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Mercedes GLK II Spied: Interior and New Design Revealed

Our car spies in Germany have just sent us fresh photos from the development of the second generation Mercedes GLK. The prototype has received significant upgrades since we last saw it, adopting its final production form for the headlight and taillight units.
Mercedes GLK II 11 photos
Photo: CarPix
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Everything is neatly hidden under tens of square meters of camouflage wrap. However, we can still get a general idea of its design. Not surprisingly, considering the two share a platform, the new GLK-Class looks just like the new W205 C-Class. As is the case of the small GLA, this gives you the impression that it's a crossover version of the normal model. Is that a bad thing? We'd argue that it isn't since the C-sedan is the sexiest car in its class.

So should the BMW X3 be worried? Even though it's a classic car for the Bavarians, Mercedes is catching up in the driver engagement department and its smaller engines have gotten better and better each year. At launch, the 2.2-liter diesel block will play a big role, being available in three different specifications. However by 2016, an all-new family of modular mills will be available, including the first inline-6 Mercedes units in many year.

With the all-new GLK expected to be significantly lighter and stiffer, the battle with the X3 will be carried out in the 2-liter turbo segment and in the new hybrid market that's opening up.

From the baby GLA crossover to the full-size GL-Class and the G-Wagon, every 4x4 model in the lineup has an AMG variant… except for this one. With the next-gen GLK, that's going to change, thanks to the twin turbo M177 4-liter engine, producing an estimated 462 PS. With the exception of the Macan Turbo, no other car in the segment can even come close to that number.

Recent reports have been saying that Daimler is planning a complete renaming scheme of its SUV range. However, until we actually see it happen, we're not inclined to believe the popular GLK model is going to change its name. It doesn't look like the X205 GLK-Class will be ready for about another year though, so expect to see these new lines to show up during a new winter testing session.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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