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