Lately, there have been some pretty ridiculous “spy shots” of the forthcoming compact Mercedes SUV circulating online. Shots showing a 2007 C-Class mule may depict a platform under development, but they tell us nothing about how the new vehicle will look. Luckily, spy photographer “RoAnSa” caught some pretty clear images of a real Mercedes “MLK” prototype in testing, all of which can be seen here. Which brings us to another mystery: the name of the car. The compact SUV has long been referred to as the “MLK-Class” in the automotive press. However, recent digging through U.S. patent office records shows that Mercedes may also be considering the name GLK-Class. Mercedes first filed for the GLK-Class name in July, 2005. This February, it also registered the name GLK63. The MLK name was last touched in 1996.
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04/20, 11:16 AM
posted by:
SR
They should keep the headlights as is!
04/20, 3:34 PM
posted by:
Garris
Looks exactly like artists renders anticipated. Right now, looks better balanced and more attractive than the currently stunted crop of X3’s, RDX’s, Rav 4’s, etc…
04/20, 4:36 PM
posted by:
Asher
How many freaking models does Merc need??? This is pathetic and ridiculous – instead of actually figuring out what a particular market segment wants and building a car to meet that target, Mercedes continues to just “throw money at the problem” and apparently guess instead by creating so many models that Mercs are more common than Hondas.
Now they must have more Truck models than Cars and thats an ominous sign for what was once a great CAR maker. My suggestion: forget making 15 variants of awkward looking trucks and return to making a few high-quality car designs and STOP DILUTING THE BRAND’S OVERALL VALUE.
04/20, 5:34 PM
posted by:
moody
Making a lot of different types of cars does not mean that Mercedes makes more cars, just more different kinds. What basis do you have for claiming that Mercedes is not doing any market research, Asher? Your entire argument is flawed.
The MLK looks nice. Hopefully the production version will keep the aggressive look.
04/20, 6:08 PM
posted by:
Pruce
I agree with Asher, actually.
Plus, with so many models it’s starting to get hard to tell which Mercedes is which unless you see it… then you go “oh, that one!”
04/20, 6:10 PM
posted by:
Pruce
Oops, I forgot to include this. My main point: If Mercedes is going to have so many different models, start giving them actual names instead of a letter and a bunch of numbers!
Yeah, I know, Acura and Lexus do the same thing but they have way less models to memorize lol.
04/20, 11:28 PM
posted by:
Asher
The best way to sum up what I mean is this: BEFORE, if someone said they drove a “Mercedes,” you could automatically assume it was a fine car – solid/tank-like, steel-bodied, no Chrysler-shared parts etc.
TODAY really only the top tier models of theirs impress me(CL,CLS,SL) – the rest of their cars/trucks, and there are plenty, seem unattractive and cheap/plasticky looking. Today if someone says they drive a Merc, you have to ask “which model?” before drawing any conclusions and most of the time, its not a CL, CLS or SL…
Any exclusivity that once existed is gone due to the sheer production numbers these days of so many models – a good example of my criticism is the C230K “coupe” – that was the absolute most ridiculous looking thing ever(worse than the Pontiac Aztec imho) and of all things had a MERCEDES badge on it! That car is a good example of what I mean…
04/21, 12:27 AM
posted by:
tim
Love it… as is. It reminds me of something the A-Team would have thrown together to hightail it out of a warehouse they’ve been chased into. Those big round lights, the ‘barbeque’ crosshatched grill… viva 1985!
04/21, 1:12 AM
posted by:
moody
What you’re talking about, Asher, is Mercedes extending down market. I agree that this is not a good idea if you want to keep the prestige value of the brand, but just because Mercedes makes more kinds of models does not mean that they’re extending further down market. I would disagree with you on your choice of what the good Merceds models are, though. Personally, my favorites are the SLK350/55, the ML350, the CLS350/55, the S550/600 and perhaps the SLR.
A few other things: the solid, steel body, the lack of Chrysler shared parts, all of the reasons you’re giving for Mercedes cheapness, have nothing to do with Mercedes niche expansion. I don’t necessarily think that what they’re doing is a good idea, but your argument doesn’t make any sense.
04/21, 11:16 AM
posted by:
SR
LOL Tim!
04/22, 12:47 AM
posted by:
Sudoku Solver
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