New C Class-based SUV to be made in RHD for the first time.
Indian Autos Blog reader, Toldi, video taped the next generation Mercedes GLK Class near the company's headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. The second generation of the popular C Class-based SUV is confirmed to go on sale in Europe sometime next year.
[Head to YouTube if you're unable to view the video above.]
One of the reasons stopping Mercedes from introducing the current GLK in India (and other right-hand drive markets) is that the SUV is engineered only for a left-hand drive layout. This robs potential sales that could come from RHD markets.
Hence, the next generation model will be made in LHD and RHD configurations, and an Indian launch is feasible, according to Mercedes-Benz India's CEO, Mr. Eberhard Kern.
The GLK will be based on the new C Class's MRA (Mercedes Rear wheel drive Architecture) platform. As the video and images prove, the new GLK is larger than the GLA (which launches in India this year as Mercedes's entry-level crossover). Power for the SUV is expected to come from four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
Competitors: BMW X3, Audi Q5
Expected price: INR 45 - 55 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launching in: 2015 in Europe, and within 12 months from then in India
