Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class premieres: Gargash Enterprises launches long-awaited new SUV

The latest member of the luxurious 4-wheel drive family, GLK, was revealed in a large-scale inflatable dome, or 'Launch Arena', offering guests the opportunity to experience the GLK on a custom-made driving track.

The huge contemporary dome is to remain in place for three days following the official launch and will be open from 16:00hrs - 22:00 hrs daily, next to Paris Gallery, Persia court.

This is a new launch concept in the Middle East, and will take the form of a Road Show, moving around the region.

In the covered centre area of the dome will be hospitality and lounge areas, a variety of GLK displays and the departure point for on & off-road driving.

Around its perimeter is a dramatic urban off road course with water, sand and other such obstacles.

The Mercedes Benz GLK is the newest addition to the German automaker's line up of quality vehicles in a bid to respond to the growing demands of the SUV market.

The GLK is the German brand's fifth model series in this internationally growth oriented market and will answer to many competitors such as the BMW X3 and AUDI Q5.

Its size, on road and off road capabilities, combined with an extensive list of options all

within an attractive price range make the GLK ideal for buyers of metropolitan cities like Dubai.

In Western Europe alone, Mercedes-Benz has already received a total of 10,000 orders.

Abdul Wahab A. Al Ahmed, Senior Manager of Business Affairs & Development Operations at Gargash Enterprises, was excited about the arrival of the GLK and said,

"Gargash Enterprises has proudly delivered quality vehicles from Mercedes Benz for more than 50 years. The GLK will be a positive addition to the prestigious family and promises to impress yet another growing niche of quality conscious customers."

Brimming with genuine character, the GLK-Class is set to take the world of compact SUVs by storm.

The new car brings together supreme driving dynamics and outstanding driving safety going with exceptional ride comfort courtesy of the AGILITY CONTROL suspension.

Meanwhile the variable 4MATIC all-wheel drive system joins forces with the latest electronic control systems to deliver consummate on-road performance and superb off-road proficiency.

It is precisely this kind of combination that lends the GLK such immense appeal and warrants the inclusion in the model name of the 'G', an allusion to the archetypal Mercedes off-roader.

Superlative performance comes courtesy of the powerful yet economical engines.

The GLK goes on sale with a choice of 4MATIC models including two V6 petrol engines (GLK 280 4MATIC and GLK 350 4MATIC).

The GLK 280 has 231 horsepower, with a 3.0L engine and an acceleration of 0 to 100km/hr in 7.6 seconds.

The GLK 350 has 272 horsepower and 3.5L engine with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/hr in 6.7 seconds; the vehicles have a top Speed of 210 Km/hr.

Wassim Derbi, Marketing Manager of Gargash Enterprises stated, "We are thrilled that the GLK has finally arrived in the Middle East and this car is sure to make an impact.

It is an expressive, distinctive and independent SUV and it definitely appeals to a wider audience. As it has no predecessor, I believe the GLK will set the benchmark for levels of luxury, quality and performance in its vehicle segment and we look forward to its successful market entry in the region."

The highly robust body is key to the pioneering passive-safety setup, the extremely low noise levels, the exceptional degree of interior comfort - to produce that typical Mercedes feeling of wellbeing - and the high value retention.

Furthermore, exemplary appointments and attractive equipment packages make the GLK stand out from the rest of the compact-SUV crowd.

Plus, state-of-the-art systems - such as the leading-edge PRE-SAFE safety concept and the Intelligent Light System (ILS) - are available in this market segment.