Mercedes-Benz has shown the first images of its Concept Coupé SUV, which will take a bow at the Beijing Motor Show later this month. The concept is a thinly disguised version of what will eventually be called the MLC, which will be a rival to BMW's somewhat surprisingly successful X6.
Based on the chassis of the current ML-Class, the new MLC will, like the X6 and the forthcoming Audi Q8, sacrifice rear seat and boot space in favour of rakish styling and sharper chassis dynamics. The new car will be built in Mercedes' plant in Alabama, USA alongside the conventional ML.
According to Mercedes, the styling of the concept is very close to that of the final production car, although the concept's three-door layout is unlikely to make it through to the showroom. Engines will include Merc's familiar 2.1- and 3.0-litre diesels, a hybrid, V8 petrol and turbocharged AMG variants.
Speaking at the concept's unveiling, Mercedes CEO Dr Dieter Zetsche said that "with the Concept Coupé SUV we aim to secure new customers by opening up new segments for Mercedes-Benz.
"We see a great deal of potential for Mercedes-Benz in the combination of coupé and SUV. We will be officially unveiling the Concept Coupé SUV in just under two weeks at the Beijing Auto Show."
Anything else?
Much like its rivals at Audi and BMW, Mercedes is going a bit crazy on the SUV front at the moment. The GLA is already on sale in Ireland, and next up are the C-Class-based GLC and a new ultra-compact Nissan Juke rival, based on the Renault Captur and possibly badged the X-Class.