The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK boasts square-cut lines and a boxy frame.

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 favors 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 last August to a small group of automotive journalists, including Consumer Guide.

The GLK prototype was a five-passenger 4-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 boxy, 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. 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.

The probable engine is a 268-horsepower V6 for a GLK350. Mercedes is almost sure to also offer a diesel-powered model in the U.S., but probably not at launch. "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 released photos of the Vision GLK FREESIDE, a concept that was displayed at the 2008 Detroit auto show. Mercedes said this study vehicle was close to series production.

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.

Mercedes finally displayed the production GLK in April 2008 at the Bejing auto show. The U.S.-market version is the GLK350, and will be available with rear-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive. Both models are shod with standard 19-inch wheels and tires. The company also plans to offer optional 20-inch rolling stock.

Optional equipment should include a panoramic sunroof and a hard drive-equipped navigation system with a backup camera and the company's COMAND multimedia interface system. An upgraded full-leather interior will also be available.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK will compete in the premium compact SUV class.

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

If you're concerned about maximum fuel economy, you might want to wait to see if the company offers a diesel model.

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK Release Date: Geoff Day, Mercedes' director of communications, said the production GLK would debut during 2009 and 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: Mercedes-Benz will likely introduce the GLK350 to the North American press during the third quarter of 2008.

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

The probable engine is a 268-horsepower V6 for a GLK350. Mercedes is almost sure to also offer a diesel-powered model in the U.S., but probably not at launch.

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.
• 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.

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK Preliminary Specifications

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK

Vehicle Type: Premium Compact SUV

Drivetrain

Drive Wheels: rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive

Engines: 3.5-liter V6

Horsepower: 268 hp

Torque: 258 pound-feet

Transmission: 7-speed automatic

Dimensions

Wheelbase: 108.5 inches

Length: 178.3 inches

Width: 72.4 inches

Height: 66.9 inches

Base curb weight: 4034 pounds

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.
• 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.