Kuwait: Following its world premiere in April 2008, the Mercedes-Benz GLK is being unveiled for the first time in Kuwait by Albisher & Alkazemi CoAlbisher & Alkazemi Co., Authorized General Distributors of Mercedes-BenzMercedes-Benz in Kuwait.

Boasting a body that is as practical as it is arrestingly succinct, an exceptional power spectrum and a bold personality, the new arrival has what it takes to redefine standards in the compact SUV class over all manner of route profiles - both on and off the road.

"Brimming with genuine character, the new GLK-Class is set to take the world of compact SUVs by storm. Yet it is not just the distinctive all-rounder's practical and appealingly compact body form that sets it apart from the competition. It also brings together what were previously seen as entirely contradictory attributes, with supreme driving dynamics and outstanding driving safety going hand in hand with exceptional ride comfort courtesy of the AGILITY CONTROL suspension. Meanwhile the variable 4MATIC all-wheel drive system joins forces with the latest electronic control systems to deliver consummate on-road performance and superb off-road proficiency. It is precisely this kind of combination that lends the GLK such immense appeal and warrants the inclusion in the model name of the "G", an allusion to the archetypal Mercedes off-roader." said Horst J. Neuber- General Manager Albisher & Alkazemi CoAlbisher & Alkazemi Co while addressing the press media.

"Superlative performance comes courtesy of the powerful yet economical four and six-cylinder engines. The highly robust body is key to the pioneering passive-safety setup, the extremely low noise levels, the exceptional degree of interior comfort - to produce that typical Mercedes feeling of wellbeing - and the high value retention. Furthermore, exemplary appointments and attractive equipment packages make the GLK stand out from the rest of the compact-SUV crowd. Plus, state-of-the-art systems - such as the leading-edge PRE-SAFE^® safety concept and the Intelligent Light System (ILS) - are available in this market segment for the very first time." Said Palli Musthafa, Senior Manager, Sales & Operations at Albisher & Alkazemi CoAlbisher & Alkazemi Co.

Mercedes offers the widest range of SUVs

Mercedes-BenzMercedes-Benz offers the widest range of SUVs in the premium segment. The GLK, a compact SUV, is the latest addition to the successful family and the brand's fifth model series in this internationally growth-oriented market. The R-Class is the model series with the most variants, all of which impress with an outstanding level of long-distance comfort as well as the most generously proportioned and variable interiors of all the Mercedes SUVs, including up to seven seats. The most successful Mercedes-BenzMercedes-Benz Sports Utility Vehicle, with around 950,000 vehicles sold to date, is the M-Class, offering an exciting balance between on-road performance and off-road ability. This model series, which celebrated its premiere some ten years ago, is seen as the precursor to all today's premium SUVs. The GL-Class has in turn occupied pole position in the SUV world since 2006. Its occupants travel first-class whatever the conditions, both on and off the road. The G-Class, which effectively started it all, is celebrating 30 years of service this coming year. The "G" really comes into its own when venturing off the beaten track and still ranks as one of the world's best off-roaders.

Full range of standard equipment, attractive equipment packages.

All models in the GLK-Class range feature a high level of standard equipment, including:

• 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive

• 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with Comfort and Sport modes

• Adaptive airbags for driver and front passenger

• Adaptive brake lights

• AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system

• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Brake Assist (BAS) and hill-start assist

• Armrest between driver and front passenger, sideways folding, with compartment

• ASSYST maintenance interval indicator

• Audio 20 sound system, radio/CD with integrated Bluetooth interface and microphone, central 5-inch colour display

• Body-coloured bumpers, exterior mirror housings and door handles

• B-pillars in high-gloss black

• Cruise control

• Dynamic handling control systems - ESP^®, ASR, 4ETS, ABS, BAS

• ELCODE locking system with infrared/radio remote control, integral immobiliser, automatic locking whilst driving, unlocking in the event of an accident (crash sensor), extended central locking function

• Front fog lamps with chrome rings/rear fog lamp

• Glove compartment air-conditioned

• Heated and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors

• Heated rear windscreen

• Heated windscreen washer nozzles

• Indicators in the exterior mirrors

• Instrument cluster with three analogue dials (speedometer, rev counter, temperature display/fuel gauge) and central display

• ISOFIX child seat attachment points in the rear

• Outside temperature display

• Paintwork with increased scratch resistance

• Power outlets, 12 volt, at front and rear of centre console, in the glove compartment and in the load compartment

• Power steering, electrohydraulic, with safety steering column

• Power windows (4)

• Rear windscreen wiper with automatic activation when reverse gear is engaged

• Rear-seat backrest with 1/3 : 2/3 split, forwards folding with integral folding
rear armrest including double cup holder and stowage compartment

• Seat occupancy sensor on front passenger side

• Seats for driver and front passenger with electrical height and backrest adjustment, as well as adjustment of the seat cushion angle

• Sidebags for driver and front passenger

Design

With its poised, confident presence, the mere look of the GLK-Class leaves one in no doubt about its intent to conquer the premium compact-SUV segment. All while displaying unmistakable echoes of the G-Class, the forefather of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. No other model in the world of compact SUVs, past or present, comes close to matching the GLK's distinctively expressive appearance. The body is beautifully proportioned (length 4528 mm, width 1840 mm, height 1689 mm), while there is a special allure in the interplay between the classic angular shape and the typical design features found in all contemporary Mercedes-BenzMercedes-Benz passenger cars.

The most eye-catching feature at the front of the GLK is the powerful radiator grille with its succinctly styled frame, which leaves no doubt that this model series belongs to the family of Mercedes-Benz off-roaders and SUVs.

