Mercedes’ first stab at the compact luxury SUV market with the GLK, which was presented in 2008, having undergone a mid-life facelift just last year, has been deemed a success, and the German are preparing its successor, which will likely be introduced in 2015 as a 2016MY.
Our secret-car hunter scooped up the first photos of a prototype model for the second generation GLK while testing on European soil. There’s a lot going on the body with the camouflage, but it looks like the new GLK will be slightly bigger and have a less boxy appearance and softer lines than the current model.
Under the freshly styled body panels, Stuttgart’s Audi Q5 and BMW X3 challenger rides on a modified version of the next C-Class sedan’s new MRA (modular rear-wheel drive architecture) platform. Understandably, the new GLK and C-Class will share a similar engine lineup comprised of four- and six-cylinder diesel and gasoline units, and possibly a hybrid powerplant as well.
The use of lighter materials, improved aerodynamics and tweaked powertrains will do their part to make the next GLK more fuel efficient and greener.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS
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