Mercedes GLK Production Starts in China - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MTI · #1 12-21-2011, 11:48 AM

First MB GLK Rolls Off Assembly Line In China

The ambitious growth strategy includes locally producing two-thirds of all Mercedes sold in China by 2015, but the German automaker has not specified precisely which models will be built. Currently both the C-Class and a long wheelbase version of the E-Class are built in Beijing for the local market only; none are exported.

Jim B. · #2 12-21-2011, 12:06 PM

I rented a 2011 GLK350 for about a week last month when my '95 E 420 was in the Mercedes Benz dealer's service department for about a week having a lot or work done to it.

Compared to my 1991 560SEC and the 1995 E 420, this new Mercedes Benz, the GLK is a rolling showcase of EVERYTHING Mercedes Benz stands for now.

"The Best or Nothing at All", Gottlieb Damiler's slogan applied to the production of ALL Mercedes Benz vehicles in 1886 and continued for over a hundred years?

The German Mercedes engineers in charge of building a car to the highest standards of quality control and engineering excellence, with cost no object?

Gone gone gone.

The bean counters and marketers are totally in charge now and the engineers have been roughly pushed to the background.

"Pile 'em High and Sell 'em Cheap", is the watchword now.

"You TOO, can drive a brand new Mercedes Benz for just $299 a month", trumpet their ads now, blaring from the radio and TV..

Nevermind that it is LEASED.

The old ads NEVER mentioned price. it was understood that they were very expensive, and if you wanted the very best, it would cost a LOT and you would accept the bespoke high price of admission.

The Mercedes Benz brand equity is being TOTALLY squandered.

The GLK with its obviously cheap interiors, cardboard sunvisors and soft squishy seats, is a piece of junk, unapologetically rendered, but you stil get the great big three pointed star below the hood, once only reserved for the exclusive SL,SLC and SEC.

My mechanic told me that back inthe day, Mercedes Benz only produced 11 models.

Now there is more than 30.

I am sure that a communist Chinese-built GLK Mercedes Benz will be even CHEAPER thant the ones from today -- in both the LITERAL and PERJORATIVE sense.

MTI · #3 12-21-2011, 12:20 PM

Having driven the GLK350 over the past 12 months, compared to your week, I would disagree with your observations.

C280 Sport · #4 12-21-2011, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTI

Having driven the GLK350 over the past 12 months, compared to your week, I would disagree with your observations.

+1. I agree with you MTI. Drove the GLK a couple times myself even though chances are I will not purchase it because its not for its very nice. Peppy too. Build solid. Interior is ok but its what? $35,000. Wood is a must in the GLK I think. Its much better then the W163 ML. That was pure junk.

Fulcrum525 · #5 12-21-2011, 08:49 PM

Driven the GLK on a few occasions and I actually do like the interior. The large slab of wood on the passenger side is a nice touch and it can be ordered with some pretty decent options. The exterior isn't too bad either although I can't defend the useless running boards that it can come with and the plastic sill replacement isn't any better. I feel that the V6 is a bit of a letdown for the vehicle overall and would much rather see the GLK250CDI make a debut in the North American market. For it's price it's not a bad little SUV. However the more upscale interior options on the GL-Class can put it to shame. (Namely the leather dashboard option)