MONTVALE, NJ – Mercedes-Benz has released official pictures and information of the all-new GLK-Class SUV, which debuted at Auto China in Beijing on Apr. 20. It will make its U.S. dealer showroom debut in January 2009 as a 2010 model.

Powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5L V-6 engine, the 2010MY GLK350 will form the basis of the U.S. lineup, and will be offered in both 4MATIC and two-wheel-drive versions, riding on standard 19-inch, 10-spoke wheels with 235/50 tires. The GLK features a 108.5-inch wheelbase and boasts unique design language, which sets it apart from the rest of the successful Mercedes-Benz family of SUVs that includes the M-Class, the larger GL-Class, the crossover R-Class, and the iconic G-Class.

Showcasing bold exterior design, generous cargo capacity, and available 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, the GLK350 combines styling, versatility, and performance. The 2010 GLK-Class will be produced exclusively at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany.

With its poised, confident presence, the GLK-Class leaves no doubt about its intent to conquer the compact premium SUV segment. In sharp contrast to the relatively soft forms of other similar-sized vehicles, the striking, angular profile of the GLK sets it apart from the competition. From the GLK-Class’s steeply-raked windshield to its integrated rear spoiler on its tightly styled roof section, the bullish shape of the new GLK suggests power and agility and echoes the G-Class.

The GLK boasts a long list of standard equipment, including a two-zone automatic climate control system, adjustable steering column, front seats with electrically adjustable height and backrest angle (including seat inclination adjustment), and manual lumbar support with two-way adjustment for the driver’s seat are all standard on the GLK. Standard integrated Bluetooth interface for mobile phones, a microphone for the hands-free system, and a central five-inch color display round out the list of interior appointments.

The 2010 GLK features standard front and side airbags, window air bags, and an available rear-seat entertainment system featuring two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones, and an integrated dual-source DVD player.

Front and rear headroom figures are 39.8 inches and 39.7 inches respectively, while the cargo area boasts 23.3 cubic feet of storage. Cargo capacity balloons to 54.7 cubic feet when the 1/3:2/3-split rear seats are folded forwards.

In combination with the front and rear deformation zones, the GLK’s high-strength passenger cell provides a highly efficient foundation for the occupant protection systems, which include:

• Adaptive, two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger.

• Front side-impact airbags.

• Windowbags across both seat rows from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.

• Active head restraints for the driver and front passenger.

• Crash-optimized pedal system.

• 3-point seat belts for all five seats.

• Belt tensioner and adaptive belt-force limiter for the driver and front passenger, belt tensioner, and single-stage belt-force limiter for the outer rear seats.

• ISOFIX child seat attachments.

• Belt height adjuster for the driver and front passenger.

• Belt status indicator for the rear passengers in the instrument cluster.

The GLK features a 3.5L V-6 engine, a seven-speed automatic transmission, and available 4MATIC full-time, four-wheel-drive. All of these components combine to give the GLK350 a 0-60 time of just 6.5 seconds (estimated) while achieving an 23 mpg (estimated) on the highway.

Both the GLK350 and GLK350 4MATIC are matched with a seven-speed automatic transmission as standard.