Action-packed GLK world premiere featuring China's star actress Zhang Ziyi

The debut today of the new GLK at Auto China in Beijing represents a double milestone in Mercedes-Benz history. The Stuttgart premium auto maker's compact SUV is also the first Mercedes to celebrate its world premiere in China. "It's a testimony to this important and fast-growing market that we are presenting our most significant new model of 2008 in China," said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "After last year's success, which saw Mercedes-Benz China achieve a volume increase of 53 percent, the new GLK will inject additional momentum here and in other markets," continued Zetsche.

At Auto China, the first public appearance of the GLK - which is equally at home both on and off-road - was very much in keeping with its character. The driving dynamics of the compact all-rounder is symbolized by the athletic performance of free running protagonist Sebastian Foucan and his team. Foucan is the founder of the cult sporting discipline and gained global recognition with his spectacular stunts in the latest James Bond movie (Casino Royale).

Famous the world over for her movie success, actress Zhang Ziyi is a superstar of the Chinese movie scene and guest of honour at the GLK world premiere. Her big international break came with her role in Ang Lee's Oscar-winning "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". "I love this powerful, great looking all-rounder," said Zhang Ziyi about the new GLKin conversation with Dr. Dieter Zetsche. "It has an unmistakable character - a perfect partner that takes me wherever I want to go in safety and comfort and, especially in the city, cuts a stunning figure." The actress recently demonstrated her appreciation of Mercedes-Benz in the Chinese advertising campaign for the updated SLK roadster. Zhang Ziyi was particularly complementary of the new GLK. "The new GLK is not only a perfect partner for everyday transport; it is also an extremely attractive co-star."

The new GLK - the right vehicle at the right time


As a compact model, the new GLK expands the number of distinct variants in the successful Mercedes-Benz SUV range to five, and offers customers a new entry point into the world of Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive. "The GLK is the right vehicle at the right time. It boasts a highly individual design and combines the strengths of our large models within a compact vehicle format, which also offers fuel consumption benefits," said Daimler Head of Development Dr. Thomas Weber. "With this intelligent 'rightsizing', Mercedes-Benz is making a further contribution to CO2 reduction within the SUV segment - in parallel to its BlueTEC initiative."