Mercedes-Benz throws down the gauntlet!
In an unprecedented bold and robust manner MB seems to be making a very serious marketing policy shift by loading up the 2013 vehicles with features that where traditionally a reserve for the big toys like the S Class, CLS, CL etc,etc. Imagine Distronic plus, Direct select gear shifter, Ambient lighting, mbrace2, Heated steering wheel, Bus plus, 3 Spoke sport nappa leather steering wheel, Parktronic with active parking assist and electric power steering being available on an entry level GLK 250 4MATIC? Only a couple years ago it was not fathomable to think like this, but yes! All these features are now available on the 2013 GLK Class. The objective remains that Mercedes-Benz would like to, 'turn the car into a mobile communications centre that provides the driver and passengers with access to all modern media and services at all times', says Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber (MB)
This is not only peculiar to Mercedes-Benz, It appears it has become the trendy thing for manufacturers to do, in an effort to differentiate themselves from competition and provide customers with value for their money. In the past five years the fight from manufacturers has been intensified by the free flowing explosion of the internet and its associated social networks to proportions never seen before. In 2008 features like Bluetooth, Parking guidance, Rear view cameras, USB ports, ipod integration kits, ipad integration kits (replacing the rear seat entertainment systems) Secure Digital (SD) cards, Electric steering, Keyless go, Text messaging, Facebook, Twitter etc,etc not only were they looked at with scepticism but were considered unwanted and superfluous in cars. Today, it has all changed , customers are considering availability of these things before buying a car.
However, some customers are struggling because they cannot keep up with such a steep Learning Curve (LC) that threatens to go higher and higher every day where in some cases even sales people are found struggling to show customers how these things work in the cars.
What do you Think?
Somewhere in this blog I did cover the 2013 GLK 250 BlueTec and the features that come with it, I will now focus on the GLK 350 4MATIC and you will notice that most of the features on this car are what you also get in the ML 350 4matic.
Just like in the ML350 4MATIC, this is the New Powerplant for the 2013 GLK 350 4MATIC.
3.5 Direct Injection V6
- V6 with Direct Injection
- 302 horsepower (6,500 rpm)
- 273 ft-lbs of torque (3,500-5,250 rpm)
- 0-100 km/h data: 6.5 seconds
- ECO start/stop technology
- Reduced CO2 emissions
- Mated to the 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission.
Standard Equipment Highlights
BlueEFFICIENCY
- ECO Start/Stop Function
- STEER CONTROL Electric Power Steering (EPS)
- 7G-TRONIC PLUS
- Auto Dimming Exterior and Interior Mirrors
- Colour Instrument Cluster Display
- Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
- Interior Sports Package
- AMG Styling Package
- Halogen Reflector Headlamps
- LED Daytime Running Lamps and LED Tail Lamps
- 20" 5-Twin Spoke Wheels
- 4th Generation 4MATIC Permanent All-Wheel Drive
- mbrace2
- ATTENTION ASSIST
- ADAPTIVE BRAKE with HOLD Function
PREMIUM PACKAGE (MPP)
- PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Media Interface
- SIRIUS Satellite Radio
- EASY-PACK Power Tailgate
- Interior & Exterior Lighting Package
CONVENIENCE PACKAGE (MCO)
- Memory Package with Power Steering Column
- Fully Powered Driver and Passenger Seat
- Power Lumbar Support
- Heated Steering Wheel
- KEYLESS-GO
- Storage Box Under Driver’s Seat
- 115V Power Socket
BI-XENON HEADLAMP PACKAGE (MXW)
- Headlamp Washers
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist (AHA)
- Active Bi-Xenon Headlamps
COMAND NAVIGATION PACKAGE (MNP)
- Rear View Camera
- Integrated Garage Door Opener
- Electronic Compass
- COMAND APS with HDD Navigation and 6 Disc DVD Changer
DRIVING ASSISTANCE PACKAGE (MDA)
- Passive Blind Spot Assist
- Passive Lane Keeping Assist
- DISTRONIC PLUS
- Active Blind Spot Assist
- Active Lane Keeping Assist
- BAS PLUS
- Trailer Hitch
- Aluminum Running Boards
- 20" AMG Twin 5-Spoke Wheels
- Harman/kardon LOGIC7 Surround Sound System (510W, 12 speakers)
So, with all these expensive features offered at a reasonable price, as you shall see when pricing is officially released, the GLK Class is again positioned to be a dominant force to be reckoned with in this segment where it has been a class leader for the past three years.
Do you think Mercedes-Benz has done enough in responding to the market trends?
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