At the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz announced the M-Class Coupe which will rival the BMW X6. The concept vehicle previews the final design which will be slightly toned down.
While in the case of the X6 the practical conceived X5 serves as the base, Mercedes-Benz uses their ML as a technical platform for M-Class Coupe. The current generation of M-Class has been on the market since 2011 and is built at the U.S. plant in Tuscaloosa, where also Mercedes MLC Coupe could run off the assembly line.
The grille and headlights are very GLA with a more dynamic. The many folds and creases in the hood and doors also give the concept a sportier look inspired by the GLA again. Mercedes says the rear end was inspired by the S-Class Coupe.
The slopping curve of the roof is actually quite reminiscent of the X6, with a combination of modern and sportiness in a single package.
“The Concept Coupé SUV stands out thanks to its extreme proportions and in doing so interprets our hall mark coupé design idiom,” says Mercedes-Benz design boss, Gorden Wagener.
At 4935mm in length, 2044mm in width and 1739mm in height, the Concept Coupé SUV is said to closely mirror its production sibling in size. If these figures are retained, the MLC will be 58mm longer, 61mm wider and 49mm higher than the existing first-generation BMW X6.
Mercedes-Benz has fitted the Concept Coupé SUV with twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6. The new unit produces 328 hp at 5500 rpm and 354lb-ft between 1400 and 4000rpm.
This is 22bhp and 59lb ft more than that delivered by the turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder direct injection petrol engine used by the soon-to-be-superseded X6 xDrive35i.
It offers the choice between Comfort, Slippery, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual – the latter of which allows the driver to mix and match various elements, including settings for the throttle, steering and damper stiffness.
We put together a photo comparison between the M-Class Coupe and the current generation X6 which also be replaced later this year.
[Photos: Bimmertoday]
