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New Baby SUV from Mercedes



The Vision GLK Freeside is a new SUV concept from Mercedes to be displayed at this month’s Detroit Motor Show. Far from being simply a designer’s dream, however, it’s a concept which will soon be a reality. The production model will be launched in the autumn although there is as yet no confirmation that it will be built in right-hand drive form.

We’re told that the letters in its name have specific meanings: the G alludes to the ‘archetypal cross-country vehicle’, apparently, while L is for luxury and, as in other Mercedes model series, the K stands for compactness (German: Kompaktheit).



As the K suggests, the concept is a ‘baby’ SUV, just 4.52m long, combining the characteristics of robustness and 4x4 off-road capability with the refinement desirable for motoring on normal roads. Its angular styling harks back to the original G-Class of 1979, matched to design elements from the contemporary Mercedes-Benz passenger car range.

Meanwhile, Agility Control suspension should ensure excellent handling dynamics and agility, coupled with ride comfort and high levels of active safety. And the new-generation Bluetec four-cylinder engine, mated to 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission and new 4Matic all-wheel drive, suggests appealing performance. But UK drivers might wait in vain for their chance to buy one.



Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Mercedes-Benz



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