Unleash the Beast: This V8, Manual-Swapped Mercedes GLK is a Stealthy Performance Powerhouse
The V8-Powered, Manual Transmission Mercedes-Benz GLK550 You Never Knew You Needed
Mercedes-Benz has a long history of dropping a fire-breathing V8 into its family cars, and the R-Class is a perfect example of this. But what if we told you that someone went ahead and swapped a V8 into a Mercedes-Benz GLK350? Yes, you read that right – a V8-powered GLK with a manual transmission!
A Rare Sight
At first glance, this hot-rodded GLK looks like any other GLK on the road. If you have a keen eye, you might spot the aftermarket headlights and 17-inch wheels that started life on a CLA, but nothing screams "V8 under the hood." The only hint is the "GLK550" badge on the hatch, which denotes a 5.5-liter V8 sourced from a 2010 E550.
A Six-Speed Manual Transmission from a C300
The best part? The V8 is mated to a six-speed manual transmission from a 2008 C300. It’s a brilliant combination that makes you wonder if Mercedes-Benz ever planned to offer a V8 variant in the GLK. Despite the rarity of this build, it’s clear that whoever did this put a lot of resources into making it happen.
Comparing the GLK550 to its Contemporaries
Rewind to 2011, and the most powerful GLK you could buy was the 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2010 E550 shaved a whopping 114 horsepower and 191 lb-ft from its 5.5-liter V8. Meanwhile, European buyers could opt for a six-speed stick shift in their GLK, but the US market was limited to a seven-speed automatic.
A One-of-a-Kind Build
This unique GLK550 is now up for auction on Cars & Bids, featuring Brembo front brake calipers, an instrument cluster from a newer GLK, heated front seats from a W212-generation E-Class, and rear-wheel drive. With four days left in the auction, bidding currently stands at $10,500. It’s a no-reserve auction, so the highest bidder will take this GLK550 home. Will the "DIY AMG" plates be included in the sale?
The Future is Unclear
Predicting the selling price of this one-of-a-kind build is tough. After all, when was the last time you saw a small Mercedes SUV with a V8, a six-speed manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive? If you’re the winning bidder, you’ll be getting a rare piece of automotive history, or a unique driving experience like no other.
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