A Mercedes-Benz ML coupe was spotted testing in Germany, a few weeks after being showcased at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show as a concept vehicle. Mercedes-Benz is believed to be working on this new crossover with coupe-like styling to rival BMW’s X6. The new crossover will share the design cues with the M-Class and be built on the same architecture as the popular SUV at the Mercedes plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA.
Rumours are that the crossover will be catagorised as MLC Class. However, some websites close to the brand have stated that the vehicle will be called the M-Class Coupe, with individual model names to use the ML designation. For example, the regular V-8 model would be called an ML550 Coupe and the AMG would be an ML63 AMG Coupe. This nomenclature which is being anticipated does make some sense as the same has been followed for coupe versions of the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class vehicles.
Updated on 3rd June 2014
The ML Coupe has been spied again, this time revealing it’s interiors to prying eyes. The spy shots were taken in Stuttgart and show that the ML Coupe will receive the same interiors as it’s regular SUV cousin, which also has been spied sporting these interiors earlier. The spy shots show a standalone multimedia display on the centre console, a trend that we first saw on the Mercedes-Benz B-Class in India. The A/C vents that straddle the centre display have been redesigned and look like those found on the Porsche Cayenne. The lower centre console features the touch pad controller which was first introduced on the new S-Class. The steering wheel design is new, the old four-spoke wheel is replaced by a 3-spoke one. Other than these changes the ML Coupe interiors are similar to the interiors on the current model of the M-Class SUV. Check out the spy shots below:
Just like its direct competitor, the BMW X6, the ML Coupe is not expected to be a good off-roader while being very good on-road. A new 9G-Tronic transmission is expected to be offered on the ML Coupe, an AMG version of the same may also be launched later.
What do you think of the ML Coupe? Let us know in the comments section below.
Photos Source: autoevolution.com
[box type=”info” width=”720″ ]Mercedes-Benz Has Started Accepting Bookings For The S-Class S350 CDI[/box]
Updated on 21st May 2014
The production version of the Concept Coupe SUV is expected in showrooms in 2015. Engine options in the U.S. should include turbocharged V-6 and V-8 units and possibly a hybrid as well. The MLC is based on the new M-Class, however, this model comes with its own, flatter body shape. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz at the Annual General Meeting in Berlin said “With the Concept Coupé SUV we want to attract new customers by opening up new segments for Mercedes-Benz. The combination of coupe and SUV we see great potential for Mercedes- Benz.” The vehicle is expected to be released in 2015 in the market as a direct opponent of the BMW X6.
Apart from the taillights which are similar to the S Class the vehicle spied is densely camouflaged and thus gives nothing away. We will keep you posted on further developments on the Mercedes-Benz ML Coupe, untill then do let us know what you think of it.
Photo Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Coupe SUV Concept
Pic Courtesy:blog.mercedes-benz-passion.com
