The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK will boast square-cut lines and a boxy frame (Vision GLK Bluetech concept pictured).

Consumer Guide's Impressions of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK

Judging by the sneak peak Mercedes itself gave reporters, it appears the German company will position its first compact SUV as more pug than poodle. The GLK appears to favor a squared-off and muscled-up approach to styling, both inside and out. And depending on the timing of its introduction, it could also be the first, premium compact SUV available with diesel power.

What We Know About the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK arrives during 2009 to give the German manufacturer a boldly styled rival for the BMW X3 and Land Rover LR3, as well as the 2008 Infiniti EX35 and 2009 Audi Q5.

The Mercedes-Benz GLK, its exterior heavily disguised with black tape but its interior in near-production form, was shown in August to a small group of automotive journalists, including Consumer Guide.

The GLK prototype was a five-passenger four-door wagon. It was about as long as an X3, but noticeably wider and somewhat lower. Its shape was camouflaged, but appeared to favor square-cut lines and a boxy nose, more in the spirit of Mercedes' GL Class full-size SUV or the LR3 rather than the more flowing contours of the Mercedes M Class midsize SUV or such premium-compact SUV newcomers as the EX35.

"It doesn't look so much smaller than the M Class, even though it is smaller, because of the body, edgy design language," said Volker Hellwig, GLK design project manager.

Mercedes said the prototype's dashboard was in near-final form. It consists of a sporty assembly of main gauges set before the driver. Jutting forms separate a series of blocky modules that house groupings of controls. The dashtop on the prototype was black and the instrument panel was of light-toned grained material set off by aluminum trim.

"It's not as soft as other cars we have," Hellwig said of the cabin styling. "It's more edgy, more boxy."

Mercedes officials on hand at the closed-door preview declined to discuss the GLK's technical details, but it's likely to be offered with rear-wheel drive or Mercedes 4Matic all-wheel drive. Speculation has the GLK based on a C-Class station wagon chassis modified to furnish more ground clearance. The GLK won't be equipped for serious off-roading.

Probable engines are a 228-horsepower V-6 for a GLK300 model and a 268-horsepower V-6 for a GLK350. Mercedes is almost sure to also use its 215-horsepower turbodiesel V-6 to create a GLK320 CDI model. "Why wouldn't we offer diesel if we have a diesel and people want diesel?" said Hellwig.

The disguised version shown to journalists had 20-inch-diameter alloy wheels and running boards integrated into the lower body sides. Its license plate read "GLK Class."

Noting the lead time required to bring a vehicle to market, Hellwig said the styling of the production GLK was in near-final form under the black paper and tape. "We're pretty much where we want to be," he said.

Mercedes showed the covered-up GLK to groups of auto writers in Europe and at a recent U.S. preview of its 2008 ML550 and GL550 models. The U.S. journalists were prohibited from taking cameras or cell phones into the preview room.

Since we were shown the prototype, Mercedes has released photos of the Vision GLK FREESIDE, a concept that is being displayed at the 2008 Detroit auto show. Mercedes says this study vehicle is close to series production, but we can't yet be sure of all the details.

The Vision GLK FREESIDE is powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, that Mercedes says is good for about 170 horsepower. The engine features the BLUETEC emission control system, and it is claimed the engine would not have trouble meeting strict U.S. emissions standards. At this time though, it is unclear if this 4-cylinder diesel will be offered in the U.S.

We hear the production GLK will be shown in April 2008 at the Bejing auto show, so details should be in better focus soon.

Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK Bluetec Concept

Two things stood out about the GLK prototype's interior: The seats, done in cream-colored leather, had dark piping defining the seams. And on the center console was a single knob that functions as a multi-control interface in the manner of the system on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class premium compact car.

Buying Advice for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK

Don't buy a GLK without testing the diesel model. Mercedes uses this turbocharged V-6 diesel engine in several other vehicles, and its smooth delivery of ready power and enormous range - think over 500 miles on a tank of fuel - are highly appealing. Plus, it's likely to cost only about $1,000 more than the top-line gas V-6 version.

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK Release Date: Geoff Day, Mercedes' director of communications, said the production GLK would debut during 2009 and likely go on sale as a 2010 model. He said the U.S. would be the GLK's biggest market. Recent reports suggest a fall 2008 launch in Europe, with U.S. sales beginning in January 2009.

First Test Drive: Check back with us.

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK Prices: Mercedes is far from setting prices, but we'd expect window stickers to start around $33,000 for the GLK300, $38,000 for the GLK350, and $39,000 for the GLK320 CDI. The recent strength of the Euro could lead to significantly higher prices though.

For more inside information on hundreds of new cars of today and tomorrow, check out:

• Consumer Guide New Car Reviews and Prices: Road test results, photos, specifications, and prices for hundreds of new cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs from the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide.
• 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL Class: Read Consumer Guide's full report, including ratings, prices, specifications, and fuel economy.
• Premium Compact Sport Utility Vehicles: The GLK will compete in the premium compact sport utility vehicle class.
  
• Fuel-economy leaders: The EPA admits its fuel economy numbers are estimates. Ours are real. Here are the fuel-economy leaders as determined in Consumer Guide tests.
• Future Cars: Check out what's just on the horizon.