Mercedes set to preview baby SUV

Mercedes will provide the first glimpse of its BMW X3 fighter at the imminent Detroit motor show via this vehicle -- dubbed the Vision GLK FREESIDE.

Although billed for now as a 'concept', you can take it as read that what you're looking at is pretty much the production reality -- barring a few elements such as the XXL wheel-tyre combo and, perhaps, the funky doorsills and radical interior trim.

In case you're wondering about the GLK moniker, it's a "combination of letters that has specific connotations," says Merc.

The "G" alludes to the archetypal cross-country vehicle; the "L" intimates luxury and, as in other Mercedes model series, the "K" stands for compactness (Kompaktheit in German).

What it essentially represents is a miniaturised version of the existing GL, measuring 4.52m from bumper to bumper (compared with 4.57m for the BMW X3).

The vehicle is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in October but -- before we go any further -- we should point out that its Oz prospects amount to zilch as it's a left-hand-drive-only proposition. The reason for this is reportedly the vehicle's front driveshaft, which intrudes into the right-hand footwell.

There are murmurings of a future rear-drive model, which would do away with the offending driveshaft, but there's no word on when this would eventuate.

Although it will be pitched primarily at urban dwellers who don't entertain visions of venturing beyond the blacktop, Mercedes throws about adjectives such as "robustness" and "off-road capability" in its PR blurb.

Benz also claims the GLK's high-strength bodyshell contributes to "driving stability and virtual absence of vibration and noise".

Powertrain choices will include Merc's eco-friendly BLUETEC diesel engines, and drive will be relayed via the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and a "new" 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.

The GLK's equipment quota will include the anticipatory PRE-SAFE safety concept and the Intelligent Light System (ILS), as well as the "intuitively controlled" COMAND APS infotainment centre, a rear-seat entertainment system with two screens and THERMOTRONIC three-zone automatic climate control.

"The Vision GLK illustrates the logical way in which our extremely successful model strategy can be continued in the SUV segment," said Mercedes boss Dieter Zetsche in a prepared statement.

Dr Zetsche has strong connections with the Vision GLK FREESIDE, based on his time as a vehicle developer back in the mid-1980s. One of Dr Zetsche's areas of responsibility at that time was the development of the rugged, utilitarian G-Class.

Looking back, he explained: "The needs profiles are different now. But there's one thing that hasn't changed: if a Mercedes has a G in its name, it has to perform exceptionally in all conditions."

We're curious to find out whether the GLK lives up to this claim... but we're not sure we'll get the chance.

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