2008 Detroit Auto Show: Mercedes-Benz GLK Freeside Concept

• Looks like: Mercedes wanted to go boxy
• Defining characteristics: Tall roofline, huge emblem
• Ridiculous features: Nothing, besides the fact that its going to try to compete with the Land Rover LR2 and BMW X3
• Chance of being mass-produced: 99.9% This is as near to production as a concept gets. In fact the real thing will star in the upcoming "Sex In The City" movie.

Mercedes-Benz is taking the Detroit Auto Show seriously this year, using the major media spotlight to introduce its upcoming small SUV, the GLK. We call this a concept, but in reality the GLK is very close to production and will be on the roads in 2008.

Its smaller size — 178 inches — is nearly identical to that of the Land Rover LR2 and BMW X3. The concept features a four-cylinder diesel engine and seven-speed transmission. We’d expect standard gasoline engines to make it to the U.S. and, yes, probably a version of the diesel as well. (There is one impressive example currently available for the larger M Class SUV.)

The big question mark follows the look of the GLK. It’s supposed to resemble the boxy G wagon but we’re not so sure that translates perfectly here. Check out all the photos below and let us know what you think. Will the GLK stand a chance against the competition?

Comments

Looks to me like a Mitsubishi-designed Mercedes-Benz.

An Outlander slapped with a MB badge?

It looks like a Subaru Forester; I think M-B needs define their brand identity a little more...

I loved it, no two tones for me though.

Wow, MB got alot of things right with this one but there are some glaring design cues that are a bit questionable IMO. The roof rack is awesome with the incorporated lights and the panorama roof is a nice touch too. The tail end is elegant and somewhat understated which dosent play into the design of the front at all. Looks like they wanted to mimic the C series AMG styling cues but somewher along the way they got inspired by the razor sharp caddy lines. I would smooth it out like the C series AMG and drop those hood bulges or raise the hood slightly to get rid of them, then drop the whole ridge effect going on underneath the side steps. Those to me mimic much cheaper and plastic-y competition. Lastly I would soften the kink in the side door profile slightly. Hehe well with what i know about design I would probably end up with something looking like a RAV-4. The vehicle looks good overall, just a bit too harsh around the edges.

Is obvious that Subaru deigned this MB, it screams Forestor with a Honda/Acura Accord inspired side-indented line. I don't care what the badge reads, it still looks like a Subaru.

Looks like MB took serious design queues from Japan on this one. It's most striking in similarity to the Forester. Nice enough, though. Hope they put more practical tires/rims on it, if they indeed want to tout it as an off-road capable vehicle, as the rock-laden, mountainous shots would imply. I suspect it was placed there via helicopter. Should be quite suitable as an Urban Utility Vehicle for upper-income soccer moms.

I usually hate mini-utes, but I like this one. (Someone must have spiked my drink) Chop it, drop it, a high output V6 in front and RWD only with a sport suspension and it'd be a badass little wagon.

I really like it. All vehicle look alike: they got wheels, head lights, etc...

If it's not too expensive, I will be buying TWO.

Love it.

An outstanding design and remarkable balance between on- and off-road capabilities make this not-so-compact Benz jewel a hands-down winner in the 4X4/SUV race for many-a-year to come. The cloud above this silver lining is more serious: to-wit, the car desperately needs a 6-speed manual gearbox and a low-gear-ratio shifter (the "G" button is an undeservingly silly contraption) in order to stand up to the heat real men's vehicles of this type will generate. Otherwise, it runs the risk of gradually limiting its appeal to pretentious city slickers.

I want the Townside but with roof side rails. I hate the gimmicky black wood with wavy white stripes on the Freeside dash.

Diesel only please -- I will not even consider a hybrid version.

I want the Townside but with roof side rails. I hate the gimmicky black wood with wavy white stripes on the Freeside dash.

Diesel only please -- I will not even consider a hybrid version.

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