Auto Channel

Expectations of seeing the GLK Freeside Concept in the flesh at this special Mercedes press event were shattered with numerous surprises. On the eve of the North American International Auto Show here in Detroit, Mercedes had put together a warm up “big band” act which looked and sounded like they were plucked right out of the 1940's. However, they took everyone by surprise by ending with such pop songs as, Tom Jones' Sex Bomb and Britney's Oops, I Did it Again. It was quite funny and the crowd really enjoyed it.

Soon thereafter, Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Daimler AG, began his speech and presented surprise number two – the lovely Kim Cattrall. Just one month ago, legendary spy photographer, Brenda Priddy, caught the GLK undisguised during the filming of Sex and the City, the movie, showing co-start Kim Cattrall in and about the vehicle. So, it was a pleasant surprise to see her there.

Lastly, the GLK Freeside Concept was unveiled, but with a companion, the GLK Townside. Mercedes knows, like all car manufacturers, the vast majority of the buyers of compact SUV's will never take their vehicles off the asphalt and acknowledges it with the Townside. Billed for on-road agility, the Townside gets a lowered ride height of 30 millimeters. “The FREESIDE, on the other hand, has been optimised for off-road terrain with longer spring travel and a softer basic set-up.” Stylistically, the Townside represents a production ready version with less dramatic rocker panel moldings, no power bulges in the hood and no roof rack.