The distinctive looks of the exterior are seamlessly continued inside the GLK-Class. On the one hand, the sophisticated finish of the surfaces brings the latest in Mercedes design to the interior. And on the other, the GLK offers an upmarket, luxurious interior, boasting materials of exquisite appeal plus precise detailing. There is a profound sense of wellbeing - a hallmark of all Mercedes vehicles - while the interior's overall quality feel is on a par with that in the GL-Class.

An aesthetically appealing interior architecture which harmonises beautifully with the exterior's styling, a generous level of spaciousness offering ideal ergonomics, a pioneering operating concept, the refined specification, automatic climate control - the GLK-Class is designed to make driving it an experience that is as every bit as comfortable and relaxing as it is safe..

The control and display concept aboard the GLK is an innovative one, especially for the compact SUV class. Neatly arranged instrumentation, a fixed display for the infotainment system positioned centrally at the top of the dashboard and a range of multifunction steering wheels are all designed to take some of the hard work out of driving.

Outstanding active safety courtesy of the AGILITY CONTROL suspension, 4MATIC all-wheel drive and pioneering dynamic handling control features

Whereas the passive safety systems enable a high degree of occupant protection during and following an accident, the active safety features are designed to take action beforehand. The high standard of active safety in the GLK-Class is rooted in the AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system, which blends stable handling with comfort. The electro hydraulic AGILITY CONTROL steering that comes as standard keeps the driver perfectly informed of the current state of the road, whilst responding with utmost precision to steering inputs. The V6 models - the GLK 320 CDI 4MATIC, GLK 350 4MATIC and GLK 280 4MATIC - benefit from speed-sensitive power steering as standard for even greater operating convenience.

Drive and suspension

Tremendously impressive both on and off the road

The GLK-Class boasts a high level of flexibility thanks to its AGILITY CONTROL suspension, and reconciles the conflicting suspension design aims that particularly affect the SUV class: chassis engineers seek to create a vehicle that is both sportily agile and comfortably smooth, yet one which can also cope with off-road terrain. If the focus is on sporty, active handling, the suspension and, above all, the shock absorbers need to display a certain firmness, which precludes the desired levels of suspension comfort associated with the brand and limits off-road prowess. If, on the other hand, the vehicle is purpose-built for ride comfort and off-road expertise by fitting softer dampers, its driving dynamics will of course suffer. "Amplitude-responsive damping" provides the solution: here, the shock absorber's smoothing forces are of a flexible nature, rather than having a rigid setting. During normal driving along moderately contoured roads or off-road excursions at low speeds, the system is tuned for soft response to the benefit of the occupants' sense of wellbeing and the vehicle's off-road abilities. In order to keep the occupants feeling at their ease when driving at a brisker pace or performing abrupt evasive manoeuvres, the dampers switch to a firmer setting
in such situations, permitting a high level of handling stability.

Complete range engines

The state-of-the-art engine line-up ensures an exceptionally high level of drive smoothness and impressive performance right across the GLK range, not to mention low fuel consumption and emissions figures when compared to its rivals. Customers have a choice of four model variants: diesel aficionados can opt for the GLK 220 CDI Blue EFFICIENCY or GLK 320 CDI, while those with a preference for petrol can select the GLK 280 or GLK 350, both of which feature a V6 powerplant.

The two smooth-running V6 petrol models - the GLK 280 4MATIC and GLK 350 4MATIC - develop 170 kW/231 hp and 200 KW/272 hp respectively. Both make their mark with nifty performance combined with moderate fuel consumption. The 3.5-litre V6 in the GLK 350 4MATIC is particularly noteworthy, achieving figures similar to those of a sports car: it has a top speed of 230 km/h and races from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. Both engines fulfil the Euro 4 limits and consume 10.4 litres and 10.6 litres per hundred kilometres respectively.

7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission as standard

All of the engine variants are matched with the 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission as standard, which includes a Comfort (C) and a Sport (S) shift mode. The "C" drive mode prioritises drive smoothness and economy combined with high power reserves. Switch to the "S" mode selects a significantly sportier set-up, with a modified driving strategy and accelerator characteristic curve.

The 7G-TRONIC come with a special function that decouples it when stationary. This technical feature reduces the transmission absorption torque when the vehicle is stationary with a gear engaged. This eases the burden on the engine, which has the effect of reducing fuel consumption, as well as improving vehicle acoustics, passenger comfort when stationary and the idling characteristics. The slip-controlled clutch is engaged the instant the driver releases the service brake pedal, enabling the vehicle to pull away without any delay or loss of comfort. This operating state is achieved by controlling a mechanical clutch so as to produce a defined level of slip. The clutch itself was designed for operating with constant slip.

The compact SUV segment is now being enhanced by a new, distinctive character. This multi-talented newcomer not only sets itself apart from the competitive lineup by virtue of its functional yet strikingly attractive body design, but also reconciles attributes that were previously completely contradictory: thanks to the Agility Control suspension, outstanding performance and handling safety are now matched by a first-class level of ride comfort. Working in conjunction with the onboard electronic control systems, the variable 4MATIC four-wheel drive ensures perfect on-road performance together with well-balanced off-road capabilities. It is precisely this duality that makes the GLK-Class so attractive: while this model is among the more road-oriented vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz SUV range, it certainly earns the "G" in its model designation. "The GLK rounds off our extremely successful SUV family, and transfers typical Mercedes attributes such as refinement, dynamism and safety into a compact format. This means that the bar in this market segment has now been raised considerably", says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG.

For more information on GLK or any other Mercedes-BenzMercedes-Benz product kindly visit us online at: www.mercedes-benz.com.kw

-Ends-

© Press Release 2008

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