Mercedes brought Hollywood style to Cobo Hall when Sex in the City star Kim Cattrall and Daimler Benz Chairman Dieter Zetsche launched a new compact SUV, the Vision GLK.

The compact SUV has been labeled “sexy” after playing its own role in the forthcoming Sex in the City — The Movie. While not necessarily sexy, the SUV is refreshingly individual with its sharp lines, low hood line and bright interior styling. It has presence in a sector that doesn’t lend itself to eye-catching styling.

The GLK adds a fifth model to the Mercedes’ SUV range and offers customers a new entry point into the marque’s all-wheel-drive models. Two versions were introduced; the TOWNSIDE for “urban adventure” with a lowered chassis, more elegant streetwise design and sportier tires for on-road use and FREESIDE for more mixed on-/off-road driving.

Thomas Weber, board member for group research and development, said both Vision GLK models stand for new driving culture in their segment by offering “exciting design and compact format, distinctive driving enjoyment, both on and off-road; safety and comfort of the highest level as well as exemplary environmental compatibility.”

While the Vision GLK will be launched in January 2009 to the North American market with V6 engines and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive systems, it will eventually be offered with the BLUETEC diesel engines fitted to the show models.

The 2.2-liter engine delivers 204 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque at just 1600 rpm. Average fuel consumption achieved in testing is 35 mpg from the common-rail injection technology and two-stage turbocharging.

Mercedes also used the NAIAS for the worldwide debut of an updated SLK 350 Roadster. With an average market share of 30 percent, SLK has been the best-selling premium roadster of its class in the world since 2004.

It gets a more sporting look, enhanced interior and two new gas engines delivering more power than their predecessors, with a 10 percent improvement in fuel consumption. A new 3.5-liter V6 sports engine generates 305 horsepower (an increase of 33 horsepower) and gains an extra 2 miles to the gallon at 27 mpg.

The newly developed Direct Steer system with variable power assistance brings together agility and responsiveness on winding roads with greater ease during parking maneuvers and improved high-speed safety.