Why doesn't Mercedes offer the GLK to the UK?

[TorqueR]

Good evening,

I have just arrived in the UK after spending some time in the United States and being interested in cars, I took delight in seeing cars that are not available over here. The C7 Corvette is stunning, as is the Dodge Challenger Hellcat but among the myriads of Mustangs and Camaro's, there was a more mundane looking car that took my attention. The Mercedes Benz GLK.

Now while there are valid reasons for why some cars from the United States are not viable options in the UK, whether it be for the size, purchase price after shipping and taxes or fuel range, this Mercedes didn't fit in with any of them. I personally think it looks dated when alongside other cars in the same segment, but that doesn't seem to be the common view as evidenced by how well they have sold in other countries. It would be an acceptable rival to the Audi Q3, Porsche Macan, Lexus RX and Range Rover Evoque etc.. I would imagine that they could price it on par with them and have a selection of engines that they could slot into them.

The demand for this segment of car is there, take a look at the success of the RRE for example, or the Audi Q3, Lexus RX and Porsche Macan - that is without taking into account the sportier Macan Turbo & RS-Q3. Mercedes could hand it over to AMG. You get the idea. Mercedes obviously have a reason but I am trying to figure out what that reason is. Is anyone able to provide any insight or a reason?!

Edited by TorqueR on Monday 20th October 17:33

[bga]

I thought GLK was coming to the UK next year but I may be wrong

[missing the VR6]

It's been bothering me for over 18months what that car is. Saw one in Bulgaria in Feb 13 and didn't quite catch the model details on the back. Curious they don't sell it given the UK's penchant for a SUV/Crossover/4X4/Mummobile.

[HarryW]

I thought the GLK never came here due to issues with converting it to RHD. However it's replacement is due next year and will be available here. it's probably going to be name changed too, to the GLC though, it more in the Q5 segment than Q3 though.

[HTP99]

HarryW said:

I thought the GLK never came here due to issues with converting it to RHD.

That is my understanding.

I'm not overly sure whether I like it or not, it is certainly more striking and interesting looking than the bland Q3/Q5 and Tiguan but it isn't particularly an attractive car but I do like that it looks different and has a more characterful look about it.

[Debaser]

HarryW said:

I thought the GLK never came here due to issues with converting it to RHD. However it's replacement is due next year and will be available here. it's probably going to be name changed too, to the GLC though, it more in the Q5 segment than Q3 though.

I hope a Mercedes GLC is as cool as the Vauxhall variant.

[ChemicalChaos]

radiodanno said:

I've loved one from the second I was overtaken on the A14 by one last year.

One of the few cars I'd sit on the wrong side for. Glorious.

If you think a jacked-up C-Class with a Cheshire-tastic body and bling wheels is glorious, then I'm afraid you may need your head testing

[MarshPhantom]

I saw one a couple of years ago in Kent, on Dutch plates IIRC. Very nice looking mini SUV, certainly when compared with X3, Touran etc.

[Baryonyx]

ChemicalChaos said:

If you think a jacked-up C-Class with a Cheshire-tastic body and bling wheels is glorious, then I'm afraid you may need your head testing

Sadly, there are plenty of mugs in this country with a desperate dire to part with cash for rubbish like this!

[Snollygoster]

The mk2 GLK will be coming to the UK.

The mk1 isn't sold in RHD markets due to a driveshaft used to operate the front wheels on 4WD versions of the GLK. It is positioned such that it encroaches slightly on the right-hand-side footwell.

[Cliftonite]

.
It's just another bloody Tonka that looks just like all the other bloody Tonkas!

What's the matter with you people?!

[kambites]

I assume it's C-class based? If that's the case, presumably the versions that aren't 4WD are RWD? Are there any other RWD SUVs on the market in the UK at the moment?

One of the better looking SUVs out there, but it's still hardly what you'd call "pretty".

[Fox-]

kambites said:

I assume it's C-class based? If that's the case, presumably the versions that aren't 4WD are RWD? Are there any other RWD SUVs on the market in the UK at the moment?

BMW X5 SDrive25d is RWD.

[kambites]

Didn't realise that. I thought all BMX X-somethings were 4WD.

[va1o]

I remember reading a few years ago they are strictly LHD only and can't be converted to RHD for technical reasons, hence it isn't offered over here.

It was always said the next generation model would be but I think its still at least a year or two away.

[Beer Man]

I saw one on German plates on the M25 lat year and am quite glad it's not here. It's utterly hideous.

[MarshPhantom]

It doesn't look great in the pic above but the one I saw didn't have phat alloys and certainly looks quits stylish in comparison with the opposition.

[Joe5y]

Beer Man said:

I saw one on German plates on the M25 lat year and am quite glad it's not here. It's utterly hideous.

I does look as if they have badly drawn from a distance a ML - like an X5 to a X3. That said, I'd take it over an X3 any day!

[F1GTRUeno]

I'm not a fan of many modern MB but this is pretty much the ugliest and chintziest one going.

Who thought it looked good when they signed off the design? Gopping.

[sday12]

Because it's Gopping?

ETA. beaten to it!