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The chic and cheerful GLK, the first compact SUV from Mercedes-Benz, made its debut in Bahrain at Al Haddad Motors.
With its functional yet striking body lines, standard leather interior and extraordinary capabilities both on and off the road, the distinctive GLK aims to set new standards in its class.
The multi-talented GLK also reconciles attributes that were previously completely contradictory. Thanks to the Agility Control suspension, outstanding performance and handling safety are now matched by a first-class level of ride comfort.
Working in conjunction with the onboard electronic control systems, the variable 4MATIC four-wheel drive ensures perfect on-road performance together with well-balanced off-road capabilities.
"The GLK rounds off our extremely successful SUV family, and transfers typical Mercedes-Benz attributes, such as refinement, dynamism and safety, into a compact format. This means that the bar in this market segment has now been raised considerably," said Lee Boyle, regional sales manager for Bahrain for Mercedes-Benz Middle East and Levant.
"The GLK went on sale worldwide just last month and as the latest addition to the largest luxury SUV range in the Middle East, we are expecting great things from our new baby.
"It's chic and cheerful and at an affordable price we believe it will be a great success in Bahrain - one of our most important selling areas in the GCC.
"Fifty years ago Al Haddad Motors became the official Mercedes-Benz distributor for Bahrain.
"Over the last five decades, Mercedes-Benz has grown into the most trusted automotive brand in the world with the best cars on the market.
"Similarly, Al Haddad has grown into a trusted member of the Mercedes-Benz family and as families stick together, on behalf of Mercedes-Benz Middle East and Levant, I would like to officially thank the Al Haddad family for their valued support of the brand and their investment in the business."
Superior performance is assured by the range of powerful yet economical and environmentally compatible six-cylinder engines. The 280 comes with 231 horsepower while the 3.4 litre 272 horsepower 350 model can hit 100 kmph in just 6.7 seconds - that's sports car performance!
A very high standard of onboard features and attractive equipment packages will distinguish the GLK from the rest of the compact SUV field. Moreover, the very latest systems such as the trailblazing PRE SAFE safety concept or the Intelligent Light System (ILS) are available for the first time in this market segment.
The GLK-Class model range is equipped to an exceptionally high standard. There are also two equipment packages to choose from, allowing customers to tailor the GLK to their own requirements. The standard exterior sports package consists of 19-inch 7-spoke light-alloy wheels, stiffer sports suspension lowered by 20 millimetres and a chrome package with roof rails in aluminium.
Alternatively, customers can select the off-road styling package, featuring 17-inch light-alloy wheels, robust off-road pads and simulated underguards on the front and rear apron as well as the chrome package as standard. The only difference is that this version has matt black roof rails, in keeping with the off-road look.
The off-road engineering package - with DSR switch, a 'G' switch for activating a special off-road programme and a heavy-duty, weight-optimised underguard and underbody protection in Gemtex - is also available as an optional extra.
If the COMAND APS system is specified, the navigation system has a useful extra feature designed specifically for off-road vehicles. If the vehicle enters an area not covered by digitised maps, the driver can activate a tracking system to save the vehicle's route. This means that GLK drivers can always find a way back to their starting point.
Prices start from $46,595 (BD17,560) for the GLK 280 and $49,045 (BD18,485) for the GLK 350 model.
More information from Mercedes-Benz is available at www.media.daimler.com
