Mercedes-Benz GLK Is Poised to Impress at SEMA 2008

Official Design Renderings Released of four Customized GLK-Class Showcars

MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 16 -- Mercedes-Benz will emphasize its "star power" at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show with four 2010GLK-Class showcars customized by leading aftermarket tuning firms. The four Mercedes-Benz GLK SEMA concepts showcase the bold, expressive nature of the GLK luxury SUV prior to its official showroom debut in January 2009.

Design Concepts Include:

-- RENNTech Rally Racer - Inspired by the unlimited-class rally cars at the storied Pikes Peak Hillclimb, the GLK concept represents the Mercedes-Benz performance specialist's first hybrid powertrain to enhance acceleration off the line and out of the corners.

-- BRABUS Widestar - Developed by Mercedes-Benz tuning experts Brabus of Bottrop, Germany, this striking wide-track "designer suit" for the GLK300 BLUETEC includes flowing front and rear wheel arch flares and redesigned front and rear bumpers complemented with exclusive BRABUS wheels and an interior to match.

-- The Urban Whip - Florida-based Boulevard Customs is sure to turn heads with a wide body styling kit, massive 26-inch wheels and tires, redesigned interior and ground-pounding stereo system.

-- The Four Corners Rock Crawler - Exotic and muscle car restoration specialist Legendary Motor Cars design includes an innovative winching system to propel skate and wakeboarders up to speed and actually "grind" down the vehicle's specially integrated side rails.

The new 2010 GLK350 combines bold, aggressive design with versatile SUV capability engineered in a slightly smaller package. Powered by a 3.5-liter 268-horsepower V6 and featuring standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the GLK350 will make its showroom debut in January 2009.

The four GLK-Class vehicles will be displayed at this year's SEMA show, taking place November 4-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. During the exhibition, attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite design via online and mobile voting. Following the SEMA show, the four vehicles will be displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show (November 21-30) providing showgoers with another opportunity to cast their vote. Beginning in early October, all four vehicles will be featured in videos on Mercedes-Benz USA website, www.mbusa.com. The votes from the show attendees and www.mbusa.com will be tallied and the winner will be announced on December 2, 2008.