Mercedes-Benz · 2008–2015

Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (model code X204) is a compact luxury crossover SUV produced from 2008 to 2015, debuting at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show. The name GLK is an acronym for Geländewagen Luxus Kompaktklasse, taking its name from the larger Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, which in turn was named after the G-Wagen or Geländewagen. Thus, the GL is the luxury-oriented version of the G, and GLK is the compact version of the GL. In 2015, the GLK-Class was replaced by the GLC as per the revised nomenclature adopted by the brand. Under this scheme, SUVs use the base name "GL", followed by the model's placement in Mercedes-Benz hierarchy. The "G" is for Geländewagen (German for off-road vehicle) and alludes the long-running G-Wagen. This is followed by the letter "L" that acts as a linkage with the letter "C"—the GLC being the SUV equivalent to the C-Class.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Successor: Mercedes-Benz X253|Mercedes-Benz GLC

All Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years → + Compare

Concept models

Two concept vehicles appeared in 2008: The Vision GLK Freeside and the Vision GLK Townside. The former was designed to handle light off-road duty, while the latter was intended for exclusively on-road driving. The Freeside incorporated design aspects of the original Mercedes-Benz G-Class with typical design features from the contemporary Mercedes-Benz passenger car range. The concept included a 2.2-litre BlueTec four-cylinder Diesel engine rated at 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp), 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission, 4Matic all-wheel drive, anticipatory Pre-Safe safety concept and the Intelligent Light System (ILS), Command APS infotainment centre, a rear-seat entertainment system with two screens and Thermotronic 3-zone automatic climate control, Agility Control suspension. The vehicle was unveiled in 2008 Detroit Auto Show.

Production model

The vehicle's design was heavily influenced by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The GLK-Class shares the C-Class W204 platform, and production plans continued after the demise of the similar Smart Formore. The vehicle was unveiled in Auto China 2008. European models went on sale on June 30, 2008, with deliveries beginning in the autumn the same year. Early German models included GLK 220 CDI 4Matic BlueEfficiency, GLK 320 CDI 4Matic, GLK 280 4Matic, GLK 350 4Matic. GLK Edition 1 models are based on V6 engine models, but include exterior sports package, 20-inch wheels, Easy-Pack tailgate and specially coloured privacy glass in the rear compartment, interior sports package, black/white nappa leather seats from the designo range, AMG multifunction leather steering wheel, a black roof lining, exclusive aluminium trim elements and the Command APS system, calcite white body colour. GLK 220 CDI BlueEfficiency, GLK 220 CDI 4Matic BlueEfficiency, GLK 300 4Matic, GLK 250 CDI 4Matic BlueEfficiency were introduced in 2009. At launch in Germany and North America, the car was offered in all-wheel drive only, though a rear-wheel drive only version was added to the range. The GLK-Class was not sold in RHD markets, such as the United Kingdom and Australia, due to a driveshaft used to operate the front wheels on 4WD versions of the GLK. It is positioned such that it occupies the same space as the steering column for RHD models, and as such the two configurations are not compatible with each other. Vision GLK Bluetec Hybrid (2008). A concept vehicle demonstrating a Bluetec engine with hybrid module was developed. It includes a four-cylinder Bluetec Diesel engine, maximum 160 N⋅m (118 lb⋅ft) electric motor, Alubeam Blue body colour, 20-inch light-alloy wheels, black leather upper dashboard uphols

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

Manufacturer

Daimler AG

Production

2008–2015

Layout

Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (4Matic)

Class

Compact luxury crossover SUV

Related

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212)

Body style

5-door SUV

Assembly

Germany: Bremen, China: Beijing (Beijing Benz), Egypt: 6th of October City (EGA), Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City (MBV)

Engine

3.0L V6, 3.5L V6 , 2.1L CDI I4, 3.0L CDI V6

Transmission

7-speed automatic, 6-speed manual

Wheelbase

108.5 in

Length

178.2-178.3 in

Width

72.4-74.3 in

Height

66.9 in

Kerb weight

4079 lbs

Successor

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

US EPA fuel-economy records

US EPA test figures (US MPG, US test cycle).

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q667377CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_GLK-ClassCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1367247239 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mercedes-Benz_GLK_350_4matic_X204_from_2008_frontleft_2008-07-18_U.jpgCC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo: Detectandpreserve · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Manufacturer website (link only) — http://www5.mercedes-benz.com/en/vehicles/passenger-cars/glk-class/Link only; no content copied · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

More from Mercedes-Benz