Mercedes' updated-for-2012 GLK midsized SUV has made its European debut this week, bringing revised styling, new features and new engines.

Local Merc fans hoping to plant the X3 rival in their driveway will be going without once again, however, with news that the update will not be offered in right-hand-drive.

Plans for an Australia-friendly GLK have been on the cards since its 2008 launch, but problems with adapting the all-wheel-drive configuration to right-hand-drive have moved Mercedes-Benz to write the project off.

Speaking with TMR today, Mercedes-Benz Australia's David McCarthy said that plans for a rear-wheel-drive RHD option have also been canned.

Right-hand-drive markets include the UK, Australia, Japan, South Africa, Indonesia and Thailand. BMW, Audi and Land Rover offer options in all of those regions.

The updated GLK will make its global debut at next month's New York Auto Show, where it will launch with an updated front end, a subtly revised rear and a host of new options.

Engine options will include four diesels and one petrol mill, starting with a 105kW 2.2 litre diesel and ranging through to the top-shelf 195kW 3.5 V6 diesel and 225kW 3.5 V6 petrol.

Merc's 7G-Tronic automatic transmission will handle gear-shifting duties, and features will include Attention Assist drowsiness dectection, Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist.

• Related News & Reviews at TMR ▼

• GLK news | GL-Class news and reviews
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• reply ” like !

  

  Poisson says,
  1 year ago

  I looked at one of the current model in the US last year - very nice car indeed. And (I believe) made in Germany.
  
  I need to replace my Lexus RX350 in the next year or so. The M class is a bit too big for my requirements (and parking space) and the forthcoming model is even bigger, so a GLK would have done me nicely. As it is I think my next car will be an X3, which is a (tiny) loss for Benz and a big step for me, who has always been a Benz and Lexus person.
• reply ” like !

  

  Reece says,
  1 year ago

  "but problems with adapting the all-wheel-drive configuration to right-hand-drive have moved Mercedes-Benz to write the project off." - as if Mercedes wouldnt have the technology to be able to do this....what a cop out oh well their loss as this car would have done well in RHD markets!
• reply ” like !

  

  Alan says,
  9 months ago

  I have just been to the Mercedes museum and saw the new generation GLK in all it's glory. I think the people at the top of Mercedes in both Germany and Australia are becoming a little too complacent. I was ready to order one with all the options and trade in my E-Class. As Reece said, they have the technology but it is just a cop out. The best way to lose customers Mercedes and you were doing so well redeeming your reputation and name. I guess being number 2 is something the people at Mercedes Benz are comfortable with. Maybe new management is required. Pretty disgraceful if you ask me.
• reply ” like !

  

  James Deen says,
  26 days ago

  I've had 5 c classes and thought I'd wait for one of these for my next benz. The main reason was that we have a grand son now and I can't believe the amount of superfluous stuff we have to cart around. Not that big on going for the M series as that seems a bit of overkill and probably a lethal weapon in my wife's hands. This is all a bit of a pity as consumers have been loyal to MB but that doesn't seem to count for much ... every dog has his day I guess.