The Mercedes GLK-Class has a robust but elegant character. Now, Carlsson’s first ever interpretation of this sporting, compact SUV makes its world premier at the 2014 Essen Motor Show.
Carlsson’s makeover for the GLK features OE quality PU-RIM aerodynamic components for vehicles with and without the AMG sport package. The striking chrome surround of the Carlsson radiator grille frames a strong horizontal dividing bar with the distinctive Carlsson logo at its centre, significantly strengthening the GLK’s distinctive ‘face’. Below the new front bumper with its RS lip spoiler, Carlsson’s trademark three-piece stainless steel mesh grille inserts add a touch of sporty elegance to the cars frontal aspect.
Positioned at the top of each side air intake, chrome-plated inserts for the LED daytime running lights stand out as the ‘jewellery’ of this new frontal design. The more sculpted rear valance has a chrome-plated diffuser, flanked by cutouts for the chromed outlets of the quad pipe sports exhaust system. This stainless steel exhaust, with its more sonorous exhaust note also lowers backpressure, releasing a few more horsepower.
As most GLKs never venture off-road, Carlsson offers a sport suspension kit for keen drivers of the petrol-engined GLK300 and GLK350 models. Uprated springs and dampers lower the ride height by 30mm and significantly improve the cars handling on twisty roads. A simpler solution for those who just want the lowered look is a set of 30mm lower springs that is available for all engine variants.
The four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine in the GLK220 CDI is easily tuned with Carlsson’s C-Tronic module. This plug and play solution increases power from 170 to 204hp, with a proportionately greater 100Nm increase in torque to around 500Nm.
Carlsson’s alloy wheel designs, renowned for their elegance and desirability, come in a wide choice of 18 to 21 inch diameters for the GLK. Even in this distinguished company, the new 1/5 EVO DS (dark series) in 9.0J x 21-inch size, shod with 245/35R21 tyres is a standout design. Alternatives are the 1/10 in three exclusive finishes of Brilliant Edition (BE), Titanium Edition (TE), and Graphite Edition (GE). These wheels come in 8.5J x 20-inch size, fitted with 255/40R20 tyres.
The cabin is always a prime area for personalization, and the most basic Carlsson offerings are the aluminium footrest and pedal set, door-lock pins, floor mats and stainless steel doorsill panels with the Carlsson logo illuminated at night.
Beyond that, the sky is the limit, and you can pick and choose your ideal colour and pattern from fine leather and Alcantara, and complement it with matching wood or carbon-fibre inlays. Carlsson’s in-house craftsman will then create your dream interior in a true expression of bespoke automotive tailoring.
