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Heads-Up!
Atlanta and traffic have a partnership many of us can relate to–sometimes the road is smooth, sometimes rocky, and sometimes, it’s at a downright standstill. Because Atlanta commuters spend more time in the driver’s seat than most, it’s no wonder we lavish our cars with so much attention. In this third annual “Ultimate Auto” feature, JEZ gives you a glimpse of the hottest new cars that will hit city showrooms in the not-too-distant future. For those who can’t bear to wait even another month without a new ride, check out the 2008 “It” list spotlighting 10 of the hottest cars that are sure to get you some attention (and a good parking space). From SUVs and crossovers to luxury sedans and sporty two-doors, there’s plenty of incentive to hit the road in style. So buckle up as we take you on this exciting ride.

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK

Available in January

Get ready for an onslaught of small, premium SUVs. With soaring gas prices and a sustaining fondness for an elevated view of the road, manufacturers are turning to smaller models to feed appetites for SUVs. Mercedes-Benz’s 2010 GLK is one of those vehicles. The small, luxury SUV, situated at the bottom of Mercedes’ SUV lineup, is smaller and more affordable than the M-Class, GL-Class and G-Class models.

You can first catch the GLK when it debuts in Sex and the City on May 30. When the GLK arrives at dealerships in January as a 2010 model, it will be powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine. Mercedes carefully considered Atlantans in designing the GLK. It comes in two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive; the former is the lighter, more fuel-efficient option ideal for Atlanta weather.

JEZ likes the GLK’s styling, which includes standard 19-inch alloy wheels, unheard of for this class. Though it’s Mercedes-Benz’s smallest SUV, there’s no forgetting that this is a true Mercedes-Benz: Just look at the massive three-pointed star in the front grille. A steeply raked windshield, chiseled side accents below the door handles and dual squared exhaust tips make the GLK stand out from its competitors in the small-SUV segment.

Inside, the GLK offers an interior fitting for a Mercedes-Benz. High-quality leather abounds, as does eye-catching aluminum trim seen even on the new COMAND control knob situated in the center console. Located near the shifter, the knob controls everything from the navigation system to the radio without muddying the interior with too many buttons and switches. A sporty three-spoke steering wheel also will be offered.

Though small on the outside, the GLK offers impressive front and rear headroom at 39.8 inches and 39.7 inches respectively, while the cargo area boasts 23.3 cubic feet of storage. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Mercedes-Benz without an abundance of safety features, all of which come standard, including side-impact air bags, anti-whiplash head restraints and a slew of electronic control devices such as emergency brake assist and dynamic stability control.

Look for the GLK to take on the BMW X3, the Land Rover LR3 and the Infiniti EX35 at an estimated base price of $37,000.

For the other Ultimate Autos featured pick up the current issue of JEZEBEL!

–Nate Chapnick