A right-hand drive GLK could now be seen as an important new model for Australia.

For Australians, the Mercedes-Benz GLK compact luxury SUV has Sleeping Beauty Syndrome.

We know what it is, where it is and how desirable it is but we can’t find the key to make it a reality.

But the search to unlock the GLK’s heart is nearing.

For more than 18 months — even before production started — it was seen as a natural addition to Mercedes-Benz’s Australian range, complementing the M-Class and rivalling BMWs X3.

But European demand for the GLK caught out Mercedes. It sought volume and, because the engineering design wouldn’t allow compatibility between the all-wheel drive mechanism and right-hand drive, discarded thoughts of a right-drive version. Goodnight Japan, the UK, Thailand, Hong Kong, South Africa and Australia.

But persistence by Mercedes-Benz Australia and GLK’s shrinking market because of new rivals in Audis Q5 and the Volvo XC60 means the brand is looking to keep the factory humming.

Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman David McCarthy says a right-hand drive GLK could now be seen as an important new model.

Before Mercedes signed off the GLK, ready for production, the compact luxury SUV market was barely breathing, he says.

Now its busy and getting busier.

McCarthy says a 2WD GLK would suit the market segment which had few — if any — off-road ambitions.

He sees the price being vital, allowing the GLK to slip under the M-Class and under the psychological $100,000 line.

That may mean a 350 engine — diesel or petrol — may be too expensive, he says.

If the 350 comes under $100,000, it could work. More likely is that we would take the 200, 220 and 250 engine range in diesel and/or petrol.

The latest 250 diesel is regarded as one of Mercedes’ best four-cylinder engines because of its high torque — 500Nm — low fuel consumption and class-leading emission levels. The same engine is slated for the E-Class sedan and Coupe.

But despite the current upbeat attitude, McCarthy admits it is still early days.

He says that even if the green light for a 2WD, right-drive GLK was switched on today, it wouldn’t be seen in Australia