Mercedes-Benz GLK
Mercedes-Benz is keen to get a hold of the growing small SUV market with its new GLK, shown in concept form as the Vision GLK at Geneva earlier this year and revealed as a production model at Auto China 2008. Competing against the BMW X3, Land Rover Freelander and the new Audi Q5 (which also made its debut in Beijing) the production GLK is virtually identical to the concept car. Its design harps back to the now defunct G-Wagon, a model the Stuttgart-based company calls the ‘founding father of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family’. 

The GLK’s chiseled, wedgy design combines with straight lines, which are clearly vastly different to what is currently seen on other vehicles within the Mercedes range. But the GLK is considerably smaller than its proportions indicate. Standing 1689mm high, it is 126mm shorter than an M-Class and 151mm shorter than the GL-Class. When viewed in profile there is the impression of a clamshell hood - a nod to its predecessor - and the upright windshield, indent in the side body panels and flat wheelarches all clearly pay homage to the original G-Wagon.

The angular exterior theme is continued into the GLK’s interior. The IP visually extends to the door panels to give the impression of a spacious cabin. It will be available with various wood or aluminum highlights which continue onto the door panels around the door handle and the typical Mercedes seat adjustment controls. The center console includes an armrest and storage compartment as well as the (optional) ‘Comand’ infotainment controller with a display screen recessed in the center of the IP.

GunagZhou Honda Li Nian concept

In one of the most underappreciated concept car debuts at the Auto China 2008, Guangbin - a subsidiary brand GunagZhou Auto and Honda plan for launch in 2010 - revealed the Li Nian SUV concept.

 Painted lilac purple to showcase its design, this compact SUV/CUV was located at the obscure edge of the Honda booth in Hall E2, with some journalists actually realizing its presence only after their visit to the nearby restroom. Although it can’t possibly be, it’s almost looked as if neither GuangZhou Motor (located at Hall E1) nor Honda (Hall E2) was too thrilled with the car’s presence, with Honda’s CRZ taking up the concept car center stage and the Fit and FCX being pushed into the spotlight. There was no fanfare, no center stage, and not even an unveiling for the car. But by early afternoon word of mouth had spread, attracting a number of designers who came over to appreciate its styling.

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