Click the Vision GLK for a high-res photo gallery

Following the pattern set by Mercedes-Benz in recent years, the Stuttgart manufacturer will be showing their next production model at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show as a concept with a Vision prefix attached to its name. In this case the new model is a compact SUV/CUV called the Vision GLK Freeside. The GLK measures 177.6 inches bumper-to-bumper making about three inches longer than a Ford Escape. Propulsion comes from Mercedes' latest diesel a 2.2L four cylinder with Bluetec exhaust after-treatment. The 2.2 produces 168hp and uses urea injection to clean up the exhaust stream. Fuel delivery in the engine is achieved with fourth-generation common rail injection system that operates at 29,000psi. Torque is transferred to the wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission and a new all-wheel drive system. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system has been optimized for low friction allowing it to achieve similar fuel consumption to a comparable rear-wheel drive setup. The production GLK will launch in Europe this fall with U.S. sales kicking off in January 2009.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]