Mercedes-Benz GLK prepped by BRABUS

BRABUS, the German tuner for anything that comes out of the Daimler factory has presented an extensive customization program for the newly launched in the European continent, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GLK. The program for Merc's new compact SUV is pretty thorough including performance tuning for all engine variants - gasoline and diesel, a full bodykit, new alloy wheels with matching suspension solutions, and heaps of interior options. -Continued

For the gasoline powered GLK 350, BRABUS offers the B7 power kit which adds 15HP to the V6 engine raising output to 287HP. If you think that's lethargic, the German tuner has developed a 4.0 displacement V6 engine for both the GLK 350 and GLK 280 producing 332HP and a peak torque of 420Nm (310 lb-ft) at 4,200 rpm for a 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 6.1 seconds and a new top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Those who prefer the diesel-powered GLK 320 CDI, BRABUS offers its ECO PowerXtra D6 (III) tuning that delivers an additional 48HP and a peak torque of 590Nm (435 lb-ft). With this kit the 272HP GLK 320 CDI sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 228 km/h (142 mph).

Complementing the power upgrades is a new sports suspension with a ride height lowered by some 35 millimeters (1.4 inches).

In the styling department, there's a full bodykit that consists of a new front apron that houses daytime running lights as well as optional auxiliary high beams and fog lamps, a two-piece roof attachment with integrated LED position lights, rocker panels with integrated LED lights, a rear apron and a roof spoiler. Customers can choose from a variety of alloy wheels starting off from 17-inches and going all the way up to 21-inches. The largest approved tires for front and rear axle measure 255/35 R 21 in size.

The range of available BRABUS accessories for the interior includes stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo, various versions of a sport steering wheel, interior trim sets made from wood or from genuine carbon fiber as well as special BRABUS consoles for the seatbacks of the front seats complete with set of 7-inch LCD screens and an integrated DVD player.