Mercedes' X6 rival previewed by SUV concept

* Concept Coupe SUV will be unveiled in Beijing * Show car is roughly the same size as BMW X6 * Tipped to preview MLC production car due in 2015...

Mercedes' X6 rival previewed by SUV concept

This is the Mercedes Concept Coupe SUV, revealed in a single image at this week’s shareholders’ meeting of parent company Daimler AG.

The Concept Coupe SUV is roughly the same size as a BMW X6, and previews a production model that’s due in 2015. This is likely be based on the chassis of the current M-Class SUV, and is tipped to be called the MLC.

A coupe version of the M-Class would likely share the same range of engines, meaning Bluetec diesels and high-performance petrol AMG variants will be on the cards. Every version should get four-wheel drive, although we expect the M-Class’s chassis will be tweaked to give a sportier set-up. The announcement from Mercedes promises that the 2015 model will have ‘very dynamic handling’.

Daimler AG board chairman Dr Dieter Zetsche hinted that the study could lead the way for other SUV crossovers. He said: ‘We see a great deal of potential for Mercedes-Benz in the combination of coupé and SUV.’

The Mercedes Concept Coupe SUV will be unveiled at the Beijing motor show later this month.