(autoinsidernews) - Spy photographers caught the first actual prototype of Mercedes' new compact SUV, the GLK-Class. The GLK will targeted competitors will be the BMW's X3 and Audi's planned Q5. The GLK is based on components from the next-generation 2008 C-Class, which will debut in March 2007. And based on the photos, the GLK will share much of its styling with Mercedes' other SUVs, especially the full-size GL-Class.
The GLK is expected to be powered by four- and six- cylinder engines, both gasoline and diesel versions, with both rear- and all-wheel drive versions. The GLK-Class may also be offered in a GLK55 AMG, reports Trend.
The 2008 GLK-Class may debut as soon as next September in Frankfurt. Mercedes is expected to be targeting production of up to 40,000 GLKs each year, to be built in Bremen, Germany, with a price around the $40,000 mark in the U.S.