biggest market for the GLK and it has been revealed that production of the SUV could come Stateside.

Speaking at the launch of the new GLK, a Mercedes-Benz executive told Edmunds that both the GLK and the C-Class sedan, on which it’s based, could be built at the carmaker’s Alabama plant. "We are looking at everything these days like never before, and you can expect many moves of this nature over the next several years," he explained. However, he added that such a move wouldn’t occur until 2013 at the earliest.

One thing he did confirm was that a 2.2L turbodiesel engine will be available in North America in both the C-Class and GLK, but not until 2010. Developed 167hp (125kW) and 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque, the engine is ideal for the GLK and in some ways is better than the 3.5L V6 in the GLK350 range topper. Engineers are still working on the engine to combine with BlueTec diesel technology to make it comply with all 50 U.S. state emissions laws.

The new GLK will go on sale in North America by April next year.

Mercedes-Benz GLK
Mercedes GLK
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Posted in: Mercedes Benz, News, SUVs


Comments (7 total)

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  1. By NoNameDenton #1, Posted: 7/31/2008

    About time we got the C-class diesel, great fuel milage and lots of low end torque, sign me up.

  2. By Froggie #2, Posted: 7/31/2008

    Why 2010? We want fuel efficient MB now, right now!

  3. By Gunnar #3, Posted: 8/1/2008

    Hell, yeah, on the torque point - NoName.

  4. By www.mywheelsonwalls.com #4, Posted: 8/1/2008

    Why 2010 you ask? Two words "Particulate filters" they are coming soon as in 2010 soon. On emissions alone they out class anything else you can almost breath what comes out the back, not quite but very close.

    Such technology will be the death knell to hybrids. Why your ask? Europe will see all the more reason to stay diesel powered and car companies are just not going to make to types of power systems for two different continents.

    I predict ofcourse.

    Something for you hybrid fans to chew on. Especially the part that states a 100% efficiency rates for removal of soot aka a smoke less exhaust.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_particulate_filter

  5. By craigs #5, Posted: 8/1/2008

    I'd certainly buy a diesel. To me a hybrid isn't even on the radar as most of my driving is done on the highway which is pointless for a hybrid as at high cruising speeds it would only use the petrol/gas engine.

  6. By Dandan #6, Posted: 8/1/2008

    this car is so ugly it should have a lower roof line so it doesn't look like a box

  7. By NoNameDenton #7, Posted: 8/3/2008

    There are uglier verhicles out there.

